Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary:

Are you a Houdini Crowds Artist with creative problem-solving skills who can add life, depth and soul to environments and shots for an animated feature!? We are looking for Houdini Artists with crowd experience to join our Sydney team!

What You’ll Do:

Setup crowd assets and HDAs within the existing Houdini pipeline and test new procedures and workflows

Create a range of efficient crowd agents (bipeds/quadrupeds and vehicles) for efficient simulation

Work with Animation teams to identify and breakdown behaviours into cycles for artists to use

Work closely with FX Department Supervisor and Crowd Lead to implement efficient and effective ways to fill the sets and shots with life

Give feedback to the department TD’s to continue the development of tools and workflows associated with crowd simulation

Build templates that are highly geared towards automation

If required, work with fellow artists on the show that have been assigned shot implementation to make sure the scene files are being used efficiently

Evaluate any issues that may arise in the setup of crowd and devise efficient solutions

What You’ll Need:

3+ years’ Houdini experience on feature films, TV and/or animated feature with a focus in Houdini Crowds

Strong understanding of Houdini crowd agent design & setup

Production experience using Houdini: SOPs/DOPs essential

Production experience using Houdini: Vex and Python knowledge desirable

Experience building Houdini digital assets

Solid understanding of motion and principles of rigging and animation

Good understanding of the crowd shading and rendering procedurals

Attention to design and artistic detail

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment and when necessary to pass knowledge to other staff members

Excellence in problem solving and producing high quality results within a specific timeframe.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Able to efficiently organise and prioritise work across multiple areas and work under pressure

Ability to take direction and feedback and apply this to assets or shots moving forward, anticipating the supervisors and leads preference

Past experience, demonstrated via reel, of feature animation crowd or effects simulation

This role is based out of Sydney, Australia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office). 

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here. 

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.