Head of Character Effects (CFX) - Netflix Animation Studios
$205,000–$259,000 year
HybridVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Job Summary
Lead and supervise Character Effects across the show, from look development to final shot delivery. Define the creative and technical approach for hair, fur, cloth, feathers, and other character-related simulations. Review CFX assets and shots, providing clear, actionable artistic and technical notes. Collaborate with Directors, Production Designers, Art Directors, Head of Characters, Animation, FX, and Look Development to ensure CFX supports character performance and story. Partner with Technical Supervisors, Production Technology, and R&D to develop and maintain robust, efficient CFX tools and workflows. Anticipate and identify creative and technical challenges in CFX and offer practical, innovative solutions. Work with Production Management on bids, schedules, and priorities to deliver high-quality work on time and within scope. Mentor and support CFX Supervisors, Leads, and Artists, fostering growth, clarity, and a positive team culture. Communicate effectively across disciplines, translating complex technical concepts into accessible language for creative partners.
Required Qualifications
- At least 10 years of experience in Character Effects/FX within film, TV, or games
- 5–7 years in leadership or supervisory roles on large-scale animated features or VFX films
- Proven, production-level expertise in Houdini (SOPs/DOPs/POPs)
- Strong understanding of cloth, hair, fur, feather, and soft-body simulations
- Strong scripting and/or programming skills (e.g., Python, VEX)
- Familiarity with Linux-based workflows
- Deep understanding of the end-to-end 3D animation pipeline
- Knowledge of how CFX interacts with Modeling, Grooming, Rigging, Surfacing, Animation, FX, Lighting, and Compositing
- A strong eye for movement, weight, and anatomy
- Ability to give clear, constructive notes that improve performance and appeal
- Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
- Ability to build trust and enthusiasm across a cross-site team
- Ability to foster a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive environment
- Ability to balance quick turnaround needs with long-term quality and technical stability
- Must be based in Vancouver, British Columbia
- Minimum of 3 days a week in the office
Desired Qualifications
- Muscle/skin experience
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