Lead Creature TD - ILM London

We are looking for a Lead Creature Technical Director for our Feature Animation projects who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM. The Lead Creature TD is responsible for providing creative and technical guidance for the simulation setup of assigned assets and the running of shots, collaborating with other departments as well as maintaining the overall quality for assets and shots.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with the Creature HoD, CG Supervisor and Visual Effects Supervisor to evaluate and implement the creative and technical approach for assets and shotwork in the creation of rigs and simulation of cloth, hair, flesh.
• Work with Production in the estimation of schedules, and in staffing requirements including assessing individuals skills and delegating work appropriately.
• Review the crdev team’s asset and shot work aesthetically and technically and provide feedback.
• Take the initiative and work independently to address and resolve specific technical and aesthetic problems with minimal direction.
• Foresee potential issues, troubleshoot and implement proactive solutions to prevent disruptions.
• Empower team members to collaborate inclusively, build community and a sense of belonging.
• Be accountable and responsible for the morale of the people on your show and be forthcoming with the expectations of those on your show.
• Participate in the recruitment process.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in delivering quality work under pressure and strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring a team, while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Experience with the ILM crdev toolset and pipeline.
• Extensive experience rigging in Maya and/or setup and running of character simulations in Zeno and/or Houdini.
• Good understanding of anatomy and for good character deformation.
• Proficiency in using Linux systems and writing Python scripts.
• Ability to work well under time pressure and be a team player with good interpersonal communication skills.
• Have a deep understanding of the VFX pipeline.
• Collaborating within, across and outside your show, and using situational awareness to make timely decisions for your show with the studio and the company in mind at all times.
• Must be performing at a minimum of a Senior level, with demonstrated leadership qualities as outlined above.

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.