
We are looking for people with a passion for, and skills in; lighting, rendering, lookdev, and much more in Houdini. We would love to hear from you if you are self-motivated, inquisitive, always looking for new and interesting ways of doing things and have a strong interest in exploring the latest technologies. Previous industry experience is required.
Role Details
The CG Artist - Houdini (CGAH) is a key role in researching and establishing Houdini workflows and implementing their successful use in our productions to help expand the efficiency, breadth and scope of CG work at Union. They will also lead designated projects, help to plan work-flow and technical/creative requirements and manage and oversee other artists to ensure the successful delivery of those projects.
The CGAH will have a strong creative eye and a comprehensive knowledge of complex visual effects and how they fit into the CG pipeline. The role will require strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into practical and efficient solutions.
The CGAH will have an in-depth understanding of programming, workflow and software platforms alongside Houdini including Maya, Nuke, Shotgrid, Python, Mel and Deadline. They will have the experience to ensure the different processes interact seamlessly with each other and our existing pipeline.
The CGAH will be proactive, detail oriented, good at problem-solving and able to work both independently and as part of wider teams. They will have strong people and communication skills, excellent planning and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise. They will be required to engage, keep informed and manage the expectations of all relevant stakeholders, both internal and external, always remaining calm and professional.
They will help troubleshoot technical issues across projects, providing solutions to problems that will improve the production and project efficiency and will work closely with the Technology team to ensure an efficient workflow.
The CGTS will have a passion for researching cutting edge technology in the realm of CG and assessing how that could be applied to the Union pipeline.
Responsibilities:
Research, develop and implement Houdini workflows for areas including:·
Lighting
FX/Crowd/Fur/Cloth
Layout
Asset building, Env etc
Help optimise and set up Houdini templates for shots and sequences
Problem solve on complex or problematic shots
Deliver assigned shots and as required help take shots to final
Manage time effectively to deliver to deadline while maintaining the highest levels of quality
Lighting - match real world scenarios and set up CG lighting
Scene assembly
Basic compositing to ensure correct hand off to 2D
Pickup/use CG templates for shots and sequences
Attend daily reviews and briefings as appropriate
Participate in regular department meetings, provide information on workload and possible issues to HOD
Work in coordination with both CG and 2D VFX artists to ensure Union standards are maintained at all times
Apply best practice and adhere to required protocols and security requirements
Ensure QC standards are met
In line with Union company values, develop and maintain a positive, inclusive working environment in the department
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
An interest in the research and implementation of new technology
Able to collaborate with teams and communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas clearly
A creative problem solver who is organized and able to multi-task and prioritize
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
Knowledge of FX and lighting with rendering in Houdini
Experience using Shotgrid or similar project management tool
Strong knowledge and experience of coding and coding practices
Knowledge and understanding of all things CG with experience in modelling, texturing, look development, layout and lighting
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
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