Apply to this Special Effects Job

Job Summary:

For the last century, *** Animation *** has been combining the best in artistry and storytelling with cutting-edge technology to bring wonderful new characters and visual spectacle to the big screen for audiences around the world. We currently have an exciting opportunity for Effects Animators to join our world class award winning team at our Burbank, CA studio.

Effects Animators create a wide variety of visual effects that range from hyper-realistic simulations of natural phenomena, to realizing the futuristic and the completely fantastical. They are expected to exercise their technical and artistic talents in collaboration with other artists from all disciplines to create the appealing, compelling and unexpected images that support the emotional beats of the film.

Responsibilities

• Bring a strong sense of personal authorship and art direction to visuals, while meeting the artistic vision of the Director and Production Designer.
• Ability to execute on a range of visuals, from the photoreal to the wholly imagined.
• Collaborate with other artistic departments to achieve desired look for effects elements.
• Communicate regularly with the production team to establish and meet expectations and deadlines.
• Develop innovative tools and workflows necessary to achieve technical and visual goals.
• Generate effects with an awareness of how they will be received and used by other departments, with a mind towards data efficiency and consumability.
• Participate in team discussions and critiques, to give feedback on visuals or technical solutions in an effort to push artistry and efficiency.
• Work with Effects department leadership to develop and enforce artistic and technical goals for projects and/or teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience in CG visual effects production for animation, live-action film, television or games.
• Proficiency with SideFX's Houdini.
• Comfortable using, or willingness and ability to learn, various effects animation techniques including procedural animation, keyframing and simulations such as rigid bodies, soft bodies, fluids, particle dynamics, etc.
• Open to taking technical and artistic direction, as well as receiving and addressing notes and feedback from peers and leadership.
• Attentive to detail and quality in work.
• Intrinsic drive to improve technical and artistic skills and embrace a studio culture that strives to innovate and change.
• Ability to clearly convey artistic and technical concepts, challenges and processes.
• Keen understanding of animation and film making fundamentals, including timing, silhouette, appeal, light, color, composition, etc.
• Familiarity with Linux and Python scripting is a plus.

Visual examples of images exemplifying work in this area are requested for review. Please include a resume and reel breakdown with your online profile.

*** is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The pay rate for this role in Burbank, CA is $56.38 - $67.28 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

About *** Animation *** :

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, *** Animation *** is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. *** Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to our 62nd animated feature, Wish, releasing November 2023. Among the studio's timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, and Encanto.

About *** :

*** , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and *** enterprise with the following business segments: *** Entertainment, *** , *** Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, *** proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. *** 's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with *** Pictures , which is part of a business we call *** Animation *** .
*** Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. *** fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Job Summary:

The Effects Supervisor is primarily responsible for leading a team of Effects Artists and Leads. This role works as a hands-on collaborator with the VFX and CG Supervisor to ensure that all delivered shots maintain ILM's rigorous standards and support the creative vision of the show.

What You'll Do:

• Designs and creates complicated FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems, and rigid body simulations.
• Light and render FX elements and produce composites to showcase ideas
• Develops and implements new techniques quickly and debugs complicated problems
• Sets the standard by continually improving the efficiency, speed, and the quality of the team's output
• Provide constructive and consistent creative and technical oversight and feedback on a shot and sequence level to the team
• Partners with other discipline leadership in determining various cross department solutions, improvements and collaboration.
• Coaches and guides the team of Effects artists to execute quality performance for the project.
• Works with Production to bid, schedule, and cast shotwork.
• Responsible for guiding the overall effects and simulations are on delivered schedule and budget.
• Partners with Talent Management to provide artists with performance feedback, guidance, mentoring, resolving performance issues and maintaining positive morale amongst the crew.
• Attends all relevant meetings to promote effective communication throughout the production team.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Graphics or equivalent work experience.
• Expert in Houdini software, and knowledge and experience in Python, Hscript or Mel
• 10+ year's production experience, also with experience in a leadership role in film visual effects
• Proficiency with Linux, Unix,
• Produced effects smoke, fire, explosions, water, clouds, steam, particle
• Demonstrable experience of mentoring and developing artists
• Strong communication skills to present to supervisors and mentor the artist team
• Can develop small scale, show specific tools for non-FX TDs and other FX TDs

JoinILM

At *** /ILM we believe that diversity, inclusion and belonging are integral to our company. We are at our best when our people at all levels reflect the vast life experiences of our audiences, and we thrive when ideas and decisions from all are valued and represented. If you are passionate about the role, but don't fit every criteria of the posting, we encourage you to still apply. We want to hear your story .

About *** :

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

About *** :

*** , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and *** enterprise with the following business segments: *** Entertainment, *** , *** Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, *** proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. *** 's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ILM (Australia) Pty. Ltd. , which is part of a business we call *** .

Job Summary:

ILM Sydney is seeking a VFX Supervisor to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity as we continue to expand our Sydney capability.

The VFX Supervisor has overall responsibility for delivering the client's vision of the project scope through direction of creative and technical approach of the studio team. The VFX Supervisor partners closely with the Producer and client-side stakeholders to deliver the project to the expected standard, on time and on budget.

Reports to : Creative Director - Rob Coleman

What will you be doing?

Creative Supervision

• Given the complex nature of our work, a proactive approach to seeking creative solutions is highly valued, including but not limited to working collaboratively with the Creative Director and the broader VFX supervision team as necessary.

• Serve as a key creative in Sydney from bidding through Production, determining methodology and approach to executing work and overseeing the work on assigned show, in collaboration with client-facing ILM VFX Supervisor as appropriate
• Serve as client-facing ILM VFX Supervisor on shows that are run out of Sydney
• As needed, may oversee live-action plate photography, even on shows not hubbed in Sydney.
• Develop looks and give direction to artists on shots and assets, including aesthetic and methodological feedback
• Mentor high-potential artists towards higher roles in the Studio
• Facilitate creative discussions *** ween the Global Show Supervisors and artists

Studio Responsibilities

• Partner with Director of Studio Operations to evaluate scenarios for different combinations of projects or sections of projects at ILM Sydney and to advise on consequences for utilization, capacity, recruiting, technology, training, facilities, etc. with the goal of delivering shows on time and on budget
• Partner with ILM Sydney Director of Production to allocate and schedule studio resources, and leadership structures on projects and in within disciplines
• Partner with ILM Sydney Director of Production and ILM Global *** management and producers to shape communication frameworks and procedures *** ween productions in all ***

Technology

• Maintain close communication with ILM Global *** creative and technology leadership to ensure a consistent vision and approach for work and workflow
• Partner with CG Supervisors and Leads to determine technical approach for projects and studio

Training & Human Resources

• Help specific recruiting needs and goals for disciplines and skill levels and collaborates with Recruiting Department on sourcing, interviewing, and vetting candidates

Miscellaneous

• As needed, represents the creative leadership at ILM Sydneyin *** , at conventions and presentations, in meetings with vendors, potential outsourcing partners, etc.

To be a contributing member of this team, you will have a mix of these skills:

• Ideally 8+ years of relevant professional VFX experience and a degree in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 10 years of relevant professional VFX experience
• At least 10 years' hands-on digital production experience
• Proven track record of successfully working in a supervisory capacity on several major feature film productions (5+ years minimum)
• A demonstrable blend of technical and artistic skills, preferably with experience as a Technical Director or Digital Artist
• A portfolio demonstrating strong traditional or digital art skills
• A reel demonstrating robust high-end feature film VFX experience
• Experience with commercial VFX software including Nuke, Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, Katana
• Experience with ILM proprietary VFX software including Zeno preferred
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills

JoinILM

At *** /ILM we believe that diversity, inclusion and belonging are integral to our company. We are at our best when our people at all levels reflect the vast life experiences of our audiences, and we thrive when ideas and decisions from all are valued and represented. If you are passionate about the role, but don't fit every criteria of the posting, we encourage you to still apply. We want to hear your story.

About *** :

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

About *** :

*** , together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and *** enterprise with the following business segments: *** Entertainment, *** , *** Parks, and Experiences and Products. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, *** proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. *** 's stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ILM (Australia) Pty. Ltd. , which is part of a business we call *** .