The Lead CG Lighter oversees and supports the CG Lighting team while collaborating with key creative and technical artists to ensure consistent productivity and high-quality CG lighting. This position is also responsible for completing complex shot work and for driving the look development for shots, sequences, environments, and select assets.  

Job Functions 

• Establish sequence lighting looks through translation of approved practical lighting into the CG assets and shots.
• Collaborate with CG Supervisors and the leads to ensure seamless integration of stage and VFX lighting.  
• Provide comprehensive launch materials for the CG Lighting team and assist them in resolving creative challenges.
• Work with CG Supervisor, asset artists, and look development teams to confirm accurate translation of CG assets during shot integration.
• Foster effective communication between CG assets, animation, FX, lighting, and compositing teams in order to oversee handoffs to/from the lighting team.
• Assist CG Lighters in troubleshooting technical problems through collaboration with department TDs and Digital Pipeline team; advise Digital Pipeline team on creation, implementation, and lighting toolsets refinement.
• Bid lighting tasks with VFX production management and advise on lighting assignments.
• Work with CG Supervisor and VFX production management to ensure lighting deadlines and quotas are met.
• Ensure the highest level of quality while working on multiple projects and adhering to deadlines.  
• Absorb lighting inventory as needed. 

Qualifications 

• 5+ years’ experience leading a team of CG lighters and/or look development artists in a production environment.
• 5+ years’ experience lighting high-end photo-real VFX for feature films and/or television.
• Strong knowledge of lighting principles, tools, and workflows.
• Experience working with Katana.
• Working knowledge of Nuke and compositing principles.
• Understanding of applicable software and platforms including Maya, Houdini, and Renderman.
• Experience with advanced lighting techniques such as global illumination, HDRI, subsurface scattering, and real-world lighting setups.
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently with minimal supervision under tight deadlines. Ability to engage, motivate, and communicate effectively with diverse artistic talents through team and one-on-one meetings. 
• Excellent time management skills and proactive approach to problem solving