Senior Lighting Artist & Technical Director for VFX

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Lighting Artist & Technical Director to lead photorealistic lighting for high-end film/TV projects. You will set mood, manage rigs, shaders, and render settings while collaborating with top artists to ensure visual continuity and artistic intent.

The role requires at least 5 years in VFX lighting or TD, strong software proficiency (Maya/Houdini/Katana, Arnold/V-Ray/RenderMan), scripting (Python/MEL), and a portfolio of varied lighting

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as Lighting Artist or Technical Director in VFX for film or high-end television.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement complex lighting setups for feature film sequences, aiming for photorealism and artistic intent.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Photography and other art department heads to achieve the desired visual aesthetic.
• Create and manage lighting rigs, shaders, and render settings within industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to lighting, rendering, and scene assembly.
• Optimize lighting scenes for efficient rendering performance without compromising visual quality.
• Develop and maintain custom tools and scripts to enhance the lighting workflow.
• Mentor junior lighting artists, providing guidance and technical support.
• Ensure consistency in lighting and mood across shots and sequences.
• Stay current with advancements in rendering technology, HDR lighting, and real-time rendering techniques.

Skills

Lighting artistry

VFX industry experience

Collaboration

Color theory / cinematography

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Katana

Arnold

V-Ray

RenderMan

Nuke

After Effects

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned leader in visual effects for film and television, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Lighting Artist & Technical Director to join their esteemed studio in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role demands an exceptional eye for detail and a deep technical understanding to create photorealistic lighting environments that bring stories to life. You will be responsible for setting the mood and atmosphere of key scenes, ensuring visual continuity, and collaborating with a world-class team of artists. The ideal candidate will have a passion for pushing the boundaries of digital art and a proven track record of delivering high-quality work on demanding projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to award-winning productions in a picturesque coastal setting.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement complex lighting setups for feature film sequences, aiming for photorealism and artistic intent. Collaborate closely with the Director of Photography and other art department heads to achieve the desired visual aesthetic. Create and manage lighting rigs, shaders, and render settings within industry-standard software. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to lighting, rendering, and scene assembly. Optimize lighting scenes for efficient rendering performance without compromising visual quality. Develop and maintain custom tools and scripts to enhance the lighting workflow. Mentor junior lighting artists, providing guidance and technical support. Ensure consistency in lighting and mood across shots and sequences. Stay current with advancements in rendering technology, HDR lighting, and real-time rendering techniques.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Lighting Artist or Technical Director in VFX for film or high-end television. Expertise in industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, Houdini, or Katana. Proficiency with renderers like Arnold, V-Ray, or RenderMan. Strong understanding of color theory, composition, and cinematography principles. Experience with scripting languages (Python, MEL) for tool development. Familiarity with compositing software (Nuke, After Effects) is a plus. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Strong communication and teamwork abilities, with a collaborative mindset. A strong portfolio showcasing diverse lighting and rendering work is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package for this contractor role, commensurate with experience. You will have the opportunity to work on visually stunning projects and collaborate with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. This position is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape , providing a unique working environment. We believe in nurturing talent and offer exposure to cutting-edge technology and techniques. This role offers a direct impact on the final look and feel of major motion pictures.