The Walt Disney Company · 1 month ago
Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$101K/yr - $133K/yr
5+ years expThe Walt Disney Company is a leading entertainment and media conglomerate, and they are seeking a Look Development Technical Director. This role focuses on producing high-quality look development and shading for CG assets, while collaborating with supervisors and mentoring junior artists in the team.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Scrutinize the colors and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene and replicates them in CG
Design and create the lighting and the look of computer generated objects and scenes
Oversee the final CG scene assembly, lighting and rendering of very complex shots
Works closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look
Creates lighting set ups and/or works within current set ups
Creates efficient rendering setups in order to optimise render farm usage
Stays on schedule and meets set deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality
Ensures there is ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
Helps mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team
Create & maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates
Create & maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary
Deep understanding of real world materials
Understanding of energy conservation principles
Deep understanding of Physically based rendering and shader models
Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to get the best possible results
Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind
Qualification
Required
At least 5 years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education
Experience with real-world lighting and photography
Demonstrable advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
Previous experience performing shot Look Dev tasks
Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
Has a broad understanding of modern shading models
Has an in-depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering)
Demonstrates the ability to help and teach more junior-level artists
Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manages time very well, provides everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion
Demonstrates excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what should be addressed next in a shot
Demonstrates the ability to work within a team environment
Can write plug-ins, set-up sequences, debug simulations and write set up and Renderman surface shaders with proficiency
Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision to complete a shot
A thorough knowledge of the vfx pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
Ability to pick-up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily
Knowledge of Katana is essential, Maya and Zeno beneficial
Knowledge of texturing and lighting
Knowledge of python and/or MEL scripting is essential
Strong interest in shading technologies
At ease with Linux based operating systems
Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques
In depth knowledge in building shading networks in katana using Renderman
Scripting ability beneficial
Excellent knowledge of Renderman and other unbiased rendering systems
Good knowledge of other disciplines within VFX including modelling, textures, grooming, layout & compositing
Benefits
A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Walt Disney Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (83)
2024 (63)
2023 (96)
2022 (130)
2021 (30)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Robert Iger
CEO
Christine M. McCarthy
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-08
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase