Fx Td

Based in Vancouver BC, Image Engine is a world-class visual effects studio led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling. We offer a full range of visual effects services from concept designs and pre-visualization to computer-generated animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects.

Involved from the very first stages of production, our exceptionally talented crew works closely with clients to push artistic and technical boundaries. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation, with a focus on continually evolving our robust production pipelines and pioneering in the area of proprietary software development.

Well-known for our groundbreaking alien animations in Neill Blomkamp’s critically-acclaimed film District 9, we have gone on to produce more award-winning work in The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, Elysium, and most recently, we received an Emmy Award for our VFX work in The Book of Boba Fett.

Our recent productions include The Mandalorian: Season 3, The Three-Body Problem, Willow, The School for Good and Evil, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Moon Knight, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Snowpiercer, Hawkeye, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Mulan, and much more.

**POSITION PURPOSE**

The Lead will be the main support line for all FX artists on a show. They will help ramp and prep the tools creating a good foundation. They will be required to maintain in house tools for department handoff. A large portion of a Leads time will include managing artist tasks, working closely with the VFX and CG Supervisors, as well as communicating schedule and concerns to the FX production team.

The FX Lead will help identify areas for improvement. They will work with R&D and pipeline to help improve workflow processes. They will also contribute to the overall operation and improvement of the FX TD team by setting and maintaining department standards. This will include, but will not be limited to advising on FX TD best practices, engaging in cross-department communication, flagging/providing solutions to critical issues, and documentation.

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Assessing a shows requirements for the FX department (including tools, methodologies, and standards) Review scope of work and assign tasks based on artist skills/abilities
- Report to the FX Supervisor
- Play a key role in improving the FX pipeline
- Work closely with R&D to spec new tools, facilitate testing, integration and provide timely input for ongoing development projects
- Define and enforce standards and working practices within the FX team across all project
- Responsible for achieving high quality work within the time constraints given
- Responsible for the clear communication of FX goals and working processes between all departments
- Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required
- Provide guidance on how to best achieve a certain effect within the available show pipeline
- Estimate the time required for tasks and provide accurate progress reports
- Engage in the performance management process such as performance reviews, daily feedback, and mentoring

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- 8 years+ of feature film/TV production experience as an FX artist in Houdini
- Minimum 1 years+ experience as an FX Lead
- Higher education in related fields is a plus

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**

**Technical skills**
- Strong understanding of HDA’s in Houdini and provide user setup support
- Strong understanding of VEX scripting language. Python is a bonus
- Ability to build large FX systems with multiple dependencies and elements
- Good understanding of image composition and creative story point solutions

**Core skills**
- Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
- Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail, while maintaining the whole picture
- The ability to work alongside, communicate with, and understand the requirements of all departments
- Excellent time management and communication skill
- Ability to assist with bids
- Capable of managing a team of artists; setting expectations, and managing their time
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent time management and communication skills