Please note this is a hybrid position and requires you to work from our Sydney studio for part of the work week. This is not a remote opportunity.
Are you a technical director interested in supporting the creative and visual objectives for animated feature films through pipeline troubleshooting, user support, technical direction, and tool development? The Performance TD will work closely with the Performance (Animation, Assembly, and Layout), Editorial, and R&D teams to ensure a standardized approach.
What you’ll get to do:
- Understand the visual requirements for the film, design procedures, techniques and tools that will enable these to be met
- Assist our animation and layout teams with day-to-day issues and escalating through the right channels when necessary
- Ensure that tools and procedures support the creative process
- Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading development of new tools
- Take responsibility for the optimization of the department workflow
- Test and validate new pipeline tool releases, interactive (Maya) and automated (Farm), within Production tool and Farm environments
- Report on and communicate issues back to production and R&D. Track and resolve issues in partnership with R&D
- Maintain a clean and common facility pipeline (tools, automation, practices) across multiple shows at the same time
- Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximize efficiency and quality
- Create and update technical documentation for department processes
- Establish close partnerships with department, Supervisors, and other TD groups
What you bring:
- Pro-active problem solving within parameters
- Proven pipeline TD experience in large scale animated features, animated TV series and/or VFX feature films
- Experience using and troubleshooting in Maya (or other similar software)
- Solid knowledge in Python, as well as PyQt or other GUI toolkit
- Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math or Physics, or equivalent combination of education & work experience in animation/VFX
- An understanding of traditional animation and layout techniques
- A comprehensive understanding of the 3D animation pipelines and the applicable tools
- Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise
- Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, Meta data, publishing and retrieval
- An understanding of USD and its general concepts is a bonus
- Ability to quickly acquire a working understanding of off-the-shelf and proprietary software tools
- Adaptable and calm while balancing workload with artist and production needs
- Strong written and verbal English language skills
- Ability to communicate in both a technical and artistic manner with various personality types
- Ability to work collaboratively, build relationships, share knowledge and mentor others
- Efficiently organize and prioritize work across multiple areas
What we offer you:
- The opportunity to join a growing, award-winning studio!
- A central location in sunny Sydney, minutes from the CBD and famous Bondi Beach
- An inclusive workplace of employees who are passionate about creativity and technology
- A chance to contribute to the success of ground-breaking animated feature films
- Exposure to a USD pipeline
- A dedicated Learning and Development team focused on your personal career growth
- A flexible, hybrid work environment
- Paid ‘Volunteer’ days to support those causes close to your heart!
- Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and staff wellness programs
- A world-renowned working environment packed with social clubs, activities and events
- A variety of employee benefits including secured on-site parking, employee discounts, breakfast, free use of barista coffee machines, weekly lunches/pastries and snacks galore!
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, then we want to hear from you!