Lighting (Katana)

Lighting artists are responsible for the lighting and rendering of elements required to complete visual effects shots for high-end photo-realistic VFX films. Working closely with CG Supervisors/Leads, TD’s to determine best approaches to solve technical challenges and develop final look. Lighting artists also work closely with compositors to finish selected shots so that computer generated elements are seamlessly integrated with live-action plates.
Responsibilities:

• CG scene assembly including the correct assets from applicable departments

• Lighting shots as briefed by the Visual Effects/CG Supervisor

• Working closely with CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look

• Developing shots in collaboration with the shot Compositor

• Rendering non-lighting passes as required by the shot Compositor

• Creating lighting set ups and/or working with current set ups

• Scrutinising the colours and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene and replicating them in CG

• Staying on schedule and meeting set deadlines while maintaining the highest levels of quality

• Ongoing communication with Production and leads regarding schedules and deadlines

• Other duties as required including wrangling assets or elements of a shot from another department to ensure shots are completed to schedule.

• 5+ years of live action lighting experience.

• Clear understanding of color space, image-based lighting, shading, and advanced rendering methodologies.

• A good knowledge of Nuke or similar compositing package

• Able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining high quality results

• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to work within a pre-set workflow or pipeline but also have the creativity and problem solving skills to work around issues

• A thorough knowledge of Maya

• Extensive knowledge of either Renderman, Arnold or similar production renderer

• Basic knowledge of physically plausible shading techniques

• A strong understanding of V-Ray, Arnold, Redshift and Renderman, Zbrush, Katana, Unreal engine

• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills

• Creative problem solving and attention to detail

• Familiarity with film production & computer graphics.

• Good working knowledge of art, design and film lighting, as well as a solid technical grounding in renderers.

• Ability to learn quickly and assimilate new information.

This is a contract position, subject to renewal based on business requirements.

Candidate will be required to work from office.