Lead Crowd Technical Director
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10141607 Location Vancouver, Canada Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Feb. 09, 2026Job Summary:
This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.
Position Summary
The Lead Crowd TD is responsible for executing the creative and technical direction of a show, ensuring the vision of the VFX Supervisor is met with high-quality, efficient solutions. You will support, mentor and guide artists and solve production roadblocks. In conjunction with the Crowd Supervisor you will contribute to the evolution of crowd tools and workflows, while leading a sequence or a show.
What You’ll Do:
Lead and manage a team of crowd artists both technically and artistically ensuring the vision of the show supervisor is met, providing creative feedback at a shot and sequence level
Lead the direction and development of shot templates and tools. Collaborating with other crowd artists to implement efficient solutions that enable the smooth running of the show
Gather, edit and maintain the show motion library to meet artistic and technical show requirements, while assisting with the planning and direction of motion capture shoots
Manage crowd agent setups for the show, collaborating with upstream departments to troubleshoot issues. Set up and maintain agent variation logic to effectively balance diversity and performance
Manage show setup for small to medium shows
Mentor crowd artists on Houdini workflows and proprietary pipeline tools, while maintaining comprehensive technical documentation
Work with Production and Artists to understand and assign tasks, meet the show deadlines and provide shot/sequence feedback
Identify, troubleshoot and problem solve complex issues throughout the crowd pipeline
Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Pipeline Engineers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to problem solve issues around the crowd pipeline
Attend relevant meetings on shots, sequences, and production
Support with recruitment and staffing of the crowd team
What We’re Looking For:
At least 6+ years of experience working on high end VFX or animated feature film productions
Previous experience in a leadership or mentoring role
College degree in Computer Science, Art, Animation or Engineering, or equivalent professional experience
Expert knowledge of Houdini for Crowds
Expert knowledge of crowd behaviour, including human crowds, swarming insects, combat choreography and animal behaviours
Strong knowledge of cinematography and composition with a passion for storytelling
Strong knowledge of VEX and Python
Proficiency with Linux including shell scripting
Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic obstacles
Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills
Nice To Have:
Experience with motion capture retargeting and motion editing
Experience with creature simulation including cloth and groom
Working familiarity with C/C++
As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
JoinILM
The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$142,200 to C$181,900 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.
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 ILM (Vancouver) Inc., which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.