Role Details
The CG Artist (CGA) is a key role that will work closely with the CG Technical Supervisor (CGTS) and Head of CG (HCG), to help effectively deliver complex shows to meet high creative expectations, deadlines and technical standards. The CGA is a key role in our CG team and they work closely with the Lighting artists, FX artists, production and the VFX Supervisors to produce high quality CG work for our feature film and high end television projects that meet creative expectations and deadlines. The CGA must deliver their shots efficiently, creatively and technically as it is essential that it is done correctly to ensure the compositors are able to implement visual effects so they sit correctly in the shot. Depending on project requirements they will be responsible for executing a broad range of VFX tasks within CG including modelling, shading, FX, texturing, lookdev, layout, lighting & rendering to match the live-action footage on shots ensuring each match in terms of light and shadow, perspective and depth, while ensuring each shot maintains continuity. They will be responsible for recreating the assets required for live-action shots to allow seamless integration of CG into the original live action footage and maintain consistent shot quality.
The CGA will have a strong creative eye and technical skills along with the ability to communicate ideas and guide others through the creative process clearly and with diplomacy. They will have a strong sense of 3D spaces and a good understanding of the full workflow, processes and techniques for visual effects. They will also have the ability to provide accurate assessments of the workload and the time required to complete tasks and regularly keep in touch with the teams to provide updates or resolve any issues.
The role will require strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately, methodically and patiently. They will need to have the ability to see and plan forward and be proactive. An excellent understanding of a client service studio and the ability to wear several hats and be flexible, often last minute is important. They will need excellent spoken and written communication skills as well as the ability to build relationships at all levels. They will be confident in their approach, proactive and happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with whatever needs doing. They will be able to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and situations, always remaining calm and professional.
Responsibilities:
Ability to execute a broad range of VFX tasks within CG including modelling, shading, FX, texturing, lookdev, layout, lighting & rendering
Ability to composite shots in a basic manner to ensure correct hand off to 2D.
Create a range of high level, photo-real 3D models including textures, animation, lighting, rendering and VFX covering a broad range of styles from highly detailed and realistically rendered to more stylized themes for TV and Film projects
Lighting (matching real world scenarios and setting up CG lighting)
Scene assembly for shots or assets as required, including characters and animation
Collaborate with supervisors, team members and production staff to effectively and efficiently meet client expectations
Work closely with CG Leads/VFX Supervisors to help define a specific look, problem solve, predict where issues may lie and proactively seek out solutions as needed
Create texture and shader setups
Research and implementation of new technology
Advising and mentoring junior artists
Managing workload and workflow to deadline and creative requirements
Blend a high level of technical skill and a creative eye to create photoreal and stylised simulations and procedurally generated elements for integration into live action plates.
Ability to composite shots in a basic manner to ensure correct hand off to 2D
Knowledge of FX and lighting with rendering in Houdini
Work in conjunction with VFX and CG Supervisor to develop the look and feel of the shot
Skills, experience and knowledge:
Strong knowledge and experience of complex visual effects, CG tools and how they fit into the CG pipeline
Current knowledge of creative techniques and the ability to adapt them to meet project requirements
Able to collaborate with teams and communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas clearly
A creative problem solver who is organised and able to multitask and prioritise
Able to take direction and feedback positively and maturely and is critical of their own work
A positive can do approach and takes responsibility to deliver the final shot/sequence on schedule
Experience using Shotgrid or similar project management tool
Strong experience using 3D softwares ie. Houdini, Maya, Substance Painter, Substance designer, Zbrush, Nuke
Experience of Arnold, Renderman, VRay or similar raytracing renderers
Knowledge of Python and/or Mel scripting is a bonus
A great eye for detail and an accurate perception of form, scale and proportion
Strong understanding of light, colour and composition
High standard of quality control
Skilled in modelling- both hard surface and organic forms - with an understanding of topology and UVs
Creating models, textures and photo-realistic digital matte paintings
Able to solve creative problems using simple, efficient techniques, share ideas with teammates, and ability to produce rapid iterations based on notes
Be comfortable with both the creative and technical aspects of CG work
Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines whilst maintaining a high-quality output
Programming or scripting skills (e.g. mel, python)
Comfortable with a wide range of software used to create high-quality digital environments
Inspire a culture of creative innovation