Experienced Character FX Artist

Sony Pictures Imageworks is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. We are committed to respecting traditional lands, and working with communities towards reconciliation.

**Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada Inc.
658 Homer Street., Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2R4
**

Project based, Full Time

Language in work environment - English

Benefits per company policy: include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable

Role Overview:

Join our CFX team to deliver high-quality, technically robust simulations that bring our characters to life. We are looking for an artist who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, balancing the demands of shot-work deadlines with the precision required for character simulation finaling. This role requires technical maturity. You will focus on delivering excellent results through effective shot execution and close collaboration with the team to troubleshoot issues from groom to final render.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shot Execution: Own the full CFX lifecycle for assigned shots, ensuring character movement (hair, feathers, cloth, skin, muscles) meets show standards and performance quotas.
• Pipeline & Troubleshooting: Proactively diagnose and debug simulation issues (e.g., jitter, intersection, performance bottlenecks). Partner with technical teams to optimize Houdini workflows.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Act as a bridge between upstream and downstream departments. You must be able to communicate effectively in daily rounds, providing constructive feedback and adapting to changing rounds notes.
• Procedural Mindset: Leverage Vellum and VEX-based workflows to streamline shot delivery while maintaining strict adherence to established pipeline protocols.
• Technical Support: Participate in show-specific reviews and team reviews to share knowledge and resolve blocking technical hurdles.

Qualifications:

• Expertise: Deep knowledge of SideFX Houdini, with a focus on high-end grooming (e.g., Houdini Hair/Fur) and complex simulation setups using Vellum.
• Workflow Proficiency: Strong ability to build and maintain procedural workflows for shot production, including cloth, hair, and soft-body dynamics.
• Pipeline Integration: Proficiency in Python and VEX to automate tasks, extend toolsets, and troubleshoot pipeline issues effectively.
• Pipeline Literacy: Solid understanding of Linux/UNIX environments.
• Technical and Artistic Proficiency: A keen artistic eye paired with the technical capability to troubleshoot upstream assets and downstream integration, ensuring high-quality simulation results throughout the pipeline.
• Education/Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in feature film, VFX or related CFX production.

The anticipated base salary for an Senior position is $45.07 to $60.10/hr. Benefits are per company policy: which include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Please note that you must be able to provide a demo reel that illustrates your relevant artistic and technical experience that also includes the nuances for this specific role.

We value unique perspectives, and want diverse, unique talent to work with us. We encourage candidates from all identities to apply.

*Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

Minimum of 3+ years of progressively complex related experience. In-depth knowledge of Maya, Linux, UNIX, and scripting in MEL, Perl, and Python. Ability to create character simulations for multiple types of character features, specializing in hair or cloth. Accountable for meeting schedules and show deadlines, participating in dailies, rounds, and team reviews. Strong problem-solving and communication skills to interact with production and supervisors. Must provide a demo reel illustrating relevant artistic and technical experience.