Step into a world where technology meets artistry at philm CGI. With over a decade of excellence and a footprint spanning Pune, Mumbai, and Thrissur, philm CGI has established itself as a premier animation and VFX powerhouse. We have contributed to major international and domestic hits, from gritty OTT dramas to expansive animated features. We are currently seeking a visionary VFX Lighting Lead to join our Pune studio—a leader who can command the light and shadow that define our cinematic stories.

At philm CGI, we value leadership that balances technical optimization with high-level artistic supervision.

As the Lighting Lead at philm CGI, you are the architect of the final visual mood. You will collaborate closely with VFX Supervisors and pipeline developers to ensure that the vision for each project is executed with both beauty and efficiency. Your day-to-day involves guiding a talented team of Lighting TDs, troubleshooting complex render layers, and ensuring that every frame meets our high standard of “invisible” and spectacular VFX.

Primary Responsibilities

• Artistic Leadership: Provide high-level artistic supervision for all lighting tasks, ensuring shots align perfectly with the VFX Supervisor’s creative goals.
• Look Development: Implement core lighting and compositing templates to establish the “visual DNA” of a project, creating a roadmap for the rest of the team.
• Technical Quality Assurance: Perform final technical checks on shots before delivery, ensuring 100% render stability and visual continuity across sequences.
• Mentorship & Growth: Conduct daily one-on-one rounds with your team. You will coach Lighting TDs, provide actionable feedback, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Strategic Planning: Participate as a core member of the supervising team to determine design solutions, optimize render pipelines, and improve overall sequence efficiency.

We are looking for a veteran who can navigate the complexities of modern lighting pipelines with ease.

• Expert Scene Execution: Proven ability to plan and execute complex lighting scenes, including sophisticated management of layers, passes, and render optimization.
• Software Mastery: Deep proficiency in Maya and Arnold is essential. Familiarity with Nuke, Redshift, and Unreal Engine (for real-time workflows) is highly valued.
• Foundational Artistry: Advanced knowledge of color theory, composition, aesthetics, and the physical properties of light/shadow.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to translate technical requirements into artistic notes for both your team and project stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: A methodical approach to troubleshooting render errors and pipeline bottlenecks.

• The Photographer’s Eye: Experience in practical photography (understanding depth of field, FOV, aperture, and exposure) is a significant advantage.
• Proven Track Record: At least 5 years of experience in a Lead capacity on major VFX feature films, high-end OTT series, or animated projects.

In 2026, the lighting department is the bridge between traditional filmmaking and the future of real-time production. At philm CGI, we are staying ahead of the curve:

• Real-Time Integration: We are increasingly incorporating Unreal Engine into our lighting workflows to provide faster iterations and high-fidelity pre-visualization.
• Diversity in Tech: We believe that diverse perspectives fuel better storytelling. In 2026, research shows that inclusive leadership teams are 30% more likely to pioneer innovative technical solutions. philm CGI is committed to fostering a workplace where all artists, regardless of background, can lead and thrive.
• Efficiency & Optimization: Modern rendering in 2026 is about “smarter, not harder.” We prioritize Leads who can optimize scenes to reduce render farm loads, a practice that improves both our turnaround times and our environmental footprint.
• Global Hub: Pune has solidified its status as a global VFX hub. Joining philm CGI means working in a city that is at the heart of India’s creative technology revolution.

1. A Legacy of Quality: Work for a studio known for its commitment to artistic integrity and technical excellence.
2. Cutting-Edge Tools: Gain access to a high-end pipeline designed for speed and creative freedom.
3. Collaborative Spirit: We operate as a team. Your voice will be heard in supervisors’ meetings, and your expertise will shape the final look of our biggest projects.
4. Mentorship Role: Lead a dedicated group of artists and help define the lighting standards for one of India’s most respected studios.

Are you ready to illuminate the next great cinematic masterpiece with philm CGI? Submit your reel and CV today.