Lead VFX Artist

Studio Gobo is an established AAA games studio, part of the Keywords family. Our team has worked on multiple world-class projects for companies such as Guerrilla Games, Arkane, Warner Bros, Ubisoft, Disney, and Tencent. Projects include LEGO Horizon Adventures, Redfall, Hogwarts Legacy, For Honor, Marvel Super Heroes: Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Wars: Rise Against the Empire playsets for Disney Infinity 3.0.

The Lead VFX Artist will drive the creation of high-quality VFX as it applies to real-time technology for a AAA console game. This is an opportunity to combine experience, passion, and management skills working with and building a talented team on a world-class project. At Studio Gobo, we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and an award-winning environment that supports your growth and well-being. We have been recognized five times by GamesIndustry.Biz as one of the Best Mid-Sized Game Studios to work for in the U.K.

Requirements

• Work closely with the art director, studio leads, and client to maintain or establish the artistic vision and style guide for the VFX work.
• Manage and mentor a small team of VFX Artists, developing their skills and providing inspiring direction and constructive critique that aligns with the artistic vision of the project.
• Be a champion for VFX, constantly looking for opportunities where VFX can enhance the game.
• In-depth knowledge of VFX principles, a good sense of timing, and an eye for detail.
• Have a passion for the creation of cutting-edge VFX including set piece events, ambient and gameplay related VFX that give each project a unique character.
• Play an active role in fostering a collaborative art culture within the team, onboarding new members, instilling the core values of the studio, and ensuring excellence.
• Partner closely with the technical teams to deliver efficient, stable, state-of-the-art VFX pipelines and steer the development of new tools.

Things we would love to see from you:

• Prior experience as a Lead VFX Artist with at least one shipped AAA title to your credit at this level.
• A world-class portfolio including work that inspires us and showcases your ability and talent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills that allow you to collaborate productively across different teams.
• Experience working with the recruitment and studio leadership team to identify talent and assist in the hiring process.
• Understanding of VFX tools such as Houdini, Substance Designer, and in-depth experience with Unreal Engine or proprietary game engines.
• Steer the VFX work so it accentuates gameplay and other aspects of the player experience.
• Ability to pre-visualize and prototype cutting-edge VFX techniques to continually push the team to ever higher quality levels.
• Drive both VFX, rendering, and material pipelines for the VFX team with a close eye on performance.

Benefits

When you join Studio Gobo, you can expect to enjoy a unique culture. Whether it’s participating and relaxing with one of our wellness benefits or discussing the latest games over lunch cooked by our in-house chef. The Studio knows that it’s the best people that make the best games and this is what Studio Gobo invests in.

• 22 days’ annual leave entitlement, plus 3 days’ studio closure over the Christmas period, giving a total of 25 days paid annual leave plus all 8 UK bank holidays.
• An additional day of annual leave for each year’s anniversary working at Studio Gobo, to a maximum of 5 extra days!
• Generous Annual Bonuses.
• Visa & Relocation Package - For qualified employees, we will pay for the visa costs for you and your family. We will also provide you with a relocation allowance.
• Company Pension Scheme - Employer contribution matching award-winning pension scheme provided by NEST under the UK government’s automatic enrolment scheme.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) - ESPP is an easy way for staff to get involved in entry-level company ownership or make a small profit on savings.
• Private Medical Insurance Scheme - Full private medical cover provided by BUPA Private Healthcare.
• Group Life Insurance.
• Private Dental Insurance Scheme - Full private dental cover provided under our Dental plan company scheme.
• Group Income Protection.
• Employee Assistance Program that assists employees with personal problems and/or work-related problems that may impact their work, health, mental and emotional well-being.
• Volunteer Time Off 'Studio Gobo in the Community' - Spend one day per year on full pay volunteering for the non-profit organization of your choice.
• Cycle & Tech Scheme - Receive up to £3000 worth of goodies as part of this salary sacrifice scheme.
• Free eye tests.
• Interest-free company loan to spread the cost of an annual season ticket.
• £50 per month to spend on your choice of a range of healthy activities.
• Fast Growing Studio - Plenty of room for career advancement.
• A generous annual studio conferences budget.

Perks

• Offering training opportunities, inspiring workshops, and industry conferences.
• Free locally roasted Coffee & Speciality Teas.
• Extensive granola, muesli, and breakfast cereal selections.
• Free use of our large full-sized chef's kitchen ideal for whipping up a quick snack or a culinary feast.
• Every Friday our studio enjoys a studio lunch together, cooked in-house by our very own chef with meat, vegan, and gluten-free options available every week.
• Provided every day, with a suggestion board for new treats!
• For the odd naughty pleasure.
• A large range of free chilled soft drinks.
• Free beers, ales, and wine and even the odd gin and tonic!
• There are lots of ways to socialize with your colleagues here!
• Borrow a game, a book, or even a whole console.
• Many visitors comment on what an amazing studio space we have.
• Studio Gobo is a dog-friendly employer.
• We work hard together so it’s good to let off steam and spend some time together seeing what the wonderful city of Brighton & Hove has to offer.
• Once per month the studio plays host to the biggest party in Brighton & Hove (probably).
• Every year on a hot summer’s afternoon, we all leave work early to enjoy the sun with a company-organized pop-up diner, cocktail shack, bouncy castle, face painting, and other fun amenities.

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace that provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.