At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on training in crowd simulation for high-end film projects.
- Company: Join Framestore, a leading VFX studio with a creative culture.
- Benefits: Fully paid 8-week traineeship with real-world experience.
- Why this job: Launch your career in VFX and work on exciting film projects.
- Qualifications: 3D Houdini experience and a passion for crowd simulation.
- Other info: Opportunity for a Junior Crowd TD contract after successful completion.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 2000 £ per month.
Due to project timelines and onboarding requirements, we can only consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this traineeship.
Framestore is excited to launch Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD, a fully paid 8-week traineeship designed to give emerging artists hands-on training in large-scale crowd simulation for high-end Film & Episodic Studio projects.
Across the programme, trainees will complete:
- 4 weeks of structured classroom training, learning core Crowd TD principles, Houdini workflows, motion behaviours, and simulation fundamentals.
- 4 weeks of on-the-job learning with Framestore’s Crowd team, contributing to real internal briefs and pipeline tasks.
Those who successfully complete the programme will be considered for a Junior Crowd TD contract within our London Film team.
What You’ll Learn
Guided by experienced Crowd TDs, Supervisors and Leads, you’ll gain exposure to:
- Creating and running crowd simulations using Houdini.
- Building and customising Agent Definitions.
- Motion variation, locomotion cycles and behavioural systems.
- Integrating crowds into the VFX pipeline (Animation, Rigging, Mocap, Lighting).
- Creative problem-solving for large-scale scene challenges.
- Real-world shot workflows, troubleshooting, iteration and delivery.
- Proprietary tools and crowd-specific production techniques.
- How crowds work within a global, award-winning VFX pipeline.
This programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and day-to-day production work, preparing trainees for the demands of a Crowd TD role on feature films.
This traineeship is aimed at aspiring Crowd TDs with:
- A CG or technical generalist foundation
- Beginning–intermediate Houdini skills, ideally with an interest in Houdini Crowds.
- An understanding of basic animation principles and motion.
- Curiosity about simulation-based workflows.
- Problem-solving instincts and a strong willingness to learn.
- An interest in procedural systems (particles, agents, behaviours).
- Some familiarity with Python or VEX is a bonus, but not required.
This is not a beginner’s programme. Applicants should already have 3D Houdini experience.
Programme Dates
The next intake will begin mid-February 2026 and will be primarily on-site at our Chancery Lane studio in London.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the linked application form or submit your resume and portfolio to recruiters@framestore.com with the subject line: Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD Application.
Framestore is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Crowd TD Traineeship - Launchpad PRO in City of London employer: Framestore Limited
Contact Detail:
Framestore Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Crowd TD Traineeship - Launchpad PRO in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Framestore and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in the Crowd TD team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this traineeship involves hands-on training, be ready to showcase your Houdini skills and problem-solving abilities during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Framestore family.
We think you need these skills to ace Crowd TD Traineeship - Launchpad PRO in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your 3D Houdini experience in your application. We want to see what you've got, so include any relevant projects or simulations you've worked on that showcase your skills!
Tailor Your Resume: Don’t just send a generic resume! Tailor it to the Crowd TD role by emphasising your technical skills and any experience related to crowd simulation or VFX. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do.
Craft a Compelling Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Include your best work that demonstrates your understanding of animation principles and Houdini workflows. We’re looking for creativity and problem-solving skills, so make it count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Follow the application instructions carefully and don’t forget to use the right subject line when emailing us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Framestore Limited
✨Know Your Houdini Basics
Make sure you brush up on your Houdini skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with crowd simulations and any projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the software, but that you can apply it in real-world scenarios.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Framestore is looking for candidates who can tackle challenges creatively. Prepare examples of how you've solved problems in past projects, especially those related to crowd simulation or animation. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the VFX Pipeline
Understanding how crowds fit into the larger VFX pipeline is crucial. Do some research on the integration of crowds with animation, rigging, and lighting. Being able to discuss this knowledge will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the traineeship and the Crowd team at Framestore. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.