Alt.vfx, a global leader in visual effects and an award-winning Australian powerhouse, is seeking a highly skilled Mid to Senior Lighting Artist to join our Brisbane team. This role is focused on an upcoming, high-profile project featuring high-end photoreal live-action character animation.
At Alt.vfx, we pride ourselves on pushing the limits of technology and artistry. We are looking for artists who don't just "light" a scene, but who understand the deep physics of light and the nuance of cinematography to create seamless integration. This is an opportunity to work within a cutting-edge Solaris and Karma pipeline, contributing to work that will be seen by audiences worldwide.
Job Overview: Lighting Artist (Mid to Senior)
Company Name: Alt.vfx
Position Title: Lighting Artist (Mid to Senior)
Primary Location: Brisbane, QLD (On-site preferred)
Job Type: Full-Time / Fixed Term Contract / Freelance
Salary Range: $105,000 – $155,000 AUD (Commensurate with experience)
Core Software: Houdini, Solaris, Karma, Nuke
Specialization: Photoreal Character Integration
Application Contact: recruitment@altvfx.com
The Role: Mastering the Art of Integration
As a Lighting Artist at Alt.vfx, your primary mission is to bridge the gap between digital assets and reality. This specific project involves placing complex, animated characters into live-action plates. Your work is the final glue that makes the impossible look undeniable.
You will be operating within a modern USD-based workflow, utilizing Solaris for scene assembly and Karma as the primary engine. This role requires a blend of technical Houdini mastery and a traditional cinematographer's eye for mood, color, and texture.
Key Responsibilities and Artistic Goals
1. Seamless CG Integration
* Analyze live-action plates to match lighting direction, quality (hard vs. soft), and color temperature.
* Ensure perfect light interaction between digital characters and their real-world environments.
* Focus heavily on the "fine details": contact shadows, cast shadows, and accurate reflections that anchor a character in space.
2. USD/Solaris Workflow Mastery
* Manage complex scene assembly within the Solaris LOPs environment.
* Optimize Karma render settings to balance visual fidelity with production efficiency.
* Troubleshoot USD-related data flow issues between departments.
3. The "Slap Comp" Philosophy
* Utilize Nuke to perform "slap comps" for all your work.
* Combine your lighting passes with live-action plates to prove the integration works before it ever reaches the final compositing department.
* Use these comps to communicate your artistic intent during dailies and reviews.
4. Technical Problem Solving & Ownership
* Own your shots and milestones from start to finish.
* Anticipate technical hurdles (such as noise issues, memory spikes, or render failures) and solve them proactively.
* Collaborate with TDs to refine the lighting pipeline and improve internal tools.
Candidate Requirements: What We Are Looking For
Alt.vfx is seeking artists who are passionate about the physics of light and the "look" of film. We prioritize talent that can demonstrate a deep understanding of photorealism.
Technical Requirements
* Houdini/Solaris Proficiency: You must have a strong working knowledge of Houdini's Solaris (LOPs) context. This is non-negotiable as it is the backbone of our lighting pipeline.
* Karma Expertise: Experience with the Karma renderer is essential. We are looking for artists who know how to push this engine to its limits for photoreal results.
* New Esper Integration: Intermediate to advanced Nuke skills. You should be comfortable with multi-channel EXR workflows and standard integration techniques.
* Houdini Fundamentals: Beyond lighting, a general understanding of Houdini (SOPs, VOPs) is highly beneficial for technical troubleshooting.
Portfolio & Reel Expectations
Your reel is your most important tool for this application. We are looking for:
* Photoreal Examples: We want to see CG subjects integrated into real-world environments.
* Subtle Detail: Show us that you understand light interaction—how a character's color bleeds onto a floor, or how a reflection in an eye matches the environment.
* Storytelling: Lighting that doesn't just look "good," but lighting that tells a story, adds mood, and supports the narrative of the scene.
Professional Qualities
* Self-Management: You are expected to track your own deadlines and flag potential blockers early. We value artists who are proactive rather than reactive.
* Proactive Communication: You will be working closely with Leads, CG Supervisors, and cross-departmental collaborators (Animation, FX, Comp). Clear communication is vital.
Location & Work Arrangements
Brisbane Studio: This role is primarily based at our beautiful studio in Brisbane. We believe that on-site collaboration is the best way to foster creativity, especially for complex character projects. All applicants must be available to work on-site in Brisbane initially.
Senior Remote/Sydney Options: For exceptionally senior applicants with a proven track record, we may consider remote work or placement at our Sydney office. However, please note that this is usually only considered following a successful trial period based in our Brisbane headquarters.
Why Join Alt.vfx?
A Legacy of Excellence Alt.vfx is more than a studio; it is a collective of the world's best artists and technologists. We have won numerous awards for our work in commercials and film, and we continue to be a go-to partner for the world's largest production houses.
Innovation First We are early adopters of new technology. From USD-centric pipelines to AI-assisted tools, we provide our artists with the best environment to succeed and grow their skills.
Culture and Community We foster a culture of respect, diversity, and creative freedom. We believe that happy artists make better art, and we strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance even during our most demanding projects.
Detailed Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $105,000 – $155,000 AUD (Final offer depends on seniority and technical expertise).
Engagement: Options for permanent full-time employment, fixed-term contracts, or freelance daily rates.
Equipment: High-performance Linux/Windows workstations equipped with the latest NVIDIA GPUs.
Growth: Direct mentorship from industry-leading Lighting Leads and CG Supervisors.
Relocation: Possible relocation assistance for high-level senior candidates moving to Brisbane.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds and experience levels who meet the technical requirements. Join us in Brisbane and help us create the next generation of photoreal characters!
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