Job Posting Title:

Lead Crowd Technical Director

Req ID:

10141607

Job Description:

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Position Summary 

The 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 level

Lead 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 show

Gather, edit and maintain the show motion library to meet artistic and technical show requirements, while assisting with the planning and direction of motion capture shoots

Manage 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 performance

Manage show setup for small to medium shows

Mentor crowd artists on Houdini workflows and proprietary pipeline tools, while maintaining comprehensive technical documentation

Work with Production and Artists to understand and assign tasks, meet the show deadlines and provide shot/sequence feedback

Identify, troubleshoot and problem solve complex issues throughout the crowd pipeline

Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Pipeline Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to problem solve issues around the crowd pipeline

Attend relevant meetings on shots, sequences, and production

Support with recruitment and staffing of the crowd team

What We’re Looking For:

At least 6+ years of experience working on high end VFX or animated feature film productions 

Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role

College degree in Computer Science, Art, Animation or Engineering, or equivalent professional experience

Expert knowledge of Houdini for Crowds

Expert knowledge of crowd behaviour, including human crowds, swarming insects, combat choreography and animal behaviours

Strong knowledge of cinematography and composition with a passion for storytelling

Strong knowledge of VEX and Python

Proficiency with Linux including shell scripting

Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic obstacles

Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills

Nice To Have:

Experience with motion capture retargeting and motion editing

Experience with creature simulation including cloth and groom

Working familiarity with C/C++ 

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$142,200 to C$181,900 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM Vancouver

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM Vancouver

Primary Job Posting Category:

Crowds - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-02-09