Character Modeler

Behind the scenes at Cinesite

Cinesite is an international visual effects and animation studio with over 30 years of experience in the film and television industry. We take pride in producing cutting-edge, award-winning works. We operate as a collective, where excellence, expertise, and creativity are valued by all.

The crew you’ll join 

An active team member of the Asset team, the Character Modeler takes direction from the Head of Builds and the Asset Supervisor. They are responsible for creating high-quality and accurate digital sculpts for human and creature assets on a variety of live-action projects. They work closely with the Texture, Groom, Look dev, and Rigging team to deliver high standards and functional assets to the downstream departments. 

The script

What your day will look like ?

• Create, sculpt, and refine hero-quality character assets, including anatomically accurate human and creature models, using ZBrush and Maya.
• Build highly detailed assets from concept art, photographic references, and 3D scan data, maintaining strict adherence to reference and show requirements.
• Ensure clean, production-ready topology and optimal edge flow to support high-end animation and facial deformation.
• Produce ultra-photoreal digital doubles with exceptional attention to likeness, anatomy, and surface detail.
• Create, manage, and refine UV layouts, working closely with Texture Artists to ensure efficient UV distribution and optimal texel density.
• Follow artistic and technical direction from the Lead Modeller, Head of Builds, and Asset Supervisor, ensuring consistency with show standards.
• Deliver work on schedule, meeting quality targets and shot production deadlines.
• Present assets during dailies, clearly communicating creative intent and technical decisions, and implement supervisor feedback efficiently.
• Collaborate closely with Texture, Groom, Look Development, and Rigging teams to ensure assets are fully optimized for rendering and downstream departments.
• Troubleshoot asset, topology, or pipeline issues and escalate to the Lead when required.
• Prepare final meshes for rigging and deliver displacement maps and supporting data for Texturing and
• Look Development teams.

Your credits

• Previous experience as a VFX Character/ Creature modeler creating photorealistic digital models.
• Solid experience with sculpting shapes for facial animation
• Have fundamental knowledge of modeling both organic and hard surface environments and props, Maya’s referencing system, and organizing complex hierarchies.
• Ability to both interpret designs and accurately match photographic reference material.
• Strong ability with Maya and Zbrush. Excellent Maya polygon and subdivision surface modelling skills and the ability to apply and manage UVs.
• Experience with USD format is a plus.
• Good understanding of the visual effects pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, and rendering.
• Ability to hit deadlines and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to work well in a team and solve asset-specific issues independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An organized and methodical approach to your work.
• Proactive nature with the ability to work on your own initiative.
• Ability to motivate yourself and your colleagues in an evolving and fast-paced environment.