Are you a visionary artist with a knack for technical problem-solving and a passion for cinematic lighting? philm cgi is looking for a VFX Lighting Lead to join our powerhouse team in Pune. This is a pivotal role where you will bridge the gap between technical execution and artistic vision, guiding a talented team of Lighting Technical Directors (TDs) to deliver world-class visuals for major global film and animated projects.

At philm cgi, the Lighting Lead isn’t just managing renders; you are sculpting with light. You will work closely with our VFX Supervisors and Pipeline Developers to establish the visual language of our projects, ensuring that every frame reflects the highest standards of realism, mood, and artistry that our studio is known for.

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The Role: Impact and Vision

As a Lighting Lead at philm cgi, your influence extends across the entire production pipeline. You are responsible for the aesthetic consistency of a sequence, ensuring that light interacts naturally with assets, environments, and characters. You serve as the vital link between the raw CG assets and the final composited image.

Core Responsibilities

• Artistic Leadership: You will oversee the quality and artistic direction of lighting, working in lockstep with the VFX Supervisor. This involves interpreting concept art and director notes to create a cohesive “look” for the project.
• Pipeline Development: Collaborate with our pipeline developers to streamline the lighting workflow. You will identify bottlenecks in the rendering process and implement solutions that allow the team to work more efficiently without sacrificing quality.
• Sequence Continuity: One of your most critical tasks is tracking lighting continuity across entire sequences. You ensure that light sources, intensity, and color temperature remain consistent from shot to shot, preventing jarring visual breaks for the audience.
• Shot Execution & Delivery: You are responsible for delivering the final shots to production. This includes a rigorous technical check to ensure that all layers, passes, and AOVs (Arbitrary Output Variables) are correct before moving to the final grade.
• Team Mentorship: You will lead daily one-on-one rounds with your team, providing constructive feedback and coaching Lighting TDs. Your goal is to foster a culture of excellence and continuous learning within the lighting department.
• Technical Implementation: You will implement generic lighting and compositing templates (Master Lighting) that help the team jump-start their shots, ensuring a unified creative direction from day one.

Required Technical Competencies

We are seeking a candidate who balances high-level artistic intuition with deep technical knowledge of the CG environment.

1. Scene Management: You must have a proven ability to plan and execute complex lighting scenes. This includes managing heavy datasets, working with sophisticated layer structures, and optimizing scenes to ensure render times remain manageable and predictable.
2. Color Science & Theory: A deep understanding of color theory, composition, and the physics of light is non-negotiable. You should understand how light behaves in the real world (inverse square law, bounce light, global illumination) and how to replicate it digitally.
3. Software Proficiency:
   • Maya & Arnold: Expert-level knowledge of Maya for scene assembly and Arnold for high-end production rendering.
   • Nuke: Strong skills in “Lightcomping”—the ability to assemble temp comps of lighting passes to prove the look before it goes to the Compositing department.
4. Problem Solving: The ability to troubleshoot complex render errors or pipeline glitches under tight deadlines is essential to keep the production moving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Photography Background: Candidates who understand real-world camera mechanics—Aperture, Depth of Field (DoF), Field of View (FOV), Exposure, and Dynamic Range—will be highly prioritized.
• Real-Time & Modern Workflows: Experience with Redshift or Unreal Engine for cinematics or real-time rendering is a significant plus as we continue to evolve our studio’s tech stack.
• Industry Tenure: 5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a high-end VFX or Animation studio, specifically working on feature films or premium episodic content.

Soft Skills & Management Style

Leadership at philm cgi requires more than just technical skill; it requires emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.

• Strategic Planning: You should be able to look at a production schedule, identify high-complexity shots early, and allocate resources effectively to hit milestones.
• Communication: You must be able to articulate complex artistic feedback to your team and translate technical requirements to the software/pipeline departments.
• Collaboration: As a member of the supervising team, you will participate in design solutions and efficiency improvements that benefit the entire studio’s output.

Why Join philm cgi in Pune?

philm cgi is a powerhouse of creativity with a footprint in both India and Dubai. We are a studio that values the artist’s voice and provides a platform to work on some of the most exciting projects in the animation and VFX industry today.

• Creative Growth: We push the boundaries of visual storytelling, giving you the chance to lead on diverse and challenging content.
• Vibrant Culture: Join a community of over 500+ artists who are passionate about their craft.
• Strategic Location: Our Pune studio is located in one of India’s most dynamic IT and creative hubs, offering a great quality of life and a supportive professional network.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take the lead on breathtaking visuals, we want to hear from you. Please submit your application including:

1. Current Showreel: A link to your latest work.
2. Shot Breakdown: A detailed list explaining your specific contribution to the shots in your reel (specifically where you acted as a Lead or Senior).
3. Resume: Highlighting your experience with large-team management.

About philm cgi: We are an award-winning animation and VFX studio dedicated to producing high-quality content for films, television, and digital platforms. From pre-visualization to final render, we pride ourselves on excellence at every stage of the pipeline.