Lead Crowd TD

Job Description

Description

Position at Industrial Light & Magic

ILM opened its Sydney studio in the summer of 2019. The youngest of all of the ILM studios, the Sydney studio leverages the expertise and technological know-how developed over 40 years at Industrial Light & Magic combined with the top artists and technicians in the region. Knowledge and culture flow freely between the company's five studios and the global team shares tools and workflow allowing for seamless collaboration on all shared projects.

As we grow ILM Sydney, we are seeking a Lead Crowd Technical Director to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity.

The Lead Crowd TD is responsible for creating the motion of crowds, including the animation and simulations for high-end visual effects films, and integrating houdini software into ILM's proprietary pipeline. Also, they are responsible for mentoring and guiding other crowd artists, both creatively and technically, while leading a shot or sequence.

Primary Responsibilities:
• You will use Houdini software for brain building and editing, cycle database management, cycle blending efficiency and plug-in development to accomplish specific effects and export data to all parts of the production pipeline
• Agent Creation, Motion Tree Creation, Motion Choreography, Motion Capture Direction, Houdini Dynamics, Complex Navigation and targeting enemy for battle, Character skeletal retargeting
• Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Production Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to integrate the crowd pipeline and problem solve any issues
• Mentor the crowd artists by assisting and training artists on the use of Houdini and any crowd pipeline tools, including documentation and mentorship
• On-going communication with Artists, Production and other Leads and Supervisor regarding schedules, deadlines, and feedback
• Shot set up and troubleshooting technical issues both on the brain and artist/agent level
• Participates in leading team members in determining various design solutions; efficiency improvements and provides artistic feedback on a shot and sequence level to other team members
• Partners with Supervisor and Artist Management to guide artists' overall professional development, providing performance feedback, mentoring, assists with resolving performance issues and maintaining positive morale amongst the crew.
• Attend all relevant meetings on shots, sequences, and production
• Actively participates in the recruiting and staffing of the crowd team - assessing the work of prospective candidates for the hiring process

Education / Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Graphics or equivalent work experience.
• An in-depth working knowledge of all aspects of Houdini Software is critical.
• 8+ year's production experience in high-end film visual effects

Required Skills / Technical Competencies:
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal)
• Proficiency with Linux is required.
• Highly proficient skills in technical problem solving.
• Expertise with Maya and/or other high-end animation software is required.
• Professional experience with python scripting

**FOR US BASED NEW HIRES ONLY:** We are taking a responsible approach to creating environments that allow us to do what we do best - entertain and inform millions around the world. As part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccines are required for current US salaried and non-union hourly employees, as well as all newly hired US employees.
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This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-r110ev-3-145-191-169-42 in your application.