Framestore is a multi-Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy award-winning creative studio that has defined the visual language of modern cinema. From the ground-breaking realism of Gravity to the sprawling, immersive worlds of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Paddington, we combine world-class talent with proprietary technology to reframe the possible. Our Melbourne studio is a critical hub in our global network, delivering high-end visual effects for the industry's most ambitious storytellers.
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Senior Lighting Technical Director (TD) to join our Melbourne team. In this senior role, you will be responsible for the lighting and rendering of complex elements required to complete photo-realistic VFX shots, ensuring that every frame meets the highest standards of cinematic excellence.
Category Details
Company Framestore
Job Title Senior Lighting TD
Job Type Full-Time, Hybrid
Location L4/476 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004
Salary Range $145,000 – $185,000 AUD (Commensurate with seniority/experience)
Core Software Houdini, Maya, Katana, Nuke
Reporting To Lighting Supervisor / CG Supervisor
The Role: Illumination & Integration
As a Senior Lighting TD, you are the final architect of the CG image. You bridge the gap between technical data and artistic vision, ensuring that digital assets sit perfectly within live-action environments or fully CG sequences. You will work at the intersection of various departments, ensuring a seamless flow of data and a consistent aesthetic across the show.
Key Responsibilities
* Scene Assembly & Lighting: Execute CG scene assembly, ensuring all assets from upstream departments (Modelling, Texture, LookDev, Animation) are correctly integrated. You will light shots as briefed by the VFX/CG Supervisor or Sequence Lead.
* Look Development: Partner closely with CG Supervisors to determine the best technical approaches to complex challenges and develop the final look for specific sequences or "hero" assets.
* Compositing Collaboration: Work in tandem with shot Compositors to develop the final image. You will render non-lighting passes as required to provide the flexibility needed in the final grade.
* Optimization: Create and maintain efficient rendering setups to optimize render farm usage. You are expected to manage high-volume data while maintaining quality and speed.
* Real-World Replication: Scrutinize the colors, intensities, and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene (on-set reference) and meticulously replicate them in the CG environment.
* Mentorship & Leadership: Provide technical and creative support for junior and mid-level team members. You will be a point of escalation for troubleshooting pipeline issues and refining workflows.
* Production Management: Maintain ongoing communication with Production regarding schedules and deadlines. You will manage your own shot load and participate in dailies, incorporating feedback with speed and precision.
Requirements & Qualifications
We are looking for a Senior artist who possesses a deep understanding of the physics of light, as well as the technical savvy to navigate a complex film pipeline.
* Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in a high-end film VFX pipeline. A relevant Degree or Diploma is preferred, though 5 years of equivalent full-time work experience is accepted.
* Software Mastery: Expert knowledge of Houdini and Maya.
* Technical Depth: A profound understanding of color space (ACES/Linear), lighting techniques (Global Illumination, HDRI), and physically plausible shading.
* Renderer Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of production renderers such as RenderMan or Arnold.
* Compositing Awareness: A strong working knowledge of Nuke, specifically how to use layers, AOVs, and passes to refine a shot post-render.
* Pipeline Knowledge: Familiarity with other VFX disciplines, including Simulation, UV Mapping, Texturing, and Camera Tracking.
* Scripting: Basic knowledge of Python and/or Mel scripting to automate tasks and solve pipeline bottlenecks.
* OS Environment: A solid understanding of Linux/Unix-based operating systems.
Preferred "Bonus" Skills
* Experience with digital paint software such as Photoshop or Mari.
* Specialized experience in volume rendering (clouds, fire, smoke) and effects elements.
* Knowledge of Katana for sequence-based lighting.
* Background in photography or traditional cinematography.
Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Representation
Framestore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation. Our global team represents a vast array of cultures and backgrounds; for example, our studios currently employ talent from over 40 different countries, with a strong commitment to increasing gender representation in technical roles (currently targeting a 40% female/non-binary representation in our global technical workforce by 2027).
Recruitment Ethics: We believe in the human element. We do not use artificial intelligence to screen or rank candidates. Every application, reel, and resume is reviewed manually by our dedicated recruitment team and department heads to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of your unique talent.
Life at the Melbourne Studio
Located in the vibrant St Kilda Road precinct, our Melbourne office offers a culture that balances high-intensity creative work with community and wellbeing.
* Inclusive Workplace: Our studio is fully accessible, featuring step-free entry, accessible facilities, and quiet spaces for neurodivergent colleagues or those needing a focused environment.
* Hybrid Flexibility: We support a hybrid work model that allows you to enjoy the social energy of the studio while maintaining a productive home-based setup.
* Wellbeing: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), onsite yoga, and social clubs (soccer, gaming, and film nights).
* Continuous Learning: We host regular masterclasses, life drawing, and technical workshops to ensure our Seniors stay at the cutting edge of industry tech.
Application Process
To apply, please complete our online application form or send your resume and a link to your portfolio/reel to recruiters@framestore.com.
If you feel you have the transferable skills required for this role but don't meet every single qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. We value the "Senior" mindset—problem-solving, mentorship, and adaptability as much as the software checklist.
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