Sr Crowd Technical Director
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10145924 Location Mumbai, India Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Mar. 18, 2026Job Summary:
Position Summary / Job Purpose
The main focus of the position will be to create crowd simulations for our CG scenes, using either off the shelf or our own proprietary software to populate cities, large scale environments and choreograph battles.
Primary Responsibilities
(Key or essential priorities for fulfilling the job’s purpose)
Creating the motion of crowds
Animation and simulations on shots or sequences
Setting-up / trouble shooting crowd simulations You will use Houdini software for editing, cycle database management, cycle blending efficiency and plug-in development to accomplish specific effects and export data to all parts of the production pipeline
Agent Creation, Motion Tree Creation, Motion Choreography, Motion Capture Direction, Houdini Dynamics, Complex Navigation and targeting enemy for battle, Character skeletal retargeting
Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Production Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to integrate the crowd pipeline and problem solve any issues
Mentor the entry level artists by assisting on the use of Houdini and any crowd pipeline tools, including documentation and mentorship -
On-going communication with Artists, Production and other Leads and Supervisor regarding schedules, deadlines, and feedback
Shot set up and troubleshooting technical issues both on the artist/agent level
Attend all relevant meetings on shots, sequences and production
Key Peers or Relationships (People in the organization who are important for success in this role.)
Crowd TD’s, Layout, VFX/CG Supervisors, Animation, Production
Required Experience (Education, Experience and Skills/Competencies)
Advanced knowledge of Houdini Software
Proven experience working on high end VFX feature-film productions.
Strong crowd and layout skills including asset integration, scene setup and running simulations
Experience working with motion capture and/or clip-based animation
Strong working knowledge of Maya
Proficiency with Linux
Strong communication skills
Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines whilst maintaining a high quality output.
Desirable Skills:
Working knowledge of Mel and/or Python
Understanding of ‘Maya-to-Houdini workflow
Keen eye for how crowds flock and move / behavioral observations
About Industrial Light & Magic:
Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Disney (India) Private Limited, which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.