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 hubs, and DNEG’s Sydney studio is at the heart of the Australian animation boom. By joining us, you get:

• Global Reach, Local Feel: Work on the world’s biggest movies while being part of a tight-knit, supportive local crew.

• Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to an equitable work environment where everyone feels they belong. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

• Career Growth: With 9,000 employees worldwide, the opportunities for cross-studio collaboration and career progression are unparalleled.

• The “Sydney Advantage”: Live and work in a world-class city known for its beauty, culture, and high quality of life.

Benefits

While specific packages are discussed during the offer stage, DNEG employees typically benefit from:

• Competitive salary packages and performance reviews.

• Access to cutting-edge proprietary tools and high-spec hardware.

• Regular social events and a culture that celebrates project milestones.

• A commitment to wellbeing, with support for adjustments during the application and onboarding process.

How to Apply

If you are ready to help us breathe life into enchanting worlds and iconic characters, we want to hear from you. Please submit your application including:

1. A Current CV: Detailing your experience in feature animation.

2. A Showreel: Highlight your best shot lighting and compositing work.

3. A Brief Cover Letter: Explain why you are passionate about the technical side of lighting.

DNEG Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We look forward to meeting you!