Senior Artist Effects Freelancer (FX)

Role Summary

We are currently looking for artists available to join the team in the coming weeks, with strong expertise in high-end photorealistic visual effects. The contract is scheduled to run until the end of March 2027. For this specific project, we are mainly considering applications from people based in North America or Europe.

The effects artist designs and creates complex visual simulations, fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, abstract effects, in compliance with the artistic and technical standards of Rodeo FX. Integrated into the heart of the 3D pipeline, he/she collaborates closely with FX, CG supervision and other departments to deliver photorealistic, dynamic and technically sound shots. His creativity, rigor and mastery of procedural tools make it possible to translate the visual intentions of the project effectively.

Responsibilities

Mastery of his profession

• Produce complex simulations (smoke, fire, explosions, liquids, destruction, magical or abstract effects) while respecting artistic and technical guidelines.
• Use Houdini effectively (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs) to generate optimized and adaptable effects.
• Maintain a high level of autonomy in the management of FX tasks assigned, from initial setup to final rendering.
• Ensure rigorous quality control of its files, caches and workfiles before any submission.

Creative quality

• Propose artistic solutions that are simple, effective and aligned with the vision of the project.
• Actively participate in dailies and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Adapt the effects to the narrative needs, visual style and rhythm of the scene.
• Improve shots by bringing creative added value to simulations.

Technical quality

• Ensure the optimization of caches, the stability of setups and compliance with internal technical conventions.
• Quickly identify technical problems and provide functional solutions.
• Collaborate with the Pipeline team to integrate or test new tools according to project needs.
• Check the compatibility of effects with other departments (layout, lighting, comp).

Communication

• Provide realistic estimates, communicate quickly in the event of difficulty or risk of delay, and collaborate with production to adjust priorities if necessary.
• Maintain a fluid and respectful exchange with production, leads and artists from other disciplines.
• Communicate clearly about issues, deadlines, needs or technical limitations.
• Actively participate in turnovers, briefings or progress monitoring with the project team.

Learn, transmit and evolve

• Stay up to date with the latest practices, techniques and references in visual effects.
• Share knowledge, tools or techniques with colleagues.
• Participate in documenting or improving the working methods of the FX department.
• Welcoming feedback with openness with a view to continuous progress.
• Previous experience in FX in a VFX studio (10 years minimum recommended).
• Excellent command of Houdini (Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs).
• Basic knowledge of compositing (Nuke) and rendering (Arnold and Karma).
• Knowledge of USD and Solaris.
• Good sense of movement, physics and visual rhythm.
• Rigor, autonomy, attention to detail, team spirit.
• Asset: knowledge of Flow Production Tracking, experience developing Houdini tools, Python or VEX scripts.

We are currently looking for artists available to join the team in the coming weeks, with strong expertise in high-end photorealistic visual effects. The contract is scheduled to run until the end of March 2027. For this specific project, we are mainly considering applications from people based in North America or Europe.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Rodeo FX, diversity is a fundamental value. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace, where different perspectives are valued. Each member of our team brings a unique perspective that enriches our creativity, challenges our ways of thinking, and helps us produce higher quality work.

Use of artificial intelligence in recruitment

• Rodeo FX may use artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to support certain stages of the recruitment process, including interview transcription or preliminary analysis of applications. These tools may be operated by third-party providers and certain data may be processed outside Quebec.
• These tools never replace human decision-making: all final hiring decisions are made by our recruiting team and hiring managers. To learn more about how we protect your personal information and your rights, please review our Privacy Policy.

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• Repeatedly voted one of Montreal's best employers and recipient of the Mercuriades 2022 award for Employer of the Year - Large Company, Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company with over 15 years of experience offering visual effects, animation and advertising services.

Nominated for multiple Emmy® Awards for its work on the series Stranger Things season 4, The Witcher season 2 and The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, the Oscar®-winning independent company has nearly 900 artists working in studios located in Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Los Angeles and Paris.

Rodeo FX is a creative partner to the world's best storytellers, including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. and Sony, and has collaborated on commercials for YouTube, NBC and Apple. His current projects include Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon. Recently released projects include John Wick: Chapter 4, Black Adam, Disney's The Little Mermaid, and Love, Death and Robots Volume 3, for which the company won a 2023 VES award.

About the Company

Repeatedly voted one of Montreal’s Top Employers and Employer of the Year for the 2022 Mercuriades Awards, Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company offering services in visual effects, advertising, animation, and experiential.

Nominated for multiple Emmy® Awards for its work on the series Stranger Things season 4, The Witcher season 2 and The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, the independent, Oscar®-winning company boasts close to 900 artists crafting from studios in Montreal, Québec City, Toronto, Los Angeles and Paris.

Rodeo FX is a creative partner to the world’s best storytellers including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. and Sony, and has collaborated on ads for YouTube, NBC and Apple. Current projects include Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon. Recently released projects include John Wick: Chapter 4, Black Adam, Disney's The Little Mermaid and Love, Death and Robots Volume 3, for which the company won a 2023 VES award.

Why join our Freelancer Community?

Work on world-class productions: Contribute to feature films, episodic series, advertising campaigns, animation, and immersive experiences for some of the world's leading studios and brands.

Flexible opportunities: Freelance opportunities become available throughout the year, with varying project lengths and flexible start dates based on production needs.