Stage23 Pty Ltd is a Sydney based visual effects and post production studio. We create and deliver computer generated imagery, animation and finished digital content for feature film, episodic television, commercials, online and interactive platforms, for Australian and international clients.

About the role

The role spans our asset creation, character effects and lighting pipelines, carrying end-to-end responsibility for taking shots from upstream inputs through to final rendered output, working alongside compositors and supervisors.This is a senior, hands on position. You will work across multiple concurrent productions, resolve technical and creative problems independently, and set the standard for other artists in the team.

Key responsibilities

Design and build CGI assets including creature sculpts, grooms, rigs, muscle systems, textures and surfaces

Implement character effects including fur groom and muscle simulations

Create or implement lighting rigs from on set reference and captured data

Light and render CGI shots, including taking responsibility for and compiling upstream assets (animation, simulation, effects), and work with compositors to final shots

Create efficient rendering setups to optimise render farm usage

Take direction from Supervisors, and provide guidance and mentorship to other asset and lighting artists

Independently provide solutions to technical and aesthetic problems with minimal direction, and handle the most difficult tasks under time pressure

Work collaboratively with artists from other disciplines

Implement and incorporate feedback and change requests from Supervisors and Stage23 clients

Maintain proficient standards in using and operating the software and tools required to create, develop, produce and deliver computer graphics projects and tasks

Skills and experience required

Three years of relevant experience plus a bachelor degree or higher qualification in multimedia, computer graphics, visual effects, animation, information technology or a related field; or at least five years of relevant professional experience in place of the formal qualification

Demonstrated capability across the full asset pipeline: sculpting, grooming, rigging, muscle systems, texturing and look development

Practical production experience with character effects simulation, including hair and fur grooms and muscle or flesh simulation

Strong lighting and rendering capability, including matching computer generated lighting to on set reference and live action plates

Proficiency with industry standard software including Maya, Houdini, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Mari, Nuke and a production renderer such as Karma.

Working knowledge of colour managed pipelines (ACES), USD based workflows and Linux based studio environments

Demonstrated ability to build efficient render setups and manage render resource use across concurrent shots

Experience providing direction, review and mentorship to other artists

Ability to work independently, prioritise competing deliverables and meet production deadlines under pressure

Strong communication skills in English and the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines

Desirable

Credits on photoreal creature or character work for feature film or high end episodic productions

Scripting in Python or MEL to improve pipeline and rendering efficiency

Experience delivering content for interactive, gaming, mobile or web based platforms

What we offer

$110,000 to $130,000 per annum plus superannuation

Ongoing full time employment with a Sydney based studio working on domestic and international productions

flexible or hybrid arrangements