Lead Crowd Technical Director

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of crowd artists both technically and artistically to meet the VFX Supervisor's vision
• Direct the development of shot templates and tools, collaborating with other artists to implement efficient workflows
• Gather, edit, and maintain the show motion library and assist with the planning of motion capture shoots
• Manage crowd agent setups and variation logic to balance diversity and performance
• Mentor crowd artists on Houdini workflows and proprietary pipeline tools
• Identify, troubleshoot, and solve complex technical and artistic issues throughout the crowd pipeline
• Collaborate with R&D and Pipeline Engineers to implement effective solutions for the crowd pipeline
• Work with Production to assign tasks, meet deadlines, and provide shot or sequence feedback

Requirements

• Proven experience working on high-end VFX or animated feature film productions
• Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role
• Expert knowledge of Houdini for Crowds
• Extensive understanding of crowd behavior (human crowds, swarming insects, combat choreography, and animal behaviors)
• Strong knowledge of cinematography and composition
• High proficiency in VEX and Python
• Proficiency with Linux and shell scripting
• Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

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

About the Company

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film and continuing to break new ground in VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.