BC, Lead Houdini Character FX Artist

Lead Houdini Character FX Artist

This position is based in Vancouver. All applicants must reside in British Columbia, Canada (Some US Candidates may be considered). 

About Zoic 

Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.   

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team! 

Why Join Zoic? 

• •    We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio.  
  •    We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques. 
  •    We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.  
  •    We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds. 

Position Overview 

Zoic, is seeking a Lead Houdini Character FX Artist to help with upcoming projects in 2024. 

The Lead Houdini Character FX Artist has advanced knowledge of Houdini Workflows and Set Ups.  While helping with the development of Houdini tools for the Character FX pipeline.

They will work alongside the artists while assisting the CFX Supervisor with Houdini setups and problem-solving within the CFX team.  They will also have experience in scripting and the ability to multi-task.  Good communication skills are mandatory. 

The Lead Houdini CFX Artist works in a team environment taking direction from the CFX Supervisor to complete Sequences / shots on various projects.

Responsibilities of the role 

•    Proficient with Houdini Cloth and hair/fur, or softbody dynamics, Vellum. 
•    Work closely with Groom Artists to solve technical challenges and adjust hair grooms to satisfy show requirements. 
•    Create asset Houdini node networks for various CFX driven Items on characters and creatures (Hair, Cloth, Softbody, Rigid interaction). 
•    Comfortable moving assets and data between Maya, Houdini, and other applications. 
•    Confidence building CFX rigs and running the shots. 
•    Receive artistic request and translate it into a technically efficient digital scene. 
•    Ensure that all shot assets are cached and shaded for lighting 
•    Identify, debug, and correct, any problems with cached geometry 
•    Ensure that all shot assets can be cached and put into the lighting pipeline 
•    Create workflows/tools/solutions for oneself and other team members 

What you need to be successful 

•    Minimum 5 years of experience producing high resolution CGI content and FX 
•    Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines 
•    Experience producing the best visual magic trick for the camera rather than replicating every quality from all angles 
•    Ability to understand scope of task and approach it with a solid foundation that can be iterated, edited, and redesigned throughout production timeline 
•    Comfortable debugging and crafting solutions for handoff upstream/downstream pipeline 
•    High level of Experience working with Houdini
•    High level of understanding for physically based simulation 
•    Knowledge of VEX and Python a plus
•    Collaborative team player and problem solver 
•    Technical and artistic communication skills both written and verbal 

Bonus points, but not required. 
•    Familiarity using Shotgun/Shotgrid  

Additional information
•    British Columbia Senior Employees Pay Range: $55 - $65   (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)
•    Candidates MUST be located in British Columbia. At the moment this is a remote 'work from home' position with the option of working within our studio. (Some US Candidates may be considered). 
•    Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
•    All remote positions require the candidate to have a reliable internet connection via ethernet and work on Pacific Standard Time.
•    This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
•    Due to the sheer volume of applications we receive, we regret that only those selected to interview will be contacted.