Job Overview

• Company Name – DNEG
• Job Title – Facial Modeller
• Location – London, United Kingdom
• Job Type – Full-Time / Permanent
• Salary Range – Competitive (Estimated £50,000 – £85,000 based on London Senior VFX
• SSoftware Focus – Maya, Z-Brush/Mudbox, Proprietary DNEG Tools
• Department – Build / Creature & Character

DNEG, one of the world’s most iconic and Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation studios, is currently seeking a highly skilled Facial Modeller to join our premier Build team in London.

When searching for DNEG VFX JOBS, you aren’t just looking for a technical role; you are looking for a seat at the table of cinematic history. DNEG has been a foundational force behind some of the most visually stunning films of the 21st century, from the mind-bending landscapes of Inception and Interstellar to the intricate character work in Dune and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a Facial Modeller here, you will be at the absolute tip of the spear in digital human technology, crafting the emotional cores of the world’s most famous characters.

The Vision: Why DNEG VFX JOBS Represent the Peak of the Industry

At DNEG, we believe that the face is the most complex landscape in visual effects. It is where the audience connects with the story, and where the “Uncanny Valley” is either conquered or succumbed to. Our Facial Modellers focus on creating highly accurate digital likenesses and expressive facial asset systems that don’t just “look” real—they “feel” real.

By choosing DNEG VFX JOBS, you join a global network of over 9,000 professionals across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. You will work within a pipeline that delivers hero-quality assets designed to hold up in extreme close-ups on IMAX screens, within LED volumes (Virtual Production), and across next-generation real-time workflows.

Key Responsibilities & Artistic Impact

1. Digital Likeness & FACS Mastery

Your primary objective is the creation of photorealistic digital humans. This involves:

• Neutral & Expressive Sculpting: Crafting a perfect “neutral” likeness of an actor and then meticulously building out the FACS (Facial Action Coding System) library.
• Anatomy of Emotion: Applying a deep understanding of facial anatomy, muscle systems, and skin sliding to ensure that every expression—from a subtle smirk to a guttural scream—is mechanically and artistically accurate.
• Topology for Performance: Producing clean, animation-friendly topology that allows Riggers and Animators to achieve the nuances of human performance without technical artifacts.

2. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

A Facial Modeller at DNEG is a central node in the character pipeline:

• Texture & Look-Dev: Ensuring that model details (pores, wrinkles, fine folds) translate perfectly into displacement maps, shaders, and complex material look-development.
• Rigging & Tech Anim: Working closely with the rigging team to ensure the underlying geometry supports the complex deformation required for “Hero” characters.
• Real-Time Integration: Adapting assets for next-gen workflows, ensuring that high-resolution film assets can be effectively utilized in Unreal Engine or proprietary real-time review tools.

3. Precision & Iteration

• Detail Orientation: You must have a “very keen eye” for micro-details, understanding how bone structure influences the silhouette and how light interacts with skin folds.
• Feedback Loops: The ability to objectively assess your own work against reference photography or scan data and iterate rapidly based on Art Direction and VFX Supervisor feedback.

Requirements: What We’re Looking For

To stand out among the applicants for DNEG VFX JOBS, you must demonstrate a rare blend of classical artistic sensibility and high-end technical proficiency.

Essential “Must Haves”

• Proven Likeness Skill: A portfolio or reel that demonstrates an undeniable ability to recreate specific human faces in 3D.
• Technical Software Mastery: Expert knowledge of Maya (Polygon and Sub-D modelling) and a professional working knowledge of Z-Brush or Mudbox.
• Anatomical Expertise: A profound understanding of the human skull, musculature, and the mechanics of facial expressions.
• UV & Pipeline Efficiency: The ability to create efficient UV layouts and clean topology that meets the rigorous standards of a high-end VFX pipeline.
• Spatial Awareness: A refined sense of proportion, form, and silhouette that allows you to work from limited reference material if necessary.

The “Nice to Haves” (The DNEG Advantage)

• High-End Experience: 4+ years in high-end VFX, Television, or AAA Gaming.
• Technical Versatility: Familiarity with Linux, NURBS modelling, and wrap-based workflows (e.g., R3DS Wrap).
• Cutting Edge Tech: Experience with photogrammetry, facial scanning, or machine-learning-driven facial pipelines.
• Real-Time Knowledge: Understanding of Unreal Engine or Unity for asset review and implementation.
• Creature Passion: A secondary passion for creature anatomy and experience producing hero-quality assets for non-human characters.

About You: The DNEG Professional

We aren’t just looking for a modeller; we are looking for a “DNEG Person.” This means you are:

• Meticulous & Observant: You notice the things others miss—the slight asymmetry of a lip, the way a wrinkle bunches near the eye.
• Collaborative: You thrive in a team environment and understand that the best results come from open communication and shared goals.
• Adaptable: The VFX industry moves at lightning speed. You are eager to learn our proprietary in-house tools and adapt to new techniques.
• Calm & Proactive: You can handle the pressure of tight production deadlines with a solution-focused mindset and excellent time-management skills.

Why Choose DNEG VFX JOBS in London?

The London studio is the historic heart of DNEG. Located in one of the world’s primary film hubs, our London office offers:

• A Global Community: Work alongside 9,000+ colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

• Inclusion & Belonging: We fundamentally believe that embracing differences is vital to our success. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment.

• Career Growth: At DNEG, we provide the tools and the projects that allow you to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital art.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific packages are tailored to the individual’s experience level, DNEG offers:

• Competitive Salary: Reflective of your status as a high-end VFX professional in the London market.
• Global Opportunities: The potential to collaborate with or move between our worldwide studios.
• Cutting-Edge Environment: Access to the best hardware, proprietary software, and a massive library of scan data and references.
• Health & Support: Comprehensive support systems for employees, including adjustments during the application process for those who need them.

How to Apply for DNEG VFX JOBS

If you have a passion for human anatomy and the technical drive to create the world’s most realistic digital humans, we want to see your work.

Application Requirements:

1. A current CV highlighting your experience with hero facial assets.
2. A breakdown of your specific contributions to the projects in your reel.
3. A demo reel that clearly showcases likeness accuracy, FACS expressions, and wireframe topology.

Join DNEG in London and help us shape the future of visual storytelling.