Mid CFX Artist (Blender) - UNDISCLOSED PROJECT - Expression of Interest

Mikros Animation is a global CGI animation creative studio. Providing filmmakers with top-tier animation and CGI services through a complete range of front and back-end creative services to bring unforgettable and stylized stories to life in every format, for every platform. We provide end-to-end animation services, uniting industry-leading talent across our global network of creative studios located in Montreal and Paris. We help filmmakers define and develop their vision from script to screen, making every project truly unique.

Please note that this role is not currently active and is being shared as an expression of interest. We anticipate opening new positions in the coming weeks and would like to be prepared ahead of time.

The Creature Effects Artist is responsible for creating believable and photo-realistic simulations and deformations for creatures and characters across our projects. Working closely with leads, supervisors, and colleagues from other departments, they develop robust setups for hair, fur, clothing, feathers, muscles, and skin, while meeting creative, technical, and production requirements. They contribute to the quality of final deliverables, the evolution of department tools, and the continuous improvement of the pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

Master your the craft

• Create simulation setups for hair, fur, feathers, fabrics, muscles, skin, and other organic materials, tailored to the specific needs of shots or characters.
• Launch and adjust simulations based on feedback received during dailies or internal reviews.
• Perform shot modeling passes to support deformation or simulation.
• Manage time efficiently by prioritizing tasks according to shot progress and delivery deadlines.

Creative quality

• Develop realistic simulations that are aesthetically consistent with the project’s visual style.
• Adapt creative approaches to the narrative or technical constraints of each shot.
• Propose elegant and optimized visual solutions to challenges related to creatures or characters.

Technical quality

• Ensure the robustness, cleanliness, and optimization of created setups.
• Identify, diagnose, and quickly resolve technical issues related to simulations.
• Perform rigorous quality control before submitting shots for review.

Communication

• Collaborate closely with other departments (Modeling, Rigging, Animation, Lighting, etc.) to ensure smooth technical exchanges.
• Maintain proactive communication with production and leads regarding task status, technical challenges, and potential impacts on schedules.
• Actively participate in shot reviews, dailies, and technical discussions to advance the overall quality of deliverables.

Learn, share, and evolve

• Contribute to the development and documentation of department tools, techniques, and best practices.
• Adapt to pipeline evolutions, new software features, and innovative methods.
• Share knowledge and actively collaborate on the continuous improvement of workflows.

• Strong knowledge of Blender
• CFX experience in a VFX environment (3 to 7 years experience).
• Advanced proficiency in Houdini and the VEX language.
• Working knowledge of Nuke for presenting work.
• Experience in shot modeling and creating simulation setups for hair, clothing, muscles, or other deformations.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Rigor, autonomy, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset.
• Asset: Knowledge of Python scripting.
• Asset: Knowledge of Flow and participation in pipeline or internal tool development.

The person in this role will work closely with our Paris studio in a bilingual environment, as well as with international partners, talent, and clients. They will regularly interact with non-French-speaking stakeholders across various productions and strategic communications, in order to present and promote the creative and technical strengths of Mikros Animation on a global scale.

MIKROS ANIMATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Mikros Animation complies and prohibits against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), mental and/or physical disability or handicap, marital status, sex, age, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, familial status, registered domestic partner status, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions and any other characteristic or activity protected by federal, state/provincial or local law.