Alt.vfx, a global leader in visual effects and an award-winning Australian creative powerhouse, is currently seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Rigging TD / CG Generalist to join our Brisbane team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a diverse slate of high-profile projects across feature films, premium television series, and world-class commercial campaigns.
At Alt.vfx, we pride ourselves on a culture of innovation and technical excellence. As a Rigging TD/Generalist, you will occupy a critical role in our pipeline, ensuring that our animators have the sophisticated tools they need to bring extraordinary characters and creatures to life. You will work alongside a world-class crew in an environment that encourages creative problem‐solving and the implementation of cutting‐edge technology.
Position Quick‐Reference Guide
Feature Details
Company Name Alt.vfx
Position Title Rigging TD / CG Generalist
Primary Location Brisbane, QLD (On‐site)
Job Type Fixed Term Contract / Freelance
Salary Range $110,000 – $145,000 AUD (Commensurate with experience)
Primary Software Autodesk Maya, MEL/Python
Department Character Setup & Asset Management
Application Contact
The Role: Engineering Movement and Performance
The position of Rigging is a blend of technical engineering and artistic intuition. You are responsible for building the digital "skeletons" and control systems that dictate how a character deforms, moves, and expresses emotion. Whether it is a photo‐real animal for a high‐end TVC or a complex hero character for a feature film, your work defines the physical possibilities of our digital assets.
In this dual‐focus role, you will also act as a CG Generalist, assisting with the broader management of assets as they transition through the studio's pipeline. You will be a key collaborator, working under the guidance of the Senior Rigger and maintaining a tight loop with the Animation Team to ensure all rigs are intuitive, performant, and robust.
Key Responsibilities and Production Goals
1. Advanced Character Setup
Your primary focus will be the creation and maintenance of high‐performance rigs:
* Developing sophisticated Biped and Quadruped rig setups that meet the specific needs of a production.
* Implementing anatomical deformation systems (muscles, skin sliding, and corrective blend shapes) to achieve photo‐real results.
* Creating intuitive control interfaces that allow animators to work efficiently without technical overhead.
2. Motion Capture & Retargeting
As motion capture becomes increasingly central to modern VFX, you will:
* Manage the process of retargeting motion capture data onto custom‐built production rigs.
* Troubleshoot data‐solve issues and ensure the fidelity of the performance is maintained across different character proportions.
Beyond character setup, you will ensure the studio's "engine" runs smoothly:
* Managing prop assets and technical assets as they move through the pipeline from Modeling to Animation.
* Assisting the Senior Rigger in developing scripts and tools to automate repetitive tasks.
* Ensuring all assets are optimized for the downstream Lighting and FX departments.
4. Innovation and AI Workflows
Alt.vfx is at the forefront of the technological shift in visual effects. You will:
* Incorporate AI‐assisted workflows into the rigging process to accelerate skinning, weight painting, or motion processing.
* Contribute to the evolution of the studio's internal toolsets through basic MEL or Python scripting.
Candidate Requirements: Technical and Artistic Excellence
We are looking for an artist who understands that a great rig is one that "disappears" for the animator. You should be as comfortable discussing anatomy as you are discussing code.
Educational & Professional Foundation
* Education: A Bachelor's degree in Arts, Computer Animation, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent high‐level professional experience will also be highly valued.
* Industry Experience: Proven experience working in a professional VFX or Animation studio environment. You should have a reel that demonstrates a variety of biped and quadruped characters with clean deformations and logical control structures.
* Maya Mastery: Expert‐level knowledge of Autodesk Maya is essential. You should be intimately familiar with the Node Editor, Deformers, and Constraints.
* Scripting: A strong working knowledge of MEL is required. Proficiency in Python is considered a significant advantage for tool development.
* Anatomical Knowledge: A deep understanding of skeletal structures, muscle groups, and how they influence surface geometry during movement.
* AI Literacy: An understanding of how AI‐driven tools can be utilized to improve rigging efficiency and performance.
* Communication: You will be the bridge between the technical and creative departments. The ability to explain complex rigging concepts to animators and take feedback with a positive, problem‐solving attitude is vital.
* Attention to Detail: A "perfectionist" mindset when it comes to weight painting and deformation quality.
* Adaptability: The ability to pivot between different tasks—from hero character rigging to technical asset management—as the demands of production change.
Brisbane
Located in our flagship Brisbane office, you will work in a high‐tech, collaborative space designed to foster creativity. Our Brisbane studio is the heart of our technical operations, providing a supportive environment where you can learn from some of the best Senior TDs and Leads in the industry.
The Crew
You will be joining a world‐class crew that has a reputation for "doing the impossible." At Alt.vfx, we value the unique perspectives of our artists and encourage a culture where everyone is empowered to suggest improvements to our workflows and tools.
The Work
From ground‐breaking commercials that win Lions at Cannes to blockbuster film sequences for major Hollywood studios, the variety of ensures that no two days are ever the same. You will be challenged, but you will also be supported by a production team that understands the complexities of the rigging process.
Detailed Compensation & Benefits
Category Description
Salary Range $110,000 – $145,000 AUD (Based on experience level and technical portfolio).
Flexible Engagement Options for both Fixed Term Contracts and Freelance daily/weekly rates.
Mentorship Direct collaboration with the Senior Rigger and Animation Leads.
Career Path Opportunities to move into Lead Rigging or Pipeline TD roles as the studio expands.
Tools & Tech Access to high‐performance workstations and proprietary AI‐assisted rigging tools.
Alt.vfx is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you have a passion for character setup and a drive for excellence, get in touch today!
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