HOUDINI POSITION NOW OPEN

Location:

LOOK effects www.lookfx.com

Position Summary:

Houdini artist to create visuals (e.g., feathers, grass, natural environment fire, water, smoke, and clouds)
and anything else organic in nature.
These effects will employ the use of particle systems, deformations, blobbies, flocking, dynamics, rendering,
compositing, shader writing, scripting, other procedural techniques.


Responsibilities:

* Work with other TDs, Supervisors and Producers to create believable special effects
* Accurately interpret concept art and design from the Art Department
* Use and understand 3D lighting, effects and compositing tools
* Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve throughput

Required skills:

* Very strong knowledge of Houdini
* Must have a minimum 5 years experience
* Strong demo reel/portfolio in realistic effects and procedural animation and lighting
* Create highly reusable, production-ready effects assets
* Proven ability to produce high-quality simulations and final output
* Understanding and experience with advanced rendering using Mantra
* Ability to perform visual and analytical problem-solving in 3 dimensional space
* Ability to work well in team atmosphere
* Ability to problem solve and predict potential problems with assigned tasks
* Good communication skills
* Motivated, independent, flexible, creative, and a strong problem solver

Bonus:

* General Maya knowledge
* Experience programming in Python is a plus.

If you feel you meet the requirements and have the required skills, please send a resume and link to online demoreel to

recruit3d@lookfx.com


Please note the following


Must be a citizen of the USA, CANADA, or MEXICO.
NO outsourcing companies outside the USA OR CANADA
Students, recent grads, interns, need not apply.

Houdini Effects Artists

Employment period: Early January 2013 though to around mid May 2013.

Location: RSP Adelaide, Australia.

POSITION OVERVIEW
RSP is engaged on a high profile, live-action feature film. We are seeking experienced Houdini FX
Artists to join our growing team.
In this role you will utilise your previous CG film experience to create realistic FX elements. The
effects will primarily be focused on rigid-bodied destruction work, with a large number of
environmental and ancillary FX to be completed. Demonstrated skills using Houdini’s Modeling,
Rigging, Shading, Animation, Lighting (Mantra) tools are key aspects expected of applicants.
Applicants must be experienced CG artists with feature film experience. In this role you will be
contributing your knowledge and expertise to achieve the highest quality visual effects output.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Create exceptional realistic FX animation and effects.
• Follow creative & technical briefs with regard to the production schedule and set milestones.
• Work with animation, lighting & compositing as necessary in order to meet FX animation
objectives.
• Ability to adapt your effects as the brief evolves.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 4 years Houdini experience.
• Prior experience creating photo-real FX Elements for feature film.
• Prior experience creating fire, smoke, dust particles, explosions and destruction sequences
will be highly regarded.
• Feature film pipeline experience with a focus on working to deadline and following direction.
• Experience working with fluid & particle dynamics an advantage.

APPLICATION
Please send all applications and a link to your reel, including shot breakdown to:
employment@rsp.com.au with Houdini FX Artist in the subject line. Please state your availability
and current country of residence so we can assess relocation options.
All applicants will receive an initial automated response. Candidates who closely match the required
skills, experience and availability will be personally responded back to. Due to the high volume of
applications we are currently receiving, we cannot guarantee everyone will be responded back to
within 48 hours.

ABOUT RISING SUN PICTURES
RSP are a passionate team of producers, artists and technicians, known globally for delivering complex
visual effects on high profile projects. With an infrastructure to deliver a full spectrum of feature film
post services, RSP is proud to have worked on recent films including: The Hunger Games,
Prometheus, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Green Lantern, Harry Potter and The Deathly
Hallows, Part 1 & 2, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides & Terminator Salvation.

For a full project listing and further information about applying for this position, please visit:
www.rsp.com.au

Linkedin TAG:
Headline:
RSP's recruitment spotlight is on Experienced Houdini FX Artists....
Detail:
22 week positions commencing early December 2012. Live action feature film.
Get connected - Send your details to employment@rsp.com.au with your reel, resume, breakdown &
availability. www.rsp.com.au/recruitment/positions.htm

Newbreed Visual Effects

Has lots of opportunities for Houdini Artist, check http://www.newbreedvfx.com/eng/#/careers to apply

FX Technical Director

Type : Special FX / Particle Systems.

Software : Houdini, Maya, Python, HScript, Mel.

Job description : 

FX Technical Directors are responsible for generating FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects.

Responsibilities :

• Designs and creates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems.
• Lights and renders FX elements.
• Creates basic composite to demonstrate the usability of the elements.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements :

• 3+ years of relevant experience in high-end feature film visual effects.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
• Expertise with Houdini and/or other high-end animation software is required.
• Experience using Linux is a plus.
• Experience with Python, HScript or other scripting languages is desirable.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Lighting Artist

Type : Lighting, Rendering

Software : Houdini, Renderman

Job description : 

The Lighting Artist will light shots and sequences and may participate in some Look Development.The Lighting Artist will work within the lighting and rendering pipeline to see shots through from start to finish.

Responsibilities :

• Create photorealistic CG lighting that meets all technical and aesthetic standards for the project.
• Troubleshoot common rendering and lighting technical issues, including ray tracing render optimization.
• Develop shots in collaboration with the shot compositor.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements:

• 3+ years experience creating photorealistic lighting for live-action feature films in Maya, Houdini, Renderman, Mental Ray or Vray.
• Strong understanding of color theory and practical lighting concepts.
• Extensive experience in a wide range of CG Lighting techniques and technical methods.
• Experience with HDRs and image based lighting.
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug common rendering issues.
• Experience with a scripting language is a plus.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Rendering Engineer

Type : R&D, Rendering

Software : Houdini, Renderman, Nuke, C/C++, Python, OpenGL

Job description : 

The Rendering Engineer develops software systems and techniques for creating visual effects, emphasizing shaders. The duties are a mix of building new systems, maintaining current systems, and supporting artists in executing production tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Primarily responsible for the development of software tools and/or systems under the guidance of a departmental project lead. 
• Works directly with artists to solve lighting and rendering challenges. 
• Serves as a knowledge resource for software and/or systems used in production. 
• Advises/assists junior engineers with maintenance and bug fixing of existing software and/or systems. 
• Participate in discussions of future applications and/or systems regarding their appropriateness of solution.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements :

• 5+ years of relevant experience in high-end feature film visual effects.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
• Strong shader writing skills
• Expertise in one or more production renderers: Mantra, Renderman, VRay or Arnold.
• Experience designing and implementing rendering algorithms, emphasizing photo realistic results. 
• Excellence in problem solving and balancing quick turnaround with long-term quality. 
• Must be able to work well with a wide range of personality types. 
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Senior Creature Technical Director

Type : Animation, Rigging, Cloth, Hair, Fur, Skin 

Software : Maya, Houdini, Python, Mel, C/C++

Job Description : 

As a Creature Technical Director you will be responsible for setting up and running flesh-surface, hair, cloth, rigid body simulations as well as wrangle rigging and creature pipeline issues proficiently for other departments.

Responsibilities :

• Set up and run proprietary cloth, hair, flesh surfaces and rigid body simulations.
• Hero-creature enveloping using a combination of commercial software packages and proprietary tools.
• Run flesh-volume simulations.
• Wrangle creature rigging issues for artists in other disciplines.
• Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in various software packages.
• Create dynamic simulations in packages such as Houdini and/or Maya.
• Wrangle creature pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines.
• Mentor entry level artists.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements :

• 8+ years of relevant experience in high-end feature film visual effects.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
• Expertise with Maya and/or other high-end animation software is required.
• Proficiency with Linux is preferred.
• Experience with Mel,Python, or other scripting languages is desirable.
• Experience with C++ is a plus.
• Experience in corrective sculpting. Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Shader Writer

Type : Rendering, Shading.

Software : Houdini, Renderman.

Job description : 

As a shader writer you will collaborate with the shading, lighting and surfacing teams to drive the look development of CG assets and create shader-based solutions for production needs.

Responsibilities :

• Design and write surface, lighting and volume shaders from original algorithms or by enhance existing shaders.
• Identify and address specific surfacing and lighting challenges during the early stages of production.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Provides aesthetic and technical guidance for all areas of production shading.
• Helps establish studios shader writing conventions and texturing and shading workflow and pipeline.
• Provide shader training to production users.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualification and requirements :

• 3+ years of relevant experience in high-end feature film visual effects.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
• Strong shader writing skills.
• Expertise in one or more production renderers: Mantra, Renderman, VRay or Arnold.
• Ability to come up with creative, efficient rendering solutions.
• Texturing and Lighting experience is desirable.
• Experience with Houdini is desirable.
• Experience using Linux is a plus.
• C++ dso/shadeop experience a plus.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Software Developer

Type : R&D

Software : C/C++, Python, OpenGL, OpenMaya, Houdini HDK

Job description : 

As a Software Developer you'll work closely with all the production teams and other developers to create and maintain a wide range of tools to be used for current and upcoming projects.

Responsibilities :

• Designs and develops new systems for production of high-end digital content.
• Collaborates with other developers and artists to create state-of-the-art capabilities.
• Upgrades and maintains existing production systems.
• Communicates with end-users to determine technical requirements.
• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements :

• 3+ years of directly relevant experience
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent work experience.
• Extensive knowledge of C++ and Python.
• Extensive knowledge of the Maya C++ API and/or Houdini C++ SDK.
• Good knowledge of OpenGL.
• Experience of Renderman API development.
• Experience with Qt and PyQt is desirable.
• Experience writing software for physical simulations is a plus.
• Experience with CUDA or OpenCL is a plus.
• Ability to work well in a team and closely with artists.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Texture Artist

Type : Rendering, Texturing

Software : Houdini, Maya, Photoshop, Mari

Job description : 

The Senior Texture Artist will produce photorealistic textures from scratch and see them through the textures pipeline from start to finish.

Responsibilities :

• Create photorealistic textures from scratch that meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project.
• Work closely with the modeling artists to ensure all textures work smoothly throughout the pipeline.

• Provide regular updates to your direct supervisor, informing them of any issues that may affect progress and offering solutions as necessary.
• Maintain integrity and structure of workflow and naming conventions.
• Maintain self-discipline, strong organization and time management practices.

Qualifications and requirements: 

• 3+ years of experience creating photorealistic textures for feature films in Photoshop with experience in Maya.
• Extensive experience working with photographic elements to create textures.
• Extensive experience editing and generating UVs.
• Z-brush and Body Paint experience is preferred.
• Mari experience is a plus.
• Leading or mentoring experience is a plus.
• Photorealistic modeling experience is a plus.
• Strong initiative and problem solving skills.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Method Studios Vancouver is looking for HOUDINI FX TDs

Method Studios Vancouver is looking for strong intermediate, senior, and lead Houdini FX TDs for current and upcoming feature film projects.

Duties:

- Design, create, and implement photo-real effects (dust, fire, smoke, explosions, debris, clouds, etc.) and systems that meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project
- Work within the show structure and production deadlines to complete all tasks
- Integrate created elements into scenes with lighting, shadows, reflections, etc.
- Provide full spec for tool before development if spec not provided
- Document all developed technology
- Maintain a methodically clear system of data storage and retrieval
- Balancing the creative needs and the technical resources available
- Report regularly to the VFX Supervisor and/or DFX Supervsior informing him/her of any concerns or new developments
- Follow the creative direction of the production communicated by the VFX Supervisor
- Ability to work in a dynamic team environment.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Stays current with latest technologies

Qualifications:

- MINIMUM 2 years experience as an FX TD; 5+ years for seniors and leads
- Degree in Animation, Arts, Fine Arts or equivalent production experience in feature film
- Strong knowledge of and proven ability to use Houdini to develop photo-real dynamics-based effects
- Experience with rigid body and particle dynamics, volume modeling and rendering, procedural geometry generation and fluid dynamics an asset
- Demonstrable ability to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas
- Able to take directions and adaptable to change
- Good at improvising and problem-solving
- Requires strong technical knowledge and organizational skills
- Familiarity with one or more coding/scripting languages an asset (e.g. Python, Mel)

Please e-mail van-recruiting[at]methodstudios.com with your résumé, demo reel with breakdowns, and your current or upcoming availability with subject line "Houdini FX TD" and your name, as in: "Houdini FX TD - John Smith".

We thank all candidates in advance for applying but only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

FX Pipeline TD - LEGO

FX Pipeline TD - LEGO : The Piece of Resistance (Sydney)

We are currently seeking an FX TD to work on LEGO: The Piece of Resistance.

To be successful in the role the following is required:

• 3 + years production experience in television commercials, film or animated features.
• Experience using Maya and/or Houdini in a production environment.
• Experience in python scripting and tool development.
• Renderman production experience, procedural shading and scripting.
• A strong interest in establishing and supporting FX production integration and pipelines; and liaising with the R&D department.
• Previous experience in FX look development in film or animated features.
• Excellent attention to detail, both artistic and technical.
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritise and problem solve, both individually and as part of your function as a team member.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively in a collaborative group environment.
• A technical education or background will also be considered favourably.

Houdini TDs : Cutting Edge : Sydney and Brisbane

Cutting Edge Post is seeking freelance Houdini TDs and TAs for feature film.

You will be working in a VFX team led by experienced and award winning
Houdini artists. We will be creating complex dynamic effects, where
the tools and workflow will be supplied to you. Your contributions to
improving on the tool set will be welcomed. Most of all, your eye to
an interesting piece of choreography and skills in controlling
dynamics will be appreciated.

This is a fun project where the visuals will be more spectacular than
subtle, with plenty of room for creative input.

Roles: Senior and Mid level houdini TD and TAs.
Location: Either of Brisbane or Sydney studios
Project: High profile Feature Film
Commencement: Staged hiring, August through to October.
Duration: Up to 6 months

Responsibilities:
* Taking established visual effects setups and apply to assigned shots
* Running dynamics simulations
* Tweaking shader setups
* Shot lighting
* Multi-layered rendering
* Create temp comps to test your elements
* Contributing to setups and workflow enhancements.

Requirements:
* 3 Years experience in 3D VFX
* Flare for dynamics
* Lighting and rendering in layers
* Elementary compositing
* Either of:
** 2 years houdini experience or/
** Experience with Maya, using advanced proceduralism and an eagerness
to learn houdini.

Desirable skills:
* Feature film experience
* Mantra rendering
* HDA creation
* Python scripting
* Shader creation (VEX, or RSL)
* Nuke compositing.

Application:
Please email Rangi Sutton with your application
To: rsutton@cuttingedge.com.au
Subject: Houdini TD Application
Please include CV, a link to your reel and and shot breakdown.

Cutting Edge Post is seeking a senior freelance Houdini TD for feature film.

With your experience in developing realistic, dynamics driven effects
you will help lead a team of artists deliver shots, while tackling the
more unique and difficult elements in a hands on manner.

This is a fun project where the visuals will be more spectacular than
subtle, with plenty of room for creative input.

Roles: Senior level Houdini TD.
Location: Either of Brisbane or Sydney studios
Project: High profile Feature Film
Commencement: August
Duration: Approximately 6 months.

Responsibilities:
* Develop visual looks and dynamics effects to brief
* Work complex shots through to final renders
* Provide leadership to artists through example.
* Build houdini assets for less technical operators
* Contribute to workflow design, in multi-application environment.

Requirements:
* 3 Years minimum experience in lead role.
* Feature film experience
* Proven RBDs, fluids and particles.
* Creation of HDAs for other artists to use
* Python scripting
* Shader creation (VEX or RSL)
* Elementary nuke compositing
* Deep knowledge of Mantra

Desirable skills:
* Linux pipeline programming a plus
* Nuke pipeline scripting a plus
* Maya experience a plus.

Please email Rangi Sutton with your application
To: rsutton@cuttingedge.com.au
Subject: Senior Houdini TD Application
Please include CV, a link to your reel and and shot breakdown.

Mr. X

VFX FX Artists

We are currently looking for VFX FX Artists.

The duties are a mix of CG and VFX shot work, development and maintenance of in-house software, and providing assistance to artists executing production tasks.

Responsibilities:
Working closely with VFX Supervisors to determine best approach to solve effects challenges and develop final look
Work with other TDs, art directors and designers to create believable effects
Accurately interpret concept art and design from the Art Department
Use and understand 3D lighting, effects and compositing tools, such as NUKE
Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve throughput
Producing a final overall look that far exceeds client expectations.

METHOD

Houdini FX Artist - L.A.

Principle duties and responsibilities:

• Design and animate high quality, photo-real effects (dust, fire, smoke, explosions, debris, clouds, etc.) that meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project
• Work within the show structure and production deadlines to complete all tasks
• Integrate created elements into scenes with lighting, shadows, reflections, etc.
• Work closely with Lighting Artist and Compositors to ensure all effects will work smoothly within the show pipeline
• Produce look tests based on provided reference materials
• Has good communication skills and is able to take direction from FX Leads and FX TDs
• We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated team players who are looking to start their careers in Feature and Commercial VFX

FX TD (Maya & Houdini) - Vancouver

Description:

The successful candidate would be required to create high quality, photo-real effects (dust, fire, smoke, explosions, debris, water & clouds etc.) that will meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project. 

FX TD (Maya & Houdini) - London

Description:

The successful candidate would be required to create high quality, photo-real effects (dust, fire, smoke, explosions, debris, water & clouds etc.) that will meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project.