The Lead FX Artist is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical direction of all FX work on a project. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality visual effects that align with the artistic vision, production requirements, and pipeline standards. The Lead FX Artist works closely with Directors, CG Supervisors, Producers, and other Department Leads, while guiding and mentoring the FX team throughout production.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Directors, CG Supervisor, and Producers to define, plan, and deliver FX requirements for the project.
- Lead, mentor, and support the FX team, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and artistic standards.
- Define FX approaches, workflows, and technical solutions in collaboration with Animation, Modelling, Look Dev, Lighting, and Compositing departments.
- Design, review, and approve high-quality FX including water, fire, smoke, explosions, clouds, debris, magical effects, and other simulations.
- Oversee FX pipeline development and optimization in collaboration with TDs and Pipeline teams.
- Work with Rigging teams on character-related FX such as cloth, hair, and character simulations when required.
- Anticipate production challenges and proactively propose solutions within time and budget constraints.
Requirements:
- Minimum 7+ years of experience in Film, Animation, or VFX, with proven experience in a senior or lead FX role.
- Strong understanding of FX principles, production pipelines, and cross-department workflows.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
- Strong artistic eye with solid understanding of light, colour, contrast, shading, and visual storytelling through FX.
- In-depth knowledge of FX simulations including fluids, cloth, fur, hair, and procedural effects.
- Advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Houdini, Unreal Engine, Maya, Bifrost, or equivalent.
- Knowledge of scripting and coding languages (e.g. Python, VEX, HScript, MEL, C++) is an advantage.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
