Remote BC - Environment Artist (Houdini) - Stop Motion VFX Project

Environment Artist

All applicants must be residents of British Columbia, Canada.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada ie. Citizen, PR, Open Work Permit.

At this time, we’re pleased to offer this role as an option to work from home OR work from our Vancouver studio in the beautiful Gastown area, close to the Waterfront Station in Downtown. (Remote is not available outside of BC; there is no hybrid)

About Zoic 
Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.   

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team!  

Why Join Zoic? 

• We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio. 
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques. 
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry. 
• We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds. 

We are excited to share an incredible stop-motion animated feature project that promises creativity, collaboration, and a fantastic chance to showcase your skills! 

Summary of Position
The CG Environment Artist constructs CG environments that are cohesive with the film's look and blend with other elements from plate photography. The CG Environment Artist will collaborate closely with the Lead CG Environment Artist and Sr CG Environment Artists to build environments that are both visually compelling and integral to the storytelling process.

Job Functions

• Create complex photorealistic CG environments with an emphasis on matching the look of realistic practical assets while working within the production schedule and meeting established deadlines while monitoring ShotGrid for assignments.
• Generate 2D and 3D backgrounds, layouts, and CG environments. to establish a cohesive digital world for stop motion animated films.
• Obtain a level of realism based on the art direction of the project.
• Assemble environment assets in Houdini for use in downstream departments.
• Use in-house Houdini scattering tools, grass and ivy systems, and tree and shrub tools to build highly designed and photorealistic landscapes matching sets and elements shot on practical stages.
• Contribute to the development of visual ideas that enhance the story through collaboration.
• Incorporate environments into shot designs.
• Participate in review sessions on a consistent basis.

Qualifications 

• 3-5 years' experience designing CG environments and backgrounds for photorealistic feature films and television.
• Excellent sense of color, lighting, texture, perspective, and composition.
• Strong understanding of geography and landscape.
• Strong aesthetic sense and ability to interpret the unique 'style' of the film into 3D designs.
• Advanced Houdini experience in environment creation, specifically heightfield and scatter tools.
• Experience working in a USD pipeline.
• Working knowledge of 3D software in a production environment (e.g., Zbrush, Mari, Maya, Blender).
• Knowledge of Katana, RenderMan, Unreal, Photoshop, and Nuke, a plus.
• Ability to take direction and work both collaboratively and independently as a problem-solver.
• Deadline driven; able to multi-task, adapt, and work well under pressure.

Additional information

• British Columbia Employees Pay Range: $35 - $55 (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)
• Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
• Any and all WFH positions require the candidate to have a reliable internet connection via ethernet and work on Pacific Standard Time.
• This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
• Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we regret that only those selected to interview will be contacted.