Sr Crowd Technical Director

Position Summary / Job Purpose

The main focus of the position will be to create crowd simulations for our CG scenes, using either off the shelf or our own proprietary software to populate cities, large scale environments and choreograph battles. 

Primary Responsibilities 

(Key or essential priorities for fulfilling the job’s purpose)

• Creating the motion of crowds

• Animation and simulations on shots or sequences

• Setting-up / trouble shooting crowd simulations You will use Houdini software for editing, cycle database management, cycle blending efficiency and plug-in development to accomplish specific effects and export data to all parts of the production pipeline

• Agent Creation, Motion Tree Creation, Motion Choreography, Motion Capture Direction, Houdini Dynamics, Complex Navigation and targeting enemy for battle, Character skeletal retargeting

• Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Production Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to integrate the crowd pipeline and problem solve any issues

• Mentor the entry level artists by assisting on the use of Houdini and any crowd pipeline tools, including documentation and mentorship -

• On-going communication with Artists, Production and other Leads and Supervisor regarding schedules, deadlines, and feedback

• Shot set up and troubleshooting technical issues both on the artist/agent level
  Attend all relevant meetings on shots, sequences and production

Key Peers or Relationships (People in the organization who are important for success in this role.)

Crowd TD’s, Layout, VFX/CG Supervisors, Animation, Production

Required Experience (Education, Experience and Skills/Competencies)

• Advanced knowledge of Houdini Software

• Proven experience working on high end VFX feature-film productions.

• Strong crowd and layout skills including asset integration, scene setup and running simulations

• Experience working with motion capture and/or clip-based animation

• Strong working knowledge of Maya

• Proficiency with Linux 

• Strong communication skills

• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines whilst maintaining a high quality output.

Desirable Skills:

• Working knowledge of Mel and/or Python

• Understanding of ‘Maya-to-Houdini workflow

• Keen eye for how crowds flock and move / behavioral observations