Create and develop high-quality 3D visual effects in Houdini, including particle, fire, smoke, fluid, destruction, lighting and other simulations as required by each project.
Translate client references and creative requirements into imaginative, efficient and technically sound visual solutions.
Review and approve FX department deliverables from both an artistic and technical perspective.
Organize the team’s work, assign tasks, monitor progress and ensure priorities, deadlines and quality standards are met.
Collaborate closely with CG Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, CG Artists, DMP, Lighting, Compositing, Production and other departments.
Ensure smooth communication and effective handover of shots and sequences between FX and other CG departments.
Participate in dailies, production meetings and client sessions, communicating clear and actionable information to the team.
Contribute to the development and improvement of tools, processes and workflows that optimize FX production.
Oversee shot rendering when needed and ensure rendered imagery meets quality expectations.
Identify department resourcing needs and support the recruitment and selection of FX artists.
Train, support and mentor artists, particularly in Houdini and FX pipeline best practices.
Stay current with industry technologies and techniques, sharing knowledge and driving innovation within the team.
Ensure FX technical direction work is delivered on time, within budget and to the quality expected by FOLKS and its clients.
Carry out other duties related to the position as assigned by your manager.
Extensive experience as an FX Supervisor, FX Lead or in a senior FX role within high-end VFX productions.
Demonstrated experience leading FX teams on complex projects.
Expert-level proficiency in Houdini for simulations, caches and FX development.
Strong knowledge of Maya, Nuke, Katana and Unreal.
Experience with particle, fluid, fire, smoke, destruction and other 3D FX simulation techniques.
Strong scripting skills in VEX, Python and C++ for tool development and workflow automation.
Excellent artistic judgment, attention to detail and ability to solve creative and technical challenges.
Clear and effective communication skills with both internal teams and clients.
Ability to lead diverse teams, potentially across multiple time zones.
Ability to remain calm, prioritize effectively and make sound decisions in fast-paced production environments.
Nice to Have
Experience supervising multiple shows simultaneously.
Established relationships with clients, studios and vendors.
A track record of innovation in tools, techniques and workflows.
Experience working in international, collaborative environments.
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At Pitch Black, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local law.
