Organic Modeller (Facial)
Description
DNEG is looking for an Organic Modeller specializing in Facial Modelling for a 4-month contract. Organic Modellers at DNEG use a wide range of reference materials and work very closely with texture artists, shader artists, and look development artists to create a range of digital assets of impeccable standard for world-class VFX films. You will also work closely with the rigging team to produce models which will support their workflow requirements to aid the smooth running of the production.
Key Responsibilities
- Create highly detailed and realistic organic 3D models using industry-standard software (e.g., Maya, ZBrush, etc.).
- Translate conceptual sketches, reference materials, and art direction into visually stunning and accurate 3D models.
- Ensure that models align with artistic and technical specifications, optimising for performance and visual appeal.
- Collaborate closely with the Supervisors and other team members to iterate and refine models based on feedback and creative direction.
- Maintain a strong understanding of anatomy, form, and proportions to achieve authentic and aesthetically pleasing organic models.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and new techniques to continuously improve the quality of organic modelling within the team.
- Assist in the creation and implementation of textures, shaders, and materials to enhance the realism of the models.
- Contribute to brainstorming sessions and provide creative input to the overall design and development process.
About you
- Meticulous with high attention to detail
- A team player and clear communicator, and a keenness for collaboration
- Adaptable and with a willingness to learn new skills and techniques – including proprietary software
- Resourceful
- Calm under pressure and committed to meet production deadlines
- A positive, can-do attitude
- A passion for awesome creatures and real-world anatomy
Must Haves
- Strong spatial awareness and a good sense of form, scale, anatomy, likeness and proportion
- A very keen eye for detail
- A full working knowledge of modelling in any one or more of these packages: Maya, Houdini
- Ability to work with packages such as Mudbox or Z-brush
- Experience with Wrap4D
- Knowledge of Polygon and sub-division surface modelling
- Ability to deliver a "clean" model with tidy polygon/sub-d placement and good basic UV layout for texturing
- Understanding of when to model detail or have the detail added through the shading, by liaising with the shader writers and look development artists
- Strong demonstrated understanding of facial anatomy facial muscles and their function
- Understanding of Facial Action Coding System (FACS), Visemes, Phonemes blendshape methodology
- Strong understanding of topology edge flow landmarks and how it relates to wrinkles on the face.
- Experience working with 3D scan data
- An understanding on how to extract key face shape information from an expression and incorporate it into a character’s facial rig
- Experience shot modelling in a feature film environment
- Work closely with the riggers in the case of character models to ensure models work smoothly within the rigging pipeline as well as the facial modelling pipeline.
Nice to Have
- A good knowledge of Linux
- Familiarity with Windows
- Experience in other areas of visual effects (TV, Games) will also be taken into account
- Knowledge of NURBS modelling
- At least 5 year of VFX experience modelling photorealistic characters for live action feature films or high end TV
- Ability to script in Python
- Experience Knowledge of Facial Capture, MetaHuman, and other facial capturing tools a plus
Please note that this is a unionized position and will be covered by a collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE, in the coming months. As a unionized employee, you will be required to join the union and will benefit from the conditions set out in the collective agreement. Union dues will be required once the collective agreement is in place.
The base salary range for this full-time position is $92,000 to $138,000. DNEG salary ranges are determined by function, department, level and location. An individual's pay within a given range is determined by their transferrable or job-related skills and work experience. Salary ranges are modified from time to time based on external market data collected through our third-party surveys.
About Us
We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award-winning feature film,
television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people
with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles,
Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali,
Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney).