Lighting Lead

At **Mainframe Studios**, we’re creators first. We eat creative and technical challenges for breakfast and come back for more. We’ve been doing this for 25+ years, and we’re still going strong. From our artists to our technical and production folks, everyone is passionate about collaborating on some kickass projects. With partners like Mattel, Netflix, DreamWorks, Sony, Silvergate, and Nickelodeon, it's no wonder we’ve established ourselves as a creative force to be reckoned with.
- In crewing our shows, Mainframe Studios values the strength in the diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. We welcome and encourage applicants who bring new perspectives and experiences to our teams. We strongly encourage people from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and indigenous communities and those with diverse abilities to apply._

**WE WANT YOU** (and your mad skills)

Under the guidance of the Director and Lighting Supervisor, on a CG production, the Lead Lighting Artist needs to know how to utilize lighting principals and techniques to realize an image based on a reference such as an image or photograph.
- This role will require multiple days in the office per week._

**In this role you will**:

- Supports the creation of the project's look and lighting style/technique.
- Evaluates the lighting of characters to make sure they work well and then sets the lighting which establishes the lighting that will be used as a guideline for the rest of the other artists (such as Surfacing).
- Works closely with other departments in order to ensure the consistency of character and environment lighting set ups and shot complexity requirements as per storytelling needs.
- Assists the Department Supervisor with artist evaluation and casting.
Ability to work within the lighting and rendering pipeline and capable of troubleshooting common rendering and lighting technical issues.
- Crafts innovative lighting designs. Supports the Supervisor in ensuring that the rigs can function efficiently and the established look and complexity are successfully met within the confines of the project's timeline and fiscal parameters.
- Provides input for artist's performance review to the Department Supervisor.
- Able to prioritize lighting setups and implementation pending production requirements.

**Need to have**:

- Extensive experience in exploring and delivering lighting styles/techniques per project's production design requirements.
- Expert understanding of principles of lighting (such as choice of light, placement of the light source, its direction and how to create the desired effect such as contrast and shadows). In-depth knowledge of compositing.
- Expert knowledge of Maya and rendering software such as Renderman and/or Mentalray. Ability to script is an asset.

**Software you will use**:

- Maya
- Nuke

**Nice to have**:

- Degree and/or diploma in fine arts or animation or equivalent experience required.
- 5+ years of experience working in a professional environment within their discipline.
- Senior or Lead experience
- Experience in photography- Mainframe Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which means we will not discriminate against any individual based on race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, disability, or any factors prohibited by applicable law. This policy applies to every aspect of employment at Mainframe Studios, including recruitment, hiring, training, advancement, and termination. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and partners. Should you require accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please let us know your requirements when contacted._