Company: Weta Fx

Wētā FX Melbourne is officially expanding its world-class creative team! We are currently seeking expressions of interest from highly motivated and talented Lighting TD (Technical Directors) to join our onsite team for an ambitious slate of high-profile projects scheduled for 2026. As a permanent fixture in the Australian visual effects landscape, Wētā FX Melbourne offers artists the opportunity to work on the most technologically advanced and creatively demanding feature films in the world. In this role, you won’t just be “lighting” a scene; you will be practicing digital cinematography at the highest possible level. Job Overview: Lighting TD (Technical Director) Category Details Company Name Wētā FX Melbourne Job Title Lighting TD (Technical Director) Primary Keyword Wētā FX Melbourne Job Type Full-Time / Project-Based (Onsite) Experience Level 3–5+ Years in Feature Films/Episodic Estimated Salary Range $105,000 – $165,000 AUD (Based on experience) Primary DCC Tools Katana, Maya, Houdini Location Melbourne, Australia (Abbotsford Hub) The Role: Digital Cinematography at Wētā FX Melbourne At Wētā FX Melbourne, the Lighting department is a diverse group of exceptionally talented artists responsible for the final aesthetic integration of all 3D elements. You will be responsible for creating light and shadow for complex assets, expansive environments, and hero characters. Working closely with the CG Supervisor, CG Asset Lead, Art Directors, and Texture Artists, you will ensure that every shot reaches the unparalleled level of quality associated with the Wētā brand. Key Responsibilities: Aesthetic Integration: Harmonizing multiple image layers—photographic and computer-generated—into seamless, cohesive visuals. Mood and Narrative: Utilizing digital lighting techniques to enhance story, character emotion, framing, and color scripts. PBR Mastery: Applying principles of physically plausible lighting, shading, and lensing to produce high-fidelity photorealistic imagery. Pipeline Navigation: Working within complex VFX production workflows and high-end Linux environments to deliver optimized renders. Collaborative Problem Solving: Solving demanding shot problems independently while maintaining open communication with the wider team. Technical Qualifications & Attributes We are looking for artists who thrive at the intersection of technical rigor and artistic intuition. To be successful at Wētā FX Melbourne, candidates should possess: Software Expertise: Proficiency in Katana, Maya, or Houdini. Expertise in Katana is highly valued for our lighting workflows. Rendering Technologies: Deep knowledge of modern render engines such as Renderman, Arnold, or V-Ray. Production Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5+ years of professional experience working on high-end feature films or major episodic series. Technical Versatility: An understanding of Linux and an aptitude for troubleshooting complex technical hurdles in a fast-paced environment. Artistic Eye: A strong understanding of light behavior, color science, and traditional cinematography. Additional Preferred Skills: Coding: Experience with Python, Lua, or C++ for workflow automation and tool customization. Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Prior experience in Shading, FX, Compositing, or Environment Layout. Advanced Shading: Experience constructing physically-based shading networks, particularly with MaterialX. Simulation Interaction: Experience lighting scenes involving heavy simulations such as water, fire, or large-scale destruction. Why Choose Wētā FX Melbourne? Since establishing a permanent presence in Australia, Wētā FX Melbourne has become a cornerstone of the local creative economy. We believe in building a workplace experience that is second to none, where innovation and authenticity go hand-in-hand. Diversity and Inclusion: At Wētā FX Melbourne, we celebrate diversity. We strive to create an environment where every crew member feels welcomed, respected, and appreciated. Cutting-Edge R&D: Join a studio that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in VFX through proprietary tools and world-class rendering technology. Culture of Authenticity: We value open minds and encourage our team members to bring their true selves to work every day. Salary & Industry Benchmarks (Melbourne 2026) The visual effects industry in Australia is thriving. Below is a breakdown of projected salary standards for lighting professionals within the Melbourne hub for 2026: Role Seniority Experience Annual Salary Range (AUD) Junior Lighting TD 1–3 Years $70,000 – $90,000 Mid-Level Lighting TD 3–5 Years $95,000 – $125,000 Senior Lighting TD 5–10 Years $125,000 – $165,000 Lead / Supervisor 10+ Years $170,000 – $215,000+ Note: Final compensation is determined by the specific skill set, production history, and performance during the technical evaluation phase. How to Express Interest We are actively building our 2026 crew and would love to hear from you. To be eligible, you must be currently based in—or able to relocate to—Melbourne, Australia for onsite work. Your Submission Should Include: Updated CV/Resume: Detailing your experience with specific DCC tools and renderers. Showreel Link: Highlighting your best lighting and look-development work. Breakdown Sheet: Explaining your specific contributions and the technical challenges you solved. Wētā FX Melbourne is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to provide a discrimination-free experience from the moment you apply. If there is anything we can do to make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please reach out to us at recruitment@wetafx.co.nz.

Wētā FX is globally recognized for pushing the absolute limits of visual effects, and our Melbourne studio is at the heart of our future growth. We are currently inviting Senior FX TD to express their interest in joining our world-class team for an ambitious slate of projects scheduled for 2026. As an FX TD at Wētā, you aren’t just creating simulations; you are solving the most complex creative and technical puzzles in modern cinema. From massive environmental destruction to intricate, ethereal magical effects, our FX team is the backbone of our visual storytelling. Job Overview: Senior FX TD Category Details Company Name Wētā FX Job Title Senior FX TD (Technical Director Location Melbourne, VIC, Australia Job Type Full-Time / Project-Based Contract Experience Level Senior (5+ Years in Feature Films) Estimated Salary Range $125,000 – $170,000 AUD (Based on expertise) Primary Software SideFX Houdini (FLIP, Pyro, RBD, Vellum) Operating System Linux (Proficiency Required) Role Mission: The Intersection of Art and Science The FX department at Wētā FX consists of over 100 industry-leading artists and engineers. As a Senior FX TD, you will sit at the vital juncture between creative vision and technical execution. You will work in close partnership with R&D, Lighting, and Compositing departments to ensure that FX-driven shots are not only visually stunning but also technically optimized for our proprietary pipeline. Core Responsibilities: Simulation Mastery: Develop and manage complex simulations including large-scale destruction (RBD), fluid dynamics (FLIP), and gaseous effects (Pyro). Tool Development: Create and maintain reusable Houdini digital assets (HDAs) and workflows that can be utilized by the wider FX team. Look Development: Collaborate with VFX Supervisors to establish the “early look” for abstract, magical, or natural phenomena. Problem Solving: Navigate the technical challenges of massive datasets and complex render layers in a Linux-based environment. Cross-Department Collaboration: Ensure seamless integration of FX elements with animation and lighting pipelines. Requirements & Preferred Expertise We are looking for technical artists who thrive in a collaborative, high-stakes environment. Mandatory Qualifications: Professional Pedigree: At least 5 years of experience as an FX Artist/TD specifically within the feature film industry. Houdini Generalist Knowledge: Comprehensive mastery of Houdini’s core toolsets, including FLIP, Pyro, and RBD. Linux Proficiency: Comfort working within a high-end Linux production environment is essential. Communication: The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work effectively within a large team. Specialized Skills (Highly Desirable): Water Simulations: Previous experience running hero-shot water simulations in a production environment. Abstract FX: A portfolio showcasing the development of magical or non-standard effects. Destruction: Experience with complex, large-scale rigid body dynamics (RBD) and secondary debris systems. Plant/Groom Sim: Experience with plant simulations using Vellum or custom solvers. The Melbourne Studio Experience Wētā FX Melbourne is a hub of innovation. By joining our Australian team, you become part of a culture that values open-mindedness and authenticity. We believe that a diversity of backgrounds leads to a diversity of ideas, which is what allows us to continue winning Academy Awards for our craft. R&D Focused: FX is integral to our R&D efforts. You will have the opportunity to influence the tools of tomorrow. Global Projects: Work on the world’s biggest franchises and most visually demanding independent projects. Supportive Culture: We provide a workplace experience that prioritizes the artist’s well-being and creative growth. Salary Benchmarks for FX Roles (Melbourne 2026) The following table outlines the projected industry standard compensation for FX professionals in the Melbourne region for the 2026 calendar year: Role Seniority Experience Annual Salary Range (AUD) Junior FX TD 1–3 Years $75,000 – $95,000 Mid-Level FX TD 3–5 Years $95,000 – $125,000 Senior FX TD 5–10 Years $125,000 – $170,000 Lead FX TD / Supervisor 10+ Years $175,000 – $220,000+ Note: Salary offers are determined based on specific production experience, technical interview performance, and specialized knowledge of proprietary software. How to Express Interest We are actively planning our crew requirements for 2026. If you are passionate about the craft of FX and want to contribute to the next generation of Wētā FX projects, we want to see your work. Application Requirements: Showreel: A link to your latest reel demonstrating high-end feature film FX work. Breakdown: A clear document explaining your specific contributions to the shots in your reel (e.g., “created custom solver for…”, “handled all Pyro simulations…”). CV: Detailing your history with Linux-based pipelines and Houdini workflows. Wētā FX is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to provide a discrimination-free experience. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@wetafx.co.nz.