FX Artist

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FX Artist

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Role Details

The FX Artist (FXA) is a key role in our CG Team and they work closely with the Lighting Artists, CG Artists, Production and the VFX Supervisors to produce high quality FX work for our feature film and high end television projects that meet creative expectations and deadlines. The FXA 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 procedural simulation and dynamic simulation tasks including fire, water, clouds, smoke, physical destruction, 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 visual effects into the original live action footage and maintain consistent shot quality.
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The FXA will have a strong creative eye and technical skills within simulations including water, particles, fire, destruction etc. 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 be collaborative, able to work effectively with other VFX Artists, have strong problem solving and communication skills and be able to build relationships at all levels. 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. 
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The FXA will be proactive, self-motivated, able to work independently as well as collaboratively with both their immediate and wider teams and know when to escalate issues. They will be adept at building relationships at all levels, finding appropriate solutions and regularly keeping in touch with their Lead and Production to provide updates on any issues. They will have an excellent understanding of a client service based studio. They will be proactive, happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with whatever needs doing, and be able to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and situations, always remaining calm and professional.
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Responsibilities: 
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  • Gather a variety of 3D assets produced by the CG Artists and use Houdini to create photo-real and stylised fluid, particle, rigid-body, cloth, fur and crowd simulations.

  • Create realistic phenomena such as smoke, fire, fluids, clouds, explosions and debris as well as character specific FX such as hair, muscles, cloth, skin and crowds.

  • Create images using a wide variety of simulation and procedurally driven techniques for more stylised, design lead projects.

  • Troubleshooting to solve technical and artistic issues. 

  • Lighting and Rendering FX work for integration into VFX or full-CG shots and sequences.

  • Designing and developing innovative and creative technical solutions to create FX.

  • With FX Leads produce various elements using presets and templates and expand and improve upon the templates.

  • Coordination with Lighting Artist to ensure seamless integration of FX elements.

  • Creation of set-ups and tools.

  • Work effectively with other Artists in a creative, collaborative team.


Skills, experience and knowledge:
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  • Experience producing photo-real and stylised FX for VFX projects.

  • A creative eye and problem-solving approach.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Ability to produce a wide variety of effects in Houdini, including fluid, cloth, fur/hair, particle and pyro simulations and destruction FX.

  • Ability to balance aesthetic quality with technical accuracy & explore different approaches to interpret complex creative briefs.

  • Experience shading, lighting and rendering and supplying renders to 2D.

  • Knowledge of Python and/or VEX scripting is a bonus.

  • Work within the established pipeline and contribute to/implement improvements.

  • Helps team debug issues and learn new methods.

  • Understanding of physics, realistic motion, and assorted natural phenomena on different scales.

  • Exceptional technical skills, the ability to learn new software quickly, and a keenness to stay on the leading edge.

  • Strong willingness to grow, learn new methods, and share knowledge with others.

  • Ability to work and solve technical issues independently.

  • Ability to take direction positively, work well within a team and thrive under tight deadlines.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Team player able to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

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