Website DNEG
About the Role
At DNEG, our Creature TDs (CFX Artists) are the backbone of creating believable movement and life in creatures, digital doubles, vehicles, and props. As part of our world-class Creature FX team, you will combine technical expertise with artistic creativity to design, develop, and maintain high-quality rigs and simulations for some of the most visually stunning films and shows in the industry.
You will collaborate closely with riggers, animators, and technical directors to ensure our creatures move naturally, interact with their environments realistically, and look spectacular on screen. From the subtle bounce of clothing to the dynamic flow of fur and hair — every detail matters, and your work will help define that magic.
This position is ideal for artists who love solving complex challenges and take pride in turning technical precision into emotional storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and maintain animation and simulation rigs for a wide variety of assets including creatures, digital doubles, props, and vehicles.
Create realistic and visually stunning cloth, hair, flesh, and muscle simulations that meet the demands of high-end production.
Collaborate across departments — rigging, animation, lighting, and compositing — to ensure seamless pipeline integration and efficient workflows.
Find technical and creative solutions that enhance performance, realism, and visual impact.
Troubleshoot and optimize rigs and simulations for speed, stability, and efficiency.
Contribute to internal tools, workflows, and rigging systems to support the team’s long-term efficiency.
Maintain consistent quality standards and ensure deliverables meet production deadlines.
Must-Have Skills
To succeed in this role, you’ll need a balance of strong technical knowledge and artistic understanding.
3+ years of professional experience in a feature film production environment.
Deep knowledge of at least one creature-related specialization (e.g., rigging, cloth, fur, or muscle systems).
Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Maya, including rigging, enveloping, and simulation workflows.
Solid understanding of creature setup, deformation, and pipeline dependencies.
Ability to handle technical problem-solving for complex assets and shot-based challenges.
Strong artistic eye — with an appreciation for anatomy, weight, motion, and detail.
Familiarity with production pipelines and VFX workflows in large-scale studios.
Nice-to-Have Skills
While not mandatory, the following skills and interests will make you stand out:
Programming or scripting knowledge (Python, MEL) to develop tools or automate repetitive tasks.
Interest in anatomy, tailoring, grooming, or mechanical design.
Hands-on experience with Houdini for creature setups and simulation systems.
Background as a Generalist TD, with strong cross-department technical understanding.
Experience in Linux/Unix environments and familiarity with system-level workflows.
Understanding of shot composition, visual continuity, and physics-based animation principles.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is both technically sharp and creatively driven — a professional who thrives in a team-oriented, problem-solving culture.
Organized, proactive, and self-motivated, with excellent attention to detail.
A team player who communicates clearly and collaborates effectively with artists and supervisors.
Adaptable and eager to learn, with an openness to new tools, technologies, and proprietary software.
Comfortable working under pressure and consistently meeting production goals.
Approaches challenges with a positive attitude and enjoys continuous improvement.
Additional Information
This is a unionized position, covered under a forthcoming collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE.
Once finalized, you will be required to join the union, gaining access to all union benefits and terms under the agreement.
Union dues will apply when the collective agreement becomes active.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps, but all applicants will be added to our talent pool for future opportunities.
About DNEG
DNEG (Double Negative) is one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation studios, known for producing groundbreaking, award-winning content across feature films, episodic series, and multiplatform media. Our global presence spans over 9,000 employees in studios across:
🌍 North America – Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver
🇪🇺 Europe – London
🌏 Asia – Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai
🇦🇺 Australia – Sydney
Our work has earned us multiple Academy Awards®, BAFTAs, and VES Awards, and our legacy includes collaborations on some of the biggest titles in cinema history.
At DNEG, we strongly believe that diversity drives creativity. We’re committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive — regardless of background, identity, or experience. We value different perspectives and encourage voices from all walks of life to contribute to our shared vision.
We also recognize that everyone’s needs are unique. If you require reasonable accommodations or support during the hiring process, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to help.
✨ Join DNEG and help us bring imagination to life.
As a CFX Artist, you’ll be part of a world-class team pushing the boundaries of realism, creativity, and innovation in every frame we produce.
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