Principal FX Artist (GENERAL)

At Mainframe Studios, we’re creators first. We eat creative and technical challenges for breakfast and come back for more. We’ve been doing this for 25+ years, and we’re still going strong. We’re lucky enough to have the best team in the business. From our artists to our technical and production folks, everyone is passionate about collaborating on some kickass projects. We’ve partnered with the biggest names in the business to create a huge library of content. With partners like Mattel, Netflix, DreamWorks, Sony, Silvergate, and Nickelodeon, it's no wonder we’ve established ourselves as a creative force to be reckoned with.

WE WANT YOU (and your mad skills)! 

We are currently looking for a talented Principal FX Artist to join our team! Under the guidance of the VP Creative Technology and/or the Show CG Supervisor, the Principal FX Artist is responsible for developing FX techniques, establishing FX rigs and advancing the workflow/pipeline for the studio while exploring efficient and streamlined options to generate the various projects’ desired visual styles in line with each show’s individual needs.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Under the guidance of the VP Creative Technology Develops and implements FX tools and rigs to be used by the FX department within the workflow/pipeline for the studio. 
  • Collaborates with the Principal Surfacing Artist, Principal Lighting Artist and Principal Compositing Artist to ensure the techniques are that being achieved follow the correct processes.
  • Leads all shows FX Supervisors in achieving the agreed look within the pipeline, collaborating with the Surfacing, Lighting and Compositing teams to test efficacy of the effects, modifying, as necessary.
  • He/she works closely with other departments such as the Lighting department in order to ensure the behavioural consistency of FX in relation to character, props and environment set ups regardless of the complexity of the shot.
  • While adhering to the production’s scheduling and budgetary parameters, the Principal draws upon his/her extensive knowledge of cutting-edge technology to craft innovative FX designs which both support and enhance the creative vision for the project.
  • Provides support and documentation for tools created.
  • Mentors and trains the FX artists to consistently strive towards excellence. Provides vision, feedback, motivation, and encouragement to the team.
  • Interprets and implements notes and feedback from Director, Art Director/Production Designer, CG Supervisor, Dept. in a timely and qualitatively acceptable way.
  • Delivers assignments per project’s schedule. 
  • Adheres to digital file management protocols.
  • Interacts respectfully and professionally with colleagues, staff members and clients.
  • Supports and integrates the values of Mainframe: that being a commitment to innovation, creativity, professionalism, and inspiration.
  • Aligns and engages with the values of Mainframe: a culture of community, connectivity, creativity and collaboration. 
  • Interacts respectfully and professionally with colleagues, staff members and clients. 

Qualifications and Skills

  • Degree or diploma in fine arts or animation or equivalent experience is required.
  • Typically has a minimum of 10 years of industry experience in VFX for animation and VFX for live action. Exceptions do exist. 
  • Unique abilities to create a variety of FX designs and innovative applications.  Exceptional artistic vision, sense of design and composition.  Experience writing scripts and/or programming is an asset.
  • Advanced level understanding of 3D animation, texturing, modeling, lighting, and compositing.
  • Advanced proficiency in using Maya, Houdini and Nuke for particle simulations, expressions, soft body, rigid body & cloth dynamics.  
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge in the areas of rendering, lighting, shading, and compositing.
  • Evaluates and recommends relevant software programs.
  • Identifies emerging talent in the department for development into leadership roles, identifying these artists to both the VP Creative Technology and the HR department.
  • Exceptional ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and visually.  Practices attentive and active listening.  Shares information, methodologies, and ideas with others.
  • Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and visually. Practices attentive and active listening. 
  • Ability to inspire, mentor and support crew. Open to and encourages feedback and new initiatives.  Shares information and techniques with team members. 
  • Fosters a commitment to quality and effective work from not only themselves, but from all artists in the lighting department.
  • Highly motivated. Solid work ethic and positive attitude. Able to work under pressure. Self-motivated and pro-active.  Consistently strives to expand knowledge base.
  • Exceptional and creative problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively. Ability to quickly assimilate new information and adapt as needed.
  • Efficient and detail oriented.
  • Ability to deliver assignments on time and meet or exceed lighting objectives within the production budget and scheduled parameters.