Website DNEG
DNEG, one of the world’s most prestigious and decorated visual effects and animation studios, is currently seeking a highly skilled Senior Crowd TD (Technical Director) to join our state-of-the-art Sydney studio. With a global legacy of Academy Award-winning storytelling, DNEG is the home of cinematic innovation. From the sprawling battlefields of historical epics to the bustling futuristic metropolises of sci-fi blockbusters, our Crowd department is responsible for breathing life, scale, and realism into the most complex sequences in modern film.
In this role, you will be at the forefront of “Performance” (Animation, Creature, and FX), utilizing cutting-edge simulation techniques to create photorealistic, high-density character sequences that define the visual landscape of high-end live-action feature films.
Crowd TD Job Overview
- Company Name: DNEG
- Vacancy Name: Senior Crowd Technical Director (TD)
- Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on seniority & experience)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Department: Performance (Animation, Creature, and FX)
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office)
- Relocation: Required for non-Sydney residents
- Eligibility: Must have the legal right to work in Australia 🇦🇺
The Role: Engineering Life at Scale
The Senior Crowd TD (Technical Director) is a specialized architect of digital life. You are responsible for producing complex crowd shots using a sophisticated blend of sprites, vignettes, and dynamic simulation techniques. Working under the guidance of the CG Crowd Supervisor and DFX Supervisors, you will bridge the gap between technical simulation and artistic performance.
Your mission is to deliver simulations that aren’t just technically sound, but emotionally resonant. You will gather a diverse array of 3D assets from our Build, Layout, and Animation departments, synthesizing them into a cohesive, photorealistic whole. Whether it is a thousand soldiers charging a castle or a thousand citizens navigating a city street, your work ensures that every “agent” in the crowd behaves with the weight, timing, and nuance expected of a DNEG production.
Detailed Key Responsibilities
1. Simulation & Technical Execution
Shot Production: Build and manage complex crowd simulations using Houdini and Maya, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with live-action plates and environment assets.
Pipeline Integration: Utilize and contribute to DNEG’s proprietary toolsets and custom pipeline workflows to streamline the transition of assets from animation to final render.
Problem Solving: Identify and resolve complex technical hurdles within the crowd pipeline, from agent logic and brain-building to geometry caching and rendering optimizations.
2. Creative & Artistic Direction
Aesthetic Alignment: Work closely with the VFX Supervisor and Director to ensure the “look and feel” of the crowd matches the creative vision of the film.
Sense of Timing: Apply a deep understanding of physical animation and cinematography to ensure crowd movement feels organic, avoiding the “robotic” pitfalls of automated simulation.
Visual Polish: Ensure that variety, costume randomization, and behavioral logic are meticulously managed to maintain photorealism even under the scrutiny of high-resolution film formats.
3. Collaboration & Mentorship
Departmental Synergy: Act as a central hub between the Animation department (who provide the performances) and the Lighting/FX departments (who integrate the final results).
Leadership: Provide technical guidance to mid-level and junior TDs, fostering a culture of technical excellence and creative curiosity within the Sydney team.
Time Management: Balance the pursuit of visual perfection with the rigorous deadlines of a high-pressure feature film production schedule.
Comprehensive Requirements
To thrive in the DNEG environment, you must possess a rare blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and an artist’s eye for movement.
Must-Have Qualifications
Professional Pedigree: Minimum of 6+ years of CG animation experience specifically within high-end live-action VFX feature films.
Software Mastery: Expert-level understanding of Houdini crowd simulation or equivalent industry-standard software.
Physical Simulation Knowledge: A thorough grasp of the technologies relating to physical simulation in computer graphics, including cloth, hair, and rigid bodies.
Residency: You must currently have the right to work in Australia and be willing to relocate to Sydney if not already local.
Technical “Nice to Haves”
Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python or MEL to write scripts that automate tasks or extend tool functionality.
Software Versatility: Experience with Massive, and a strong understanding of Linux/Unix based operating systems.
Generalist Background: A broad TD background or experience in other areas of VFX (TV, Games) provides a valuable perspective on the overall pipeline.
Personal Attributes
The “DNEG Attitude”: You are a pro-active self-starter who remains calm under pressure.
Communication: You can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical departments clearly and concisely.
Adaptability: You possess a genuine willingness to learn and master proprietary software and evolving techniques.
Why DNEG Sydney?
DNEG is a global powerhouse of 9,000+ creators. Our Sydney office is a vibrant, collaborative hub located in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We believe that the best work happens through connection, which is why we value our hybrid model—giving you the flexibility of remote work with the creative spark of in-person collaboration.
At DNEG, we believe that embracing our differences is vital to our success. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment where every artist feels they belong.
Application Instructions
Ready to shape the future of film? Please submit your updated CV, a showreel demonstrating your best crowd work (ideally with a breakdown of your technical contributions), and details regarding your current right-to-work status in Australi
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