Lead Modeller

Job Description

Our Melbourne studio is looking for a Lead Modeller who is able to impactfully lead a team and provide expertise on character and creature modelling.

Modellers are responsible for the production of highly accurate and efficient CG models for use in high-end visual effects films. Modellers will work from reference, which may include photographs, scan data, blueprints and/or concept designs. Modellers work closely with creative departments (Texture/ Environments/Rigging/CFX/FX etc) in order to produce models that meet the specific requirements of the VFX pipeline.

The Lead Modeller will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities;
• Lead a team of artists on a show
• Have a good understanding of key assets on a show, and the potential creative and technical challenges involved
• Manage and spec team assignments
• Work with HOD and Supervisors on bids
• Where necessary take responsibility for producing models from hero to smaller assets
• Establish workflow templates, and approach and methods documentation and provide to the team where necessary
• Ensure that department tools are available for the team and set up properly for the show
• Act as the key contact for production and supervisors ensuring clear communication as to creative challenges and solutions and delays to scheduling
• Maintain a good relationship with all other departments and address any issues promptly
• Train, share knowledge and is responsible for the progression of more junior members of the team
• Provide regular feedback to your artists and ensure quality control for the work produced by your team
• Attend dailies and present the work of your team, guide artists on how to present their own work
• Advise HOD of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
• Report any specific show issues that affect modelling to HOD and DM e.g. crewing issues, conflict resolution.
• Set a high level of professionalism for the team, displaying calmness, integrity and positivity
• Ensure the show wiki is relevant and up to date especially after wrapping

Essential Skills:
• Relevant working experience of 8 years and above in high end VFX projects in a global studio with a focus on creature and character modelling
• Experience providing leadership to a team
• A good working knowledge of Maya
• Creative, resourceful and with strong spatial awareness
• Very strong polygonal subdivision modelling skills
• Efficient with layout of UVs and awareness of texture requirements
• Able to interpret and follow reference material to create clean, highly detailed and accurate models
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to organise own workflow in a meticulous manner
• Able to work well within a team

Desirable Skills:
• Is able to script in Python
• Has cross department skills e.g. Texture, lighting etc.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rn2e95-18-118-226-117-42 in your application.