Houdini Crowd Artist (VFX)

TL;DR

Houdini Crowd Artist (VFX): Creating and maintaining crowd simulations and animations for high-end film and television projects with an accent on technical methodology and tool integration. Focus on breaking down complex shots, debugging crowd systems, and collaborating with creature and animation teams to ensure high-quality visual results.

Location: Hybrid (Montreal, Quebec). Must be based in the province of Quebec and hold a valid Canadian work authorization

Company

An international visual effects and animation studio with over 30 years of experience producing award-winning cinema and television works.

What you will do

• Break down individual shots and plan methodologies using Houdini, Atoms, and proprietary cached character tools in Maya.
• Execute and debug crowd shots to achieve the highest creative quality within budget.
• Collaborate with animators and the creature team (CFX, Rigging) to ensure pipeline feasibility.
• Design and build generic characters to maintain visual consistency and variation.
• Partner with development and pipeline teams to advance and improve crowd workflows.
• Implement and refine performance capture and motion editing techniques.

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of Houdini Crowd systems and familiarity with Atoms, Golaem, or Massive.
• Proven experience creating crowds for VFX and/or animated feature films.
• Strong technical and creative problem-solving skills within a complete CG pipeline (assets to lighting).
• Ability to work independently and mentor a team of multidisciplinary artists.
• Must be located in the province of Quebec with valid Canadian work authorization.

Nice to have

• Experience with motion editing for performance capture.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work flexibility offering a balance between home and studio.
• Comprehensive support including an employee support program and telemedicine (Dialogue).
• Well-being perks such as access to yoga, massage, and cultural activities.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, and internal career paths.
• Vibrant studio culture with wrap parties, team-building events, and floating celebration days.