Lighting Artist, Cinematic (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Lighting Artist, Cinematic (Gamedev): Creating visually spectacular and engaging cinematic sequences for AAA games, with an accent on developing lighting schemes for characters and environments in collaboration with various departments. Focus on achieving captivating lighting using proprietary tools and ensuring integration with gameplay within memory budgets.

Location: This is a hybrid / onsite position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Salary: $57.98—$72 USD/hour

Company

Naughty Dog, a Sony Interactive Entertainment studio, is known for crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology.

What you will do

• Develop lighting schemes for characters and environments, working closely with Directors and the Concept Art team.
• Collaborate with the Level Lighting team to establish smooth integration of in-game cinematics with gameplay.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to determine that in-game cinematics run within the memory budget without sacrificing the look.
• Work with outsource vendors and lighting artists, collaborating on visual looks, tech, training, and workflows, both giving and receiving feedback.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in Games, Animation, VFX, or Film.
• Has shipped a AAA game or equivalent.
• Excellent understanding of direct/indirect light, color theory, exposure, and contrast.
• Outstanding understanding of shading/materials and the relationship with lighting.
• Demonstrated expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya.
• Proficiency in color grading with industry-standard software such as Nuke, Fusion, or Resolve.

Nice to have

• Experience with real-time engines.
• Experience with generating light-maps, pre-lighting or baked lighting.
• Experience with scripting.

Culture & Benefits

• Access to SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Matching 401(k), paid time off, and a wellness program.
• Coveted employee discounts for Sony products.
• Eligible for a bonus package.

Hiring process

• Candidates are expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work.
• May be asked to complete an art test.