DNEG, a multi-award-winning global leader in visual effects and animation, is looking for a seasoned Senior Crowd Technical Director to join our expanding team in Sydney. This role is a cornerstone of our Performance department, bridging the gap between animation and environmental simulation to create the massive, lifelike populations that define modern cinematic spectacles.
As a Senior Crowd TD, you will be the architect of movement, responsible for populating some of the most anticipated feature films in the industry. Whether it is a surging army, a bustling futuristic metropolis, or complex creature migrations, your work will provide the scale and energy that brings a director’s vision to life.
Job Overview : Senior Crowd TD
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | DNEG (Double Negative) |
| Position Title | Senior Crowd TD (Technical Director) |
| Primary Location | Sydney, Australia (Pyrmont Studio) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Estimated Salary Range | $110,000 – $155,000 AUD (Commensurate with experience) + Superannuation |
| Workplace Policy | Hybrid (Min. 2 days in-office per week) |
| Department | Performance (Animation, Creature, and FX) |
| Core Software | Houdini, Maya, Massive, Golaem |
The Role: Engineering Massive Realities
The role of a Crowd TD at DNEG is both highly technical and deeply artistic. You are tasked with taking individual 3D assets—characters, creatures, and vehicles—and turning them into a cohesive, intelligent, and visually stunning collective.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Simulation & Vignettes: Produce complex crowd shots using a strategic mix of 2D sprites, pre-animated vignettes, and full 3D simulations.
- Asset Integration: Successfully gather and prepare 3D assets from the Build, Layout, and Animation departments to ensure they are simulation-ready.
- Look Development: Under the guidance of CG Crowd and DFX Supervisors, develop specific behaviors, movement styles, and visual looks that align with the film’s creative direction.
- Pipeline Innovation: Utilize DNEG’s custom tools and off-the-shelf software (primarily Houdini and Maya) to push the limits of crowd density and realism.
- Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical bottlenecks within the crowd pipeline, ensuring smooth data flow between departments.
Professional Requirements: Your Expertise
We are seeking a candidate who has “seen it all” in the world of high-end VFX. You should have a proven track record of delivering photorealistic results under the rigorous timelines of major studio productions.
Must-Have Qualifications
- Experience: A minimum of 6 years of CG animation experience within high-end live-action VFX feature films.
- Technical Proficiency: Expert-level understanding of Houdini crowd simulations or equivalent high-end crowd software.
- Artistic Vision: A keen eye for detail and timing, with a deep understanding of physical simulation and crowd dynamics.
- Proven Delivery: A portfolio showcasing successfully delivered crowd shots in a professional feature film environment.
- Adaptability: Familiarity with complex pipeline issues and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure.
- Resilience: The ability to balance extreme quality requirements with strict production deadlines.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Scripting: Programming skills in Python or Mel to automate repetitive tasks and extend toolsets.
- Software Versatility: Experience with Massive, Golaem, or custom proprietary crowd engines.
- Broad Knowledge: A generalist TD background or experience in FX/Creature FX.
- Systems: A strong understanding of Linux/Unix-based operating systems.
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About You: Collaboration & Culture
At DNEG, we believe the person is just as important as the portfolio. Our Sydney studio is a collaborative ecosystem where teamwork is the primary driver of success.
- The Self-Starter: You are organized, proactive, and able to manage your own shot load with minimal supervision.
- The Communicator: You are approachable, personable, and able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical leads.
- The Team Player: You value collective success over individual accolades and enjoy mentoring junior artists.
- The Problem Solver: You maintain a “can-do” attitude even when faced with significant technical challenges or changing creative directions.
- The Professional: You remain calm and focused during “crunch” periods and are committed to meeting every production milestone.
Workplace Flexibility & Location
In-Studio Connection: We believe that the magic of VFX is sparked by spontaneous collaboration. Our beautiful Sydney office is designed to foster this connection. While we offer flexibility, this role requires candidates to be available for in-person work at least two days per week.
Relocation & Rights: The ideal candidate must currently have the legal right to work in Australia. If you are not currently based in Sydney, relocation will be required to be eligible for this position. We are looking for artists who are excited to join the local creative community and thrive in a hybrid, collaborative setting.
Why DNEG?
Joining us means becoming part of a global legacy. With over 9,000 employees worldwide—from Los Angeles and London to Mumbai and Sydney—we are a truly global studio.
We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they belong. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you require any specific adjustments during the application process, our recruitment team is here to support you.
How to Apply
Ready to lead the crowd? Please submit your latest CV and a showreel that specifically highlights your crowd simulation work, including breakdowns of your technical contributions to each shot.