Company: Dneg

DNEG, a global powerhouse in the visual effects and animation industry, is seeking a world-class Senior Environment TD to join our premier studio in Sydney. With a storied history of Academy Award-winning projects and a legacy of pushing the boundaries of digital reality, DNEG is the destination for visionaries who want to architect the worlds that define modern cinema. This role represents one of the most exciting Australia jobs in the creative sector, offering a position at the heart of our Shot Finishing department. As a Senior Environment TD, you will sit at the intersection of art and technology, creating everything from the smallest blade of grass to expansive, photorealistic galaxies for our highest-caliber feature film projects. Environment TD Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Senior Environment TD Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on seniority & portfolio) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Shot Finishing (Environment Generalist, Lighting, and Compositing) Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Eligibility: Must have the legal right to work in Australia 🇦🇺 The Role: Architect of Digital Realities The Environment TD at DNEG is a versatile “Swiss Army Knife” of the VFX world. You are passionate about collaborating and problem-solving to create and compose spectacular photorealistic environments. Whether you are altering and extending environments in live-action plates or designing massive 3D ecosystems from scratch, your work forms the backdrop of the audience’s cinematic experience. In the landscape of Australia jobs, this role is unique in its technical breadth. You will be supported by a global, multi-talented team, yet you will have the autonomy to make critical artistic and technical decisions daily. You will navigate the pipeline using a mix of Digital Matte Painting (DMP), 2.5D projections, and complex 3D procedural workflows to ensure every shot is delivered to the “DNEG standard.” Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Environment Creation & Shot Finishing End-to-End Development: Execute tasks across the entire environment spectrum, including high-poly modeling, sculpting, texturing, look development, layout, lighting, and re-projection. Procedural Workflows: As an Environment TD, you will develop and utilize procedural systems for complex assets such as buildings, cityscapes, vegetation, terrain, and debris, ensuring scalability and efficiency across the production. Cinematic Composition: Apply a deep understanding of photography and cinematography to compose shots that not only look real but tell a story through lighting and atmosphere. 2. Technical Problem Solving & Pipeline Integration Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with Asset, Layout, and Lighting departments to ensure that your environment solutions integrate seamlessly into the broader production pipeline. Data Utilization: Process and integrate shoot data, including HDRIs, photogrammetry, and Lidar, to ground your digital creations in physical reality. Optimization: Balance high-fidelity visual output with technical efficiency, ensuring that complex environments are renderable and optimized for shot propagation. 3. Leadership & Global Support Mentorship: As a senior member of the team, you will help support and guide junior and mid-level artists, sharing best practices for environment creation. Communication: Maintain clear and proactive communication with colleagues around the world, ensuring a unified creative vision regardless of geographic location. Time Management: Manage your tasks effectively under the pressure of production deadlines, maintaining a positive and solution-oriented “can-do” attitude. Comprehensive Requirements To be considered for this highlight of the Australia jobs market, candidates must demonstrate a rare blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and a sophisticated artistic eye for natural phenomena. Must-Have Experience Senior Tenure: Minimum of 6 years of VFX industry experience working on high-end live-action feature films. Technical Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Houdini, Maya, Zbrush, Substance/Mari, SpeedTree, Gaea, and Nuke. Process Knowledge: A thorough understanding of 3D and 2.5D VFX processes and the intricacies of high-end production pipelines. Scientific Grounding: A strong knowledge of the natural world—including geology, geography, and meteorology—as well as architectural design and engineering principles. Portfolio Excellence: A showreel that clearly demonstrates your ability to create hyper-realistic environments for motion pictures. Nice-to-Have Skills Modern Rendering: Experience rendering within Houdini Solaris (USD workflow). Real-time Innovation: Experience with Unreal Engine and real-time rendering technologies. Matte Painting: Advanced skills in traditional Digital Matte Painting. About You DNEG looking for an artist who is as passionate about storytelling as they are about technical nodes. The ideal candidate for this Environment TD role within the Australia jobs sector will be: A Creative Problem Solver: You enjoy the challenge of “how do we build this?” and have a keen attention to detail. A Team Player: You are approachable and enjoy the collaborative nature of a global studio environment. Strategically Minded: You are organized, a self-starter, and capable of managing your own schedule to meet tight deadlines. Composed: You remain calm under pressure and help maintain a positive team dynamic during the final push of a project. Workplace Culture & Location DNEG Sydney is a center of excellence located in a world-class creative hub. We believe that the best art comes from the “connection and collaboration” that happens when we are together. While we offer a hybrid work model, we require our artists to be in the office at least two days per week to facilitate face-to-face collaboration and creative reviews. This role is a premier choice for those searching for Australia jobs that offer both career growth and a high quality of life. For those not currently in Sydney, DNEG requires relocation to ensure you are part of our thriving local community. Why Join DNEG? Joining DNEG means becoming part of a 9,000-strong global family. We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they matter and belong. We offer the chance to work on the most significant films in production today, using proprietary technology that stays at the cutting edge of the industry. Application Process: Please submit your CV and a showreel demonstrating your experience in creating realistic environments. We look forward to seeing how you can help us build the next great cinematic world.

DNEG, a global powerhouse in the visual effects and animation industry, is currently seeking an elite Environment Generalist Supervisor to join our premier studio in Sydney. With a storied history of Academy Award-winning projects and a legacy of pushing the boundaries of digital reality, DNEG is the destination for visionaries who want to architect the worlds that define modern cinema. This role represents one of the most prestigious Australia jobs in the creative sector, offering a permanent staff position at the heart of our Shot Finishing department. As an Environment Supervisor, you will sit at the intersection of art and technology, overseeing the creation of sprawling, photorealistic digital landscapes that serve as the backbone for high-end feature films and television. Environment Generalist Supervisor Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Environment Generalist Supervisor Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Commensurate with senior leadership experience) Job Type: Permanent Staff Position Industry Sector: Creative Supervision & Visual Effects Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Reporting To: Visual Effects Supervisor & Digital Supervisor The Role: Architect of Digital Realities The Environment Generalist Supervisor is a high-level creative and technical leadership position. You are responsible for the entire lifecycle of digital environment creation, from the initial interpretation of concept art to the final delivery of complex, “shot-ready” assets. Your primary objective is to establish the aesthetic and technical “look” of the film’s environments in strict accordance with the VFX and DFX Supervisors’ creative vision. In the landscape of Australia jobs, this role is unique in its breadth. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of Generalists, guiding them through modeling, texturing, layout, and lighting, while ensuring that the final output maintains the hyper-realistic standards DNEG is known for worldwide. You aren’t just managing a department; you are engineering the atmosphere of the story itself. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Creative Vision & Aesthetic Mastery Look Development: Translate abstract creative direction and concept art into tangible, photorealistic 3D environments. You will ensure that every rock, building, and atmospheric effect aligns with the film’s narrative tone. Artistic Quality Control: Act as the final filter for all environmental output, providing frame-by-frame critiques to ensure the highest levels of visual fidelity. World Building: Apply a profound understanding of geology, meteorology, and architecture to ensure environments are grounded in physical reality, even when creating fantastical worlds. 2. Technical Strategy & Pipeline Innovation Workflow Optimization: Establish and refine “best practice” workflows for the Environment/Generalist team. This includes implementing efficient render testing, optimizing assets for memory management, and publishing environments for seamless shot propagation. Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with Asset, Layout, and Lighting Supervisors to ensure a frictionless transition of work between departments. Technical Oversight: Lead the technical quality of the team’s output, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in the pipeline before they impact production. 3. Leadership & Production Management Team Empowerment: Act as a proven team leader with strong motivational qualities, fostering an environment of continuous learning and artistic excellence. Project Management: Collaborate with the production team to define delivery schedules, milestones, and resource allocation, ensuring the show remains on time and on budget. Strategic Delegation: Effectively distribute tasks across the team based on individual artist strengths, ensuring a balanced workload and high morale. Comprehensive Requirements To be considered for this highlight of the Australia jobs market, candidates must demonstrate a rare blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and sophisticated artistic sensibility. Must-Have Experience Supervisory Tenure: Proven experience as an Environment Supervisor, specifically managing complex environmental requirements for high-end VFX feature films. VFX Pedigree: Significant years within the industry with a thorough, end-to-end understanding of the VFX production pipeline. Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Maya, Mari, and Nuke. You should be comfortable jumping into these packages to troubleshoot or set the direction for a shot. Technical Foundations: High-level experience in modeling, texturing, layout, lighting, and digital matte painting (DMP), combined with a solid understanding of 2.5D processes. Data Integration: Experience working with shoot data, including HDRIs, photogrammetry, Lidar, and photographic reference materials. Technical “Nice-to-Haves” Experience with procedural city and terrain generation tools (e.g., Houdini, Gaea, or Clarisse). Advanced knowledge of scattering tools and large-scale asset management. A background in compositing, allowing for better collaboration with the 2D department. About You We are looking for a leader who is as passionate about the “big picture” as they are about the smallest geological detail. The ideal candidate for this role within the Australia jobs sector will be: Strategically Minded: You look beyond the current shot to anticipate pipeline needs for the entire show. Approachable & Personable: You are a clear communicator who values the “human” side of leadership, making yourself available to mentor and support your team. Calm Under Pressure: You thrive in high-stakes environments and can deliver world-class results against tight deadlines. Detail-Oriented: You have a “pixel-perfect” eye and a relentless commitment to quality. Workplace Culture & Location DNEG Sydney is a center of excellence located in a world-class creative hub. We believe that the best art comes from the “connection and collaboration” that happens when we are together. While we offer a hybrid work model, we require our supervisors to be in the office at least two days per week to facilitate face-to-face mentorship and collaborative reviews. This role is a premier choice for those searching for Australia jobs that offer both career growth and a high quality of life. For those not currently in New South Wales, DNEG offers support for relocation to ensure you can join our thriving Sydney community. Why Join DNEG? Joining DNEG means becoming part of a 9,000-strong global family. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard. We offer the chance to work on the most significant films in production today, using proprietary technology that stays at the cutting edge of the industry. Application Process: Please submit your CV and a reel showcasing your supervisory work. We are particularly interested in seeing “before and after” breakdowns that demonstrate your ability to oversee complex integration and … Read more

DNEG, a global powerhouse in the visual effects and animation industry, is currently seeking a visionary Environment Lead to join our premier studio in Sydney. With a storied history of Academy Award-winning projects, DNEG is the destination for artists who want to build the worlds that define modern cinema. This is one of the most prestigious Australia jobs currently available in the digital arts, offering a chance to shape the literal landscapes of high-end feature films. As an Environment Lead, you will sit at the heart of our Shot Finishing department, overseeing a team of generalists, lighters, and compositors. Your goal is to transform concept art and reference data into sprawling, photorealistic digital worlds. If you are a master of the natural world and a veteran of the VFX pipeline, we want you to lead our Sydney team. Environment Lead Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Environment Lead Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on senior leadership experience) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Shot Finishing (Environment Generalist, Lighting, and Compositing) Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Relocation: Required for non-Sydney residents Eligibility: Must have the legal right to work in Australia 🇦🇺 The Role: Architect of Digital Realities The Environment Lead is a critical leadership position responsible for the end-to-end creation of digital environments. Reporting directly to the Visual Effects Supervisor, you will be the primary person responsible for establishing the “look” of the film’s environments. You aren’t just managing a team; you are setting the artistic and technical standards for the entire production. In the context of Australia jobs in the VFX sector, this role is unique because it spans multiple disciplines. You will be expected to guide your team through 3D modeling, texturing, layout, and lighting, while also possessing a sophisticated understanding of 2.5D matte painting and compositing workflows. You are the bridge between the initial creative spark and the final, polished frame. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Creative & Technical Leadership Look Development: Establish the aesthetic of environments in accordance with the VFX Supervisor’s vision, ensuring that digital sets are indistinguishable from real-world locations. Workflow Optimization: Work with the Generalist team to establish “best practice” workflows. This includes render testing, optimizing assets for the pipeline, and ensuring a smooth “shot propagation” process. Quality Assurance: Oversee the artistic and technical quality of the output, providing frame-by-frame feedback and ensuring the team maintains high-quality standards. 2. Departmental Synergy & Production Inter-departmental Liaison: Work closely with other Department Supervisors (Asset, Layout, Lighting) to ensure a clear and efficient delivery of work between departments. Scheduling: Collaborate hand-in-hand with Production Managers to define realistic delivery schedules, milestones, and resource allocation. Delegation: Effectively distribute tasks across the team, playing to the strengths of individual artists while ensuring project deadlines are met. 3. Data & World Building Data Integration: Utilize shoot data, including HDRIs, photogrammetry, and Lidar, to ground digital environments in physical reality. Procedural Mastery: Oversee the use of procedural city/terrain generation and scattering tools to create scale and complexity without sacrificing performance. Natural Realism: Apply a deep understanding of geology, geography, and architecture to ensure that every environment—no matter how fantastical—feels grounded in the laws of nature and engineering. Comprehensive Requirements To secure this top-tier position in the Australia jobs market, you must be a seasoned professional with a “generalist” mindset and “specialist” execution. Must-Have Qualifications Senior Experience: At least 7+ years of experience within VFX feature films, with a proven track record as an Environment Lead. Pipeline Mastery: A thorough understanding of the 3D and 2.5D VFX production pipelines. Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Maya, Mari, and Nuke. Diverse Skillset: High-level experience in modeling, texturing, layout, lighting, and digital matte painting. On-Set Data Knowledge: Experience working with photographic reference data, Lidar, and photogrammetry. Leadership Skills: Previous experience managing a department and a proven ability to motivate and lead a diverse team of artists. “Nice-to-Have” Skills Experience with procedural scattering tools (e.g., Houdini, Clarisse). A strong background in Concept Art or Digital Illustration. Deep knowledge of meteorology and architecture to enhance environment believability. About You We are looking for a leader who is as passionate about the “big picture” as they are about the smallest geological detail. The ideal candidate for this highlight of Australia jobs will be: Strategically Minded: You look ahead to identify potential technical bottlenecks before they impact the team. Approachable: You are a clear communicator and a personable team player who fosters a positive studio culture. Calm Under Pressure: You can deliver high-quality results against short deadlines without losing your creative focus. Detail-Oriented: You have a “pixel-perfect” eye and a commitment to maintaining DNEG’s reputation for excellence. Workplace Flexibility & Culture At DNEG Sydney, we believe great work happens through connection. While we embrace the modern world of work, we value the collaboration that happens when we are in the same room. Our hybrid model requires at least two days per week in our beautiful Sydney office. This role is a perfect fit for those looking for Australia jobs that provide both a global stage for their work and a vibrant, in-person community. If you aren’t currently based in Sydney, we offer relocation assistance to help you join our team. Why Join DNEG? DNEG is more than just a studio; it is a global family of 9,000+ creators. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they matter and belong. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to provide adjustments or support during the application process. Application Process: Please submit your CV and a portfolio/showreel that demonstrates your ability to develop concept art into photorealistic, complex environments.

DNEG, a global leader in the visual effects and animation industry, is seeking an experienced and visionary Compositing Supervisor to join our team in Sydney. With a prestigious history of Academy Award-winning projects, DNEG is where the world’s most iconic cinematic moments are crafted. As one of the most significant opportunities currently available for those seeking Australia jobs in the creative arts, this role offers a chance to lead at the pinnacle of live-action feature film and television production. As a Compositing Supervisor, you will be the final gatekeeper of quality, responsible for weaving together disparate elements into a seamless, photorealistic reality. You will lead an elite team of compositors in our state-of-the-art Sydney facility. If you have a critical eye for detail, a mastery of Nuke, and the leadership skills to inspire a team under pressure, we want to welcome you to our Australian studio. Compositing Supervisor Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Compositing Supervisor Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on senior leadership experience) Job Type: Permanent Staff Position Industry Sector: Visual Effects & Creative Media Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Relocation: Required for non-Sydney residents The Role: Leading the Final Creative Vision The Compositing Supervisor is a high-level leadership role focused on the successful delivery of all 2D aspects for a specific production. In the competitive landscape of Australia jobs within the VFX sector, this position stands out by offering direct collaboration with the world’s most renowned VFX and DFX Supervisors. Your role is dual-faceted: you are both a creative director for the 2D department and a technical architect. You will design the approach for complex sequences, troubleshoot pipeline hurdles, and ensure that every shot leaving the department meets DNEG’s world-class standards. More importantly, you will manage the human element—mentoring artists and maintaining a sustainable, positive production environment within our growing Sydney cohort. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Creative Leadership & Quality Control Setting the Standard: Establish the creative benchmark for the show. You will perform regular “desk-side” reviews and formal dailies to ensure consistency across all shots and sequences. Briefing & Communication: Take high-level creative direction from the VFX Supervisor and break it down into clear, actionable briefs for the compositing team. Critical Eye: Provide precise feedback on color, light, integration, and composition, ensuring that the final output is indistinguishable from reality. 2. Technical Strategy & Workflow Methodology Development: Design “master comps” and templates that will be used across the show to ensure visual continuity and efficiency. Pipeline Integration: Collaborate with 3D Department Supervisors (Lighting, FX, Environments) to ensure the 2D pipeline receives the necessary passes and data for a successful composite. Problem Solving: Act as the final point of escalation for technical issues within Nuke, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions that keep the project on track. 3. Production & Team Management Bidding & Resourcing: Participate in the production bidding process, providing accurate estimates of the time and resources required to achieve the desired creative results. Project Management: Work closely with Producers to balance the pursuit of absolute quality with the realities of budget and schedule constraints. Mentorship: Foster the professional growth of junior and mid-level artists through training, constructive feedback, and the sharing of advanced techniques—contributing to the overall talent pool for Australia jobs in the digital arts. Comprehensive Requirements We are looking for a veteran of the 2D department who has successfully transitioned from a master artist to an inspiring leader. Must-Have Qualifications Leadership Experience: Proven track record as a 2D Supervisor or Compositing Supervisor within the high-end VFX industry (Film and/or TV). VFX Supervisor Collaboration: Significant experience working directly with VFX/DFX Supervisors and clients to realize a creative vision. Advanced Technical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Foundry Nuke. You should be deeply familiar with gizmo creation, deep compositing, and Python integration within the Nuke environment. Color Science: An advanced understanding of the color pipeline, including ACES, OCIO, and managing deliverables for various theatrical and streaming standards. Operational Skills: Experience in production bidding and managing large teams of artists in a fast-paced environment. Nice-to-Have Skills Onset Supervision: Experience with onset data capture and assisting with blue/green screen setups is a significant plus. Global Collaboration: Experience working with distributed teams across international facilities (e.g., London, Vancouver, Mumbai). Multi-Platform Experience: A background that spans both the rapid pace of high-end TV and the meticulous detail of Feature Films. About You At DNEG, we value character as much as technical skill. The ideal candidate for this high-level entry into the Australia jobs market will be: Proactive: You don’t wait for problems to arise; you anticipate them and build solutions in advance. Calm Under Pressure: High-end VFX can be intense. You maintain a positive, “can-do” attitude that keeps your team motivated during “crunch” periods. Adaptable: You are open to new techniques and are willing to pivot your strategy as the creative needs of the Director evolve. A Strong Communicator: You can explain complex visual and technical concepts to both your team and non-technical stakeholders. Workplace Culture & Location DNEG Sydney is a center of excellence located in a world-class creative hub. We believe that the best art comes from the “connection and collaboration” that happens when we are together. While we offer a hybrid work model, we require our supervisors to be in the office at least two days per week to facilitate face-to-face mentorship and collaborative reviews. This role is a premier choice for those searching for Australia jobs that offer both career growth and a high quality of life. For those not currently in New South Wales, DNEG offers support for relocation to ensure you can join our thriving Sydney community. Why Join DNEG? Joining DNEG means becoming part of a 9,000-strong global family. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard. We offer the chance to work on the most significant films in production today, using proprietary technology that stays at the cutting edge of the industry. Application Process: Please submit … Read more

DNEG, one of the world’s most prestigious and decorated visual effects and animation studios, is currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Crowd TD (Technical Director) to join our state-of-the-art Sydney studio. With a global legacy of Academy Award-winning storytelling, DNEG is the home of cinematic innovation. From the sprawling battlefields of historical epics to the bustling futuristic metropolises of sci-fi blockbusters, our Crowd department is responsible for breathing life, scale, and realism into the most complex sequences in modern film. In this role, you will be at the forefront of “Performance” (Animation, Creature, and FX), utilizing cutting-edge simulation techniques to create photorealistic, high-density character sequences that define the visual landscape of high-end live-action feature films. Crowd TD Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Senior Crowd Technical Director (TD) Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on seniority & experience) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Performance (Animation, Creature, and FX) Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Relocation: Required for non-Sydney residents Eligibility: Must have the legal right to work in Australia 🇦🇺 The Role: Engineering Life at Scale The Senior Crowd TD (Technical Director) is a specialized architect of digital life. You are responsible for producing complex crowd shots using a sophisticated blend of sprites, vignettes, and dynamic simulation techniques. Working under the guidance of the CG Crowd Supervisor and DFX Supervisors, you will bridge the gap between technical simulation and artistic performance. Your mission is to deliver simulations that aren’t just technically sound, but emotionally resonant. You will gather a diverse array of 3D assets from our Build, Layout, and Animation departments, synthesizing them into a cohesive, photorealistic whole. Whether it is a thousand soldiers charging a castle or a thousand citizens navigating a city street, your work ensures that every “agent” in the crowd behaves with the weight, timing, and nuance expected of a DNEG production. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Simulation & Technical Execution Shot Production: Build and manage complex crowd simulations using Houdini and Maya, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with live-action plates and environment assets. Pipeline Integration: Utilize and contribute to DNEG’s proprietary toolsets and custom pipeline workflows to streamline the transition of assets from animation to final render. Problem Solving: Identify and resolve complex technical hurdles within the crowd pipeline, from agent logic and brain-building to geometry caching and rendering optimizations. 2. Creative & Artistic Direction Aesthetic Alignment: Work closely with the VFX Supervisor and Director to ensure the “look and feel” of the crowd matches the creative vision of the film. Sense of Timing: Apply a deep understanding of physical animation and cinematography to ensure crowd movement feels organic, avoiding the “robotic” pitfalls of automated simulation. Visual Polish: Ensure that variety, costume randomization, and behavioral logic are meticulously managed to maintain photorealism even under the scrutiny of high-resolution film formats. 3. Collaboration & Mentorship Departmental Synergy: Act as a central hub between the Animation department (who provide the performances) and the Lighting/FX departments (who integrate the final results). Leadership: Provide technical guidance to mid-level and junior TDs, fostering a culture of technical excellence and creative curiosity within the Sydney team. Time Management: Balance the pursuit of visual perfection with the rigorous deadlines of a high-pressure feature film production schedule. Comprehensive Requirements To thrive in the DNEG environment, you must possess a rare blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and an artist’s eye for movement. Must-Have Qualifications Professional Pedigree: Minimum of 6+ years of CG animation experience specifically within high-end live-action VFX feature films. Software Mastery: Expert-level understanding of Houdini crowd simulation or equivalent industry-standard software. Physical Simulation Knowledge: A thorough grasp of the technologies relating to physical simulation in computer graphics, including cloth, hair, and rigid bodies. Residency: You must currently have the right to work in Australia and be willing to relocate to Sydney if not already local. Technical “Nice to Haves” Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python or MEL to write scripts that automate tasks or extend tool functionality. Software Versatility: Experience with Massive, and a strong understanding of Linux/Unix based operating systems. Generalist Background: A broad TD background or experience in other areas of VFX (TV, Games) provides a valuable perspective on the overall pipeline. Personal Attributes The “DNEG Attitude”: You are a pro-active self-starter who remains calm under pressure. Communication: You can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical departments clearly and concisely. Adaptability: You possess a genuine willingness to learn and master proprietary software and evolving techniques. Why DNEG Sydney? DNEG is a global powerhouse of 9,000+ creators. Our Sydney office is a vibrant, collaborative hub located in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We believe that the best work happens through connection, which is why we value our hybrid model—giving you the flexibility of remote work with the creative spark of in-person collaboration. At DNEG, we believe that embracing our differences is vital to our success. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment where every artist feels they belong. Application Instructions Ready to shape the future of film? Please submit your updated CV, a showreel demonstrating your best crowd work (ideally with a breakdown of your technical contributions), and details regarding your current right-to-work status in Australi

Job Overview Company Name – DNEG Animation Job Title – Lighting Technical Director (Lighting TD) Location – Sydney, Australia Job Type – Full-Time / Permanent Department – Shot Finishing (Environment Gen, Lighting, & Comp) Salary Range – Competitive (Estimated $95,000 – $145,000 AUD based on Sydney Senior TD benchmarks) Primary Software – Katana, RenderMan, Nuke Current Projects – The Angry Birds Movie 3, The Cat in the Hat, Bad Fairies DNEG Animation, the Academy Award-winning powerhouse behind some of the most visually groundbreaking animated features of the last decade, is currently seeking a highly skilled and technically proficient Lighting Technical Director (Lighting TD) to join our world-class team in Sydney, Australia. At DNEG Animation, we don’t just “do” animation; we craft immersive, captivating worlds and breathe life into unforgettable characters. From the stylized, urban energy of Entergalactic to the fluid, painterly aesthetics of Nimona, our studio is defined by a lack of a rigid “house style,” favoring instead a commitment to whatever visual language best serves the story. As a Lighting TD in our Sydney studio, you will be a vital architect of mood, color, and technical efficiency, helping us deliver an upcoming slate of major features, including The Angry Birds Movie 3, The Cat in the Hat, and Bad Fairies. About DNEG Animation: The Global Creative Force DNEG is one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies, employing more than 9,000 people across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our animation division operates with the agility of a boutique creative studio backed by the immense infrastructure of a global VFX giant. We believe that every role plays a massive part in the success of our shows. Our culture is fueled by the passion of our global crew and a fundamental belief that embracing our differences is vital to our collective success. When you join DNEG Animation Sydney, you are joining a team that values quality above all else, working alongside the industry’s best talent to push the boundaries of what is possible in the art of animation. The Role: Lighting Technical Director The Lighting TD at DNEG Animation is a hybrid role that requires a rare blend of artistic “eye” and technical “brain.” You are not just placing lights in a scene; you are managing the final aesthetic polish of the film while ensuring the technical feasibility of the render. 1. Creative Mood and Atmosphere Working under the direction of the Lighting Lead and Art Director, you will set the mood and look for entire animated sequences. Your work ensures that the lighting tells the story—guiding the player’s eye, establishing the time of day, and reinforcing the emotional stakes of the scene. You will be responsible for bringing shots from the initial lighting production phase through to finaling, all while maintaining strict continuity across the sequence. 2. Technical Problem Solving & Optimization In modern path-tracing workflows, the “Technical” in Technical Director is paramount. You will be the primary line of defense against production bottlenecks. This involves: Diagnosing Issues: Identifying and resolving complex render noise, memory usage spikes, and long render times. Tool Development: Developing and maintaining scripts, tools, and automated workflows that improve the efficiency of the entire lighting department. Pipeline Integration: Collaborating with the Pipeline and Engineering teams to ensure that lighting tools integrate seamlessly with Look Development, FX, and Compositing. 3. Shot Finishing & Compositing At DNEG Animation, lighting and compositing are often two sides of the same coin. You will utilize node-based compositing (Nuke) to balance render passes, adjust AOVs, and integrate elements to create a cohesive final image. This “Shot Finishing” mindset ensures that the final output meets the high-resolution requirements of feature film exhibition. Key Responsibilities and Duties Sequence-Based Lighting: Establishing and maintaining the look across multiple shots to ensure visual consistency throughout a sequence. Workflow Automation: Creating Python-based scripts or Katana macros to automate repetitive tasks, allowing the team to focus on creative artistry. Rendering Management: Optimizing render setups to meet strict render budgets. This includes managing farm usage and ensuring that high-quality results are achieved with maximum efficiency. Look Development Support: Working closely with Surfacing Artists to ensure that shaders behave correctly within the specific lighting and color pipeline of the show. Mentorship: As a TD, you will often provide guidance to junior artists, helping them troubleshoot their shots and teaching best practices for efficient lighting. Requirements: What We’re Looking For To excel in this role, you must have a proven track record in high-end feature animation or VFX. We are looking for candidates who are proactive, curious, and deeply committed to the craft of shot finishing. Essential Must-Haves: Professional Experience: Previous high-end experience in a Lighting TD or similar role within feature animation or high-budget VFX. Technical Mastery: Strong knowledge of node-based lighting and compositing tools (e.g., Katana, Nuke) and a deep understanding of path-trace rendering (e.g., RenderMan, Arnold). Artistic Sensibility: A strong grasp of artistic principles—specifically light behavior, color theory, composition, and silhouette. Sequence Experience: Demonstrated ability to manage sequence-based lighting rather than just individual hero shots. Pipeline Familiarity: A working knowledge of feature animation pipelines and the common technical hurdles that arise during production. Nice-to-Have Skills: Software Proficiency: Deep professional experience specifically with Katana, RenderMan, and Nuke. Showreel: A reel that showcases not just “pretty pictures,” but a clear ability to handle complex lighting scenarios and technical shot finishing in a feature film context. Problem Solving: A history of developing custom tools or scripts (Python/C++) to solve specific production problems. About You Collaborative: You thrive on the creative energy of a team and enjoy the “give and take” of a high-pressure production environment. Calm Under Pressure: You have an accurate sense of task duration and can manage your time effectively to meet production milestones. Meticulous: You have a self-critical eye and a high bar for quality control. Adaptable: You are eager to learn new tools and techniques, including DNEG’s proprietary in-house technologies. Why Join DNEG Animation Sydney? Sydney is one of the world’s most vibrant creative … Read more