DNEG SYDNEY Australia is expanding its world-class animation team to meet the demands of an incredible slate of upcoming feature films. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and artistic Lighting TD to join our Shot Finishing department. This role is a cornerstone of our production pipeline, sitting at the intersection of Environment Generalist workflows, Lighting, and Compositing.
By joining DNEG SYDNEY Australia, you will be part of a studio that has brought to life iconic projects such as The Garfield Movie, Nimona, and Entergalactic. Our current production slate includes high-profile titles like The Angry Birds Movie 3, The Cat in the Hat, and Bad Fairies. At DNEG SYDNEY Australia, we don’t have a “house style”—we have a “quality style,” and we empower our artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in stylized and realistic animation.
Executive Summary & Role Metrics at DNEG SYDNEY Australia
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | DNEG Animation |
| Primary Keyword | DNEG SYDNEY Australia |
| Job Title | Lighting TD (Technical Director) |
| Department | Shot Finishing (Lighting & Comp) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time / Contract |
| Location | Sydney, NSW, Australia |
| Estimated Salary | $105,000 – $145,000 AUD (Based on experience) |
| Core Software | Katana, RenderMan, Nuke |
| Work Model | Hybrid / On-Site |
DNEG Animation is a global powerhouse fueled by the passion of our crew. We thrive on diverse styles, from complex graphic novel adaptations to beautifully stylized films. When you join DNEG SYDNEY Australia, you are joining a collaborative community where every role plays a vital part in the success of our shows. We believe in the power of visual storytelling and are dedicated to breathing life into unforgettable characters and enchanting worlds.
Detailed Job Description: The Mission
The Lighting TD at DNEG SYDNEY Australia is responsible for the final “look” of the film. You are the digital cinematographer, using light and shadow to set the mood, direct the viewer’s eye, and ensure narrative continuity across entire sequences.
1. Artistic Mood & Look Development
Working under the direction of the Lighting Supervisor and Art Director, you will:
- Set the Scene: Interpret creative briefs to establish lighting that supports the emotional tone of the sequence.
- Continuity: Ensure that lighting remains consistent across multiple shots within a scene, maintaining the “visual logic” of the world.
- Shot Finishing: Take shots from the initial lighting setup all the way through to final compositing and delivery.
2. Technical Problem Solving & Optimization
In a modern feature animation pipeline, beauty must be balanced with efficiency. At DNEG SYDNEY Australia, our Lighting TDs are technical leaders who:
- Troubleshoot Renders: Diagnose and resolve complex issues such as render noise, flickering, and sampling artifacts in path-tracing renderers.
- Efficiency: Optimize render times and memory usage to ensure the project stays within its technical budget.
- Tool Development: Maintain and improve tools, scripts, and workflows to automate repetitive tasks and enhance the department’s overall productivity.
3. Workflow & Pipeline Integration
The Lighting TD acts as a bridge between several departments. You will:
- Collaborate with LookDev: Ensure that shaders and textures react correctly to the lighting rigs.
- Liaise with FX: Integrate complex effects (fire, smoke, magic) into the lit environment seamlessly.
- Rendering Optimization: Manage Render Passes and AOVs (Arbitrary Output Variables) to provide Compositors with the control they need for the final polish.
Candidate Requirements: What You’ll Bring
To maintain the high standards of DNEG SYDNEY Australia, we look for artists who possess a rare blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and a sophisticated artistic eye.
The “Must-Haves”
- High-End Experience: Previous professional experience in a similar Lighting TD role within feature animation or high-end VFX.
- Software Mastery: Strong knowledge of node-based lighting and compositing tools. You must be comfortable working within a modern path-trace rendering environment.
- Sequence Lighting: Demonstrated ability to manage sequence-based lighting workflows rather than just individual “hero” shots.
- Artistic Grasp: A deep understanding of the principles of light, color, composition, and cinematography.
- Pipeline Awareness: Familiarity with the complexities of a feature-length animation pipeline and common technical bottlenecks.
The “Nice-to-Haves”
- Studio Software: Professional proficiency in Katana, RenderMan, and Nuke is highly desirable and will prioritize your application at DNEG SYDNEY Australia.
- Advanced Portfolio: A showreel that specifically highlights your work in feature animation, showcasing a range of styles and lighting conditions.
Why Choose DNEG SYDNEY Australia?
Sydney has rapidly become one of the world’s most significant hubs for digital artistry. Joining DNEG SYDNEY Australia offers unique advantages:
- Global Impact: Your work will be seen by millions of people in theaters and on streaming platforms worldwide.
- Innovation: We utilize cutting-edge technology and are constantly furthering the art of animation through internal R&D.
- Diversity & Inclusion: We fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is vital to our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable work environment where everyone feels they matter and belong.
- Lifestyle: Sydney offers a spectacular quality of life, with iconic landmarks, a thriving creative community, and a balance between professional ambition and personal well-being.
The Application Process
If you are a storyteller at heart with a passion for the technical craft of lighting, DNEG SYDNEY Australia wants to hear from you.
Submission Guidelines:
1. Resume/CV: Detail your specific experience with path-tracing renderers and node-based tools.
2. Showreel: Provide a link to your latest work. Please include a breakdown describing your specific contributions to each shot (e.g., “Responsible for lighting and compositing from scratch,” or “Optimized render passes for FX integration”).
3. Cover Letter: Tell us why you are passionate about the specific projects currently in production at DNEG Animation.
At DNEG SYDNEY Australia, we welcome applications from all, regardless of background, experience, or disability. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know at our recruitment contact, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
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