Lead Crowd Technical Director

• Lead and manage a team of crowd artists both technically and artistically ensuring the vision of the show supervisor is met, providing creative feedback at a shot and sequence level
• Lead the direction and development of shot templates and tools. Collaborating with other crowd artists to implement efficient solutions that enable the smooth running of the show
• Gather, edit and maintain the show motion library to meet artistic and technical show requirements, while assisting with the planning and direction of motion capture shoots
• Manage crowd agent setups for the show, collaborating with upstream departments to troubleshoot issues. Set up and maintain agent variation logic to effectively balance diversity and performance
• Manage show setup for small to medium shows
• Mentor crowd artists on Houdini workflows and proprietary pipeline tools, while maintaining comprehensive technical documentation
• Work with Production and Artists to understand and assign tasks, meet the show deadlines and provide shot/sequence feedback
• Identify, troubleshoot and problem solve complex issues throughout the crowd pipeline
• Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Pipeline Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to problem solve issues around the crowd pipeline
• Attend relevant meetings on shots, sequences, and production
• Support with recruitment and staffing of the crowd team

• At least 6+ years of experience working on high end VFX or animated feature film productions
• Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role
• College degree in Computer Science, Art, Animation or Engineering, or equivalent professional experience
• Expert knowledge of Houdini for Crowds
• Expert knowledge of crowd behaviour, including human crowds, swarming insects, combat choreography and animal behaviours
• Strong knowledge of cinematography and composition with a passion for storytelling
• Strong knowledge of VEX and Python
• Proficiency with Linux including shell scripting
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic obstacles
• Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills

• Experience with motion capture retargeting and motion editing
• Experience with creature simulation including cloth and groom
• Working familiarity with C/C++

A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits