Lighting Technical Director - Expressions of Interest - Wellington

About the Role

We invite skilled Lighting Technical Directors at all career stages to express interest in joining our Wellington team for several exciting projects scheduled for 2026. These positions require onsite presence in Wellington, New Zealand, so candidates must either reside in or be willing to relocate to this location.

Team and Responsibilities

The Lighting department consists of highly talented professionals responsible for lighting assets, environments, and characters. Lighting TDs collaborate closely with CG supervisors, asset leads, art directors, and texture artists to deliver the required artistic vision and quality.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve complex lighting challenges.
• 3 to 5 or more years of production experience in feature films, episodic series, or similar environments.

Skills and Expertise

• Proficiency with tools such as Katana, Maya, Houdini, or equivalent DCC software.
• Strong knowledge of rendering engines like Renderman, Arnold, V-Ray, or comparable technologies.
• A deep understanding of cinematic lighting principles related to story, mood, character, framing, color, light, and shadow.
• Knowledge of physically accurate lighting, shading, and lensing techniques to create photorealistic VFX imagery.
• Familiarity with complex VFX production pipelines and workflows, including Linux environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills suited for a fast-paced production setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with scripting or programming in Python, Lua, and/or C/C++.
• Background in related disciplines such as shading, effects, compositing, or environment layout.
• Experience managing highly detailed scenes featuring natural simulations like water, fire, destruction, and crowds.
• Expertise in building physically-based shading networks, especially using materialX.

Workplace and Culture

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent communication, collaboration, and constructive feedback skills. Time management and maintaining a positive, resilient team environment are essential.

Our company values diversity and inclusion, striving to foster a welcoming and supportive workplace where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves to work.

We are committed to providing a recruitment experience free of discrimination. Candidates can request accommodations at recruitment@wetafx.co.nz to facilitate the hiring process.

Location

Wellington, New Zealand (Onsite Role)