Hasta La Motion!

Axis Animation is looking for talented Houdini Generalists to handle any general 3d tasks, for both next generation game cinematics and commercial projects.
Description:

We would expect Generalists to have a broad knowledge that covers as many areas of 3d as possible. Tasks may include modelling, texturing, lighting, shading, rendering and FX. We appreciate that artists may have varying levels of knowledge in these fields, however we’re particularly interested in lighting and shading abilities.
Generalists will be expected to master all relevant production tools, demonstrating a strong sense of cinematic aesthetics, to achieve a wide range of rendering styles.
Candidates will work onsite in our Glasgow based studio. Immediate vacancies are for short-term contracts, with the possibility of on-going work in the future. However longer-term contracts may be offered for the right candidate.
Responsibilities include:

• Modelling/texturing work as and when required
• Responsible for final 3D scene assembly and output, including lighting, shading, rendering and comping
• Possibility of VFX setups required
• Engaging at every stage of production including pre-visualization of complicated sequences and research and development
• Optimize and troubleshoot lighting and rendering problems in a fast paced environment.
• Working closely with CG Supervisors/Leads to determine best approach to solve 3D challenges and develop final look.

Qualifications required :

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Houdini within a production environment
• Strong understanding of multi pass 3D rendering and compositing
• Strong understanding of lighting/shading/texturing principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of rendering techniques and optimization of render times.
• Ability to work within a style established by the Client / Creative lead.
• Experience with Fusion or similar composting package ie Nuke
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g. mel, python) would be beneficial, but not essential.
• Ability to problem solve and predict potential problems with assigned tasks
• Strong communication skills are critical. Artist must be able to work within a team, taking direction and exercising attention to detail in a fast-paced production environment
• Solid work ethic and a positive attitude in the face of challenging situations.
• Strong time management skills and organization
• Minimum of 3 years production experience in film/TV/games required and a degree qualification
• Degree and work experience requirements may be waived if candidates can show exceptional skills
• Must be able to show eligibility for working in the UK

Please apply via jillwallace@axisanimation.com and be sure to include a link to your demoreel . Please include “Houdini Generalist Application ” in the subject line

cebas Visual Technology releases SP2 for its leading 3ds Max core rendering engine Today, cebas Visual Technology Inc. released its Service Pack 2 (SP2) update of finalRender. The latest release includes many easy presets that run extremely fast and readily create outstanding results. This allows first-time users to quickly get up to speed with finalRender without having to first learn its many features and ways of adjusting them.

Easy Presets Leverage Render Technology Especially for New Customers
“We wanted to give first-time users an easy and quick ramp-up for using our top-selling software. This release allows them to create eye-popping renderings with blazing speed. Our simple, new presets leverage the true potential of our core rendering engine,” said cebas CEO Edwin Braun.

“The difference in ease-of-use compared to the cumbersome built-in functionality of the built-in 3ds Max raytracing system is just huge now and more self-evident than ever,” added Michael Breitzke, Head Technology Engineer of rendering solutions.

The More You Use it, the More you’ll Love it
Anyone interested in testing this latest incarnation of finalRender can download a free, non-time-limited trial version of finalRender 3.5 SE, which includes the popular finalToon, by first registering on the cebas website and activating a download.

thinkingParticles, used in the blockbuster movie “2012” as well as a recent Academy Award nominated picture is also available on a trial basis.

finalRender 3.5 and 3.5 SE SP2 Improvements for Current Users
The widely used Global Illumination settings and Harmonics GI have been accelerated yet again, while the Harmonics GI pre-filtering algorithm and rendertime interpolation have both been optimized. Saving and loading of finalRender setting also include new controls and features. In addition, finalToon now includes standard 3ds Max Visibility Track support for fading lines in and out.

Another new feature allows the info stamp to be saved to a fR config file. GI solution options are no longer saved in these files. A rare situation involving possible light leaks in Harmonics-GI has been addressed. Handling defective mesh data in the rendering core has become significantly more stable. The shadow calculation code has been improved to avoid "terminator artifacts" and the Details Detection feature offers new "Screen Distance" modes.

How to Get this Service Pack
finalRender 3.5 & 3.5 SE SP2 are offered as a free download to all registered customers. Current users of finalRender 3.5 and 3.5 SE should log in to my.cebas.com and obtain the latest SP2 from their "View Product Registrations" account menu. Registered users will automatically see all available download options. If customers are not currently registered on www.cebas.com, or do not see their SP2 download, they may contact us through the contact menu located on the cebas home page and supply their relevant data (serial numbers).

Receive your own full copy right now — download it directly from our online store. Supported Platforms: 3ds Max and Max Design 2009-2011, 32-bit and 64-bit

To learn more about finalRender 3.5 and finalRender 3.5 SE, please visit their respective product pages.

I know this question has been asked a lot in forums, but the answer is to be found nowhere. And the question is how slim are the chances of an Indian (or any other immigrant) getting a job somewhere in the prime spots – like Canada, United Kingdom, USA. Is the situation good or bad. And is being an immigrant a disadvantage in any way. :confused: