Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest at The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, California, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Animation, Visual Effects, EntertainmentIndustries

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education
Experience with real-world lighting and photography
Demonstrable advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
Previous experience performing shot Look Dev tasks
Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
Has a broad understanding of modern shading models
Has an in-depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering)
Demonstrates the ability to help and teach more junior-level artists
Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manages time very well, provides everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion
Demonstrates excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what should be addressed next in a shot
Demonstrates the ability to work within a team environment
Can write plug-ins, set-up sequences, debug simulations and write set up and Renderman surface shaders with proficiency
Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision to complete a shot
A thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
Ability to pick-up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily
Knowledge of Katana is essential, Maya and Zeno beneficial
Knowledge of texturing and lighting
Knowledge of Python and/or MEL scripting is essential
Strong interest in shading technologies
At ease with Linux based operating systems
Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques
In depth knowledge in building shading networks in Katana
Deep understanding of real world materials
Understanding of energy conservation principles
Deep understanding of Physically based rendering and shader models
Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to get the best possible results
Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind

Responsibilities

Produce high-quality look dev and shading for CG Assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from Supervisors
Have the flexibility of moving into lighting shot production, producing high end lighting during show production
Scrutinize the colors and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene and replicates them in CG
Design and create the lighting and the look of computer generated objects and scenes
Oversee the final CG scene assembly, lighting and rendering of very complex shots
Work closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look
Create lighting set ups and/or works within current set ups
Create efficient rendering setups in order to optimise render farm usage
Stay on schedule and meet set deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality
Ensure there is ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
Help mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team
Create & maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates
Create & maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Look DevelopmentShadingCG AssetsLightingPhysically Based RenderingShader ModelsEnergy ConservationRendering SetupsMaterialsTextureGroom

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience is required for the Look Development Technical Director role?

At least 5 years of relevant professional VFX experience with a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field is required; alternatively, at least 7 years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.

Is this position currently open for hiring?

This is an expression of interest posting; the role is not open at this time, but resumes are collected for future consideration if it becomes available.

What key technical skills are needed for this role?

Candidates need a deep understanding of physically based rendering (PBR), shader models, real-world materials, energy conservation principles, and experience building complex shading networks, along with advanced lighting and rendering in VFX.

What soft skills or qualities are they looking for?

Excellent listening and communication skills, ability to receive direction and criticism, mentor junior artists, prioritize tasks, manage time well, and provide accurate time estimates are essential.

What is the employment type for this role?

The employment type is full time.