Lead Crowd Technical Director - ILM London

Job Summary:Position SummaryThe Lead Crowd TD is responsible for executing the creative and technical direction of a show, ensuring the vision of the VFX Supervisor is met with high-quality, efficient solutions. You will support, mentor and guide artists and solve production roadblocks. In conjunction with the Crowd Supervisor you will contribute to the evolution of crowd tools and workflows, while leading a sequence or a show.What You’ll Do:Lead and manage a team of crowd artists both technically and artistically ensuring the vision of the show supervisor is met, providing creative feedback at a shot and sequence levelLead the direction and development of shot templates and tools. Collaborating with other crowd artists to implement efficient solutions that enable the smooth running of the showGather, edit and maintain the show motion library to meet artistic and technical show requirements, while assisting with the planning and direction of motion capture shootsManage crowd agent setups for the show, collaborating with upstream departments to troubleshoot issues. Set up and maintain agent variation logic to effectively balance diversity and performanceManage show setup for small to medium showsMentor crowd artists on Houdini workflows and proprietary pipeline tools, while maintaining comprehensive technical documentationWork with Production and Artists to understand and assign tasks, meet the show deadlines and provide shot/sequence feedbackIdentify, troubleshoot and problem solve complex issues throughout the crowd pipelineCollaborate and communicate with R&D and Pipeline Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to problem solve issues around the crowd pipelineAttend relevant meetings on shots, sequences, and productionSupport with recruitment and staffing of the crowd teamWhat We’re Looking For:Proven strong experience working on high end VFX or animated feature film productions Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring roleExpert knowledge of Houdini for CrowdsExtensive understanding of crowd behaviour, including human crowds, swarming insects, combat choreography and animal behavioursStrong knowledge of cinematography and composition with a passion for storytellingHighly proficient at VEX and PythonProficiency with Linux including shell scriptingExceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic obstaclesExcellent leadership, communication and organizational skillsNice To Have:Experience with motion capture retargeting, motion editing, creature simulation including cloth and groomWorking familiarity with C/C++Closing date: 31st August 2026This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.JoinILM