3D FX Lead

At Stellar, we aim to build a studio where people actually want to work. We face productions inevitable ups and downs as a supportive, truly connected team, prioritizing open communication over anyone working in isolation. We value honesty, creativity, and looking out for one another.

The Opportunity: 

We are staffing up for a new Marvel Studios streaming series, and we are looking for a talented, empathetic 3D FX Lead who can bring both a strong technical background and a keen artistic eye to the team!

Our 3D FX crew is responsible for conceptualizing and creating dynamic sequences that meet exceptionally high technical and aesthetic standards while keeping the production schedule on track. If you have a masterful understanding of the animation production pipeline, a love for cinematic filmmaking, and the drive to guide a team in producing world class effects, we want to talk to you.

In this role, success looks like:

Leadership and Mentorship

• Guide, mentor, and support your 3D FX artist, stepping in to help them troubleshoot, solve complex problems, and find clever workarounds to keep their shots moving forward.
• Partner closely with the FX Supervisor and the broader production team to accurately bid shot complexities and assign tasks based on the strengths of your artists.
• Run department dailies and team meetings, always looking for ways to improve the FX quality of the show while strictly following the established creative guidelines.

Simulation and Creation

• Lead by example! Conceptualize and create the most technically demanding hero effects to contribute to the natural and supernatural environments of the show. This includes particles, rigid body and fluid simulations, large and small scale destruction, smoke, dust, lightning, fire, storms, and explosions.
• Confidently tackle multiple types of digital effects, setting the visual bar for the rest of the department.
• Bring strong composition, beautiful artistic timing, and a deep understanding of cinematic principles to every sequence you touch.

Problem Solving and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Pipeline team to solve high level technical issues, share vital intel, and establish best practices for the department.
• Collaborate seamlessly with upstream and downstream departments to maintain a smooth workflow and ensure the team consistently meets their deadlines.

The Requirements

Must Haves:

• Experience: 5 plus years of industry experience creating effects simulations in feature films, episodic television, or games, including previous experience guiding or leading artists.
• Software: High proficiency in Houdini, Maya, and Nuke Compositing.
• Core Skills: A masterful understanding of the 3D animation production pipeline and exactly how to produce high quality effects that integrate perfectly into a scene.
• Eligibility: You must be legally eligible to work in British Columbia.

Nice to Haves:

• Working knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid).
• A continuous drive to learn new techniques and stay updated on the latest 3D FX software tools.
• Experience in non-photorealistic rendering (NPR)

Why Join Stellar?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Culture: A collaborative, ego free environment where your technical expertise and leadership style are truly valued.
• Compensation: The salary range for this Lead position is between $90,000 and $100,000 CAD per year, based on your level of leadership experience.