Lead Creature Modeler - Expression of Interest

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

We are looking for a Lead Creature Modeler to join our DMS (Digital Model Shop) team! The Lead Creature Modeler crafts characters, as well as environments, vehicles, and props according to the designs and visual style of the project. Completes in-shot corrective work to polish and refine existing assets.

Working under the guidance and direction of the Modeling Supervisor and/or VFX Supervisor and CG Supervisor, the Lead provides day-to-day support on technical issues for the Modeling team to ensure the models move through the pipeline successfully.

When without a Modelling Supervisor, the Lead will oversee small to medium size teams of artists in the day to day needs of the show.

At ILM, a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you’re looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the DMS team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build 3D objects that are to be painted, animated and used in a production, with an emphasis on proportion, form, detail, and functionality

• Works with Model, Texture and Look Dev Supervisors to determine the “look” for an asset

• In absence of the Model Supervisor and as requested by Production, the Lead participates in turnover meetings, asset breakdowns, briefs artists and exterior vendors, reviews work, provides artist feedback, and provides bidding/re-bidding estimates

• Actively troubleshoots and resolves technical issues

• Attends all relevant meetings to promote effective communication throughout the production team and across departments

• When requested, participates in the recruiting process for the Modeling team by assessing the work of prospective candidates for the hiring process and working with Recruitment and Talent Management on hiring decisions

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership experience at equivalent large scale VFX facility on multiple projects. 7+ years of industry experience creating complex 3D organic and inorganic objects for Film or TV required

• Expert knowledge of Maya and Zbrush

• Must have an extremely creative and critical eye for guiding form/anatomy and structure/silhouette

• Strong knowledge of facial blend shapes for both humans and creatures

• Extensive pipeline knowledge displaying an understanding of both technical and soft skill needs for how the Modeling department interacts with other departments

• Strong problem solving skills and ability to think around problems and find solutions

• Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and organizational skills required

• Ability to learn quickly and assimilate new information

• Attention to detail required

• Proven experience and ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse skills and cultural backgrounds

• Has a team oriented demeanor with and open mind and desire to learn

• Sketching, drawing, painting and design skills desirable

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$122,400 to C$156,800 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.