FX Artist

The FX Artist designs and creates complex visual simulations such as fire, smoke, fluids, destructions, and abstract effects, while respecting Rodeo FX’s artistic and technical standards. Integrated at the heart of the 3D pipeline, they collaborate closely with the FX and CG supervision teams, as well as with other departments, to deliver photorealistic, dynamic, and technically solid shots. Their creativity, precision, and mastery of procedural tools allow them to effectively translate the project's visual intentions.

Main responsibilities

Mastery of his craft

• Produce complex simulations (smoke, fire, explosions, liquids, destruction, magical or abstract effects) while respecting artistic and technical guidelines.
• Use Houdini effectively (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs) to generate optimized and adaptable effects.
• Maintain a high level of autonomy in the management of assigned FX tasks, from initial setup to final rendering.
• Ensure rigorous quality control of its files, caches and workfiles before any submission.

Creative quality

• Propose simple, effective artistic solutions aligned with the vision of the project.
• Actively participate in dailies and integrate feedback constructively.
• Adapt the effects to the narrative needs, visual style and pace of the scene.
• Improve shooting by adding creative value to simulations.

Technical quality

• Ensure cache optimization, setup stability and compliance with internal technical conventions.
• Quickly identify technical problems and provide functional solutions.
• Collaborate with the Pipeline team to integrate or test new tools as needed by the project.
• Check the compatibility of effects with other departments (layout, lighting, comp).

Communication

• Provide realistic estimates, communicate quickly if there are difficulties or risks of delay, and collaborate with production to adjust priorities if necessary.
• Maintain a fluid and respectful exchange with production, leads and artists from other disciplines.
• Communicate clearly about issues, deadlines, needs or technical limitations.
• Actively participate in turnovers, briefings or progress monitoring with the project team.

Learn, transmit and evolve

• Stay up to date with the latest practices, techniques and references in visual effects.
• Share your knowledge, tools or techniques with your colleagues.
• Participate in documenting or improving the working methods of the FX department.
• Welcome feedback with openness with a view to continuous progress.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in FX in a VFX studio (10 years minimum recommended).
• Excellent command of Houdini (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs).
• Basic knowledge of compositing (Nuke) and rendering (Arnold and Karma).
• Knowledge of USD and Solaris.
• Good sense of movement, physics and visual rhythm.
• Rigor, autonomy, attention to detail, team spirit.
• Asset: knowledge of Flow Production Tracking, experience in developing Houdini tools, Python or VEX scripts.

Additional Information

• Proven experience as FX Artist required.
• Must be based in Montreal.
• Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or open work permit is required.