VFX Artist

BEFORE YOU APPLY: Please read the compensation information at the bottom of the page!
OVERVIEW
We are looking for an experienced SideFX Houdini VFX Artist to complete our CG introduction sequence of “Leilani”, a 30 min live-action coming-of-age high-fantasy drama (lil bit of a mouthful, but wanted to be specific).
ABOUT THE COMPANY
We are creating films, games, and comics for our own fantasy universe (think Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc., but smaller - for now, hehe). We started 4+ years ago as a small team of folks who were initially supposed to package a TV show. Finding ourselves unwilling to sign away our IP, we decided to build out the universe ourselves to retain (creative) control. Now our rag-tag band of pirates has grown to over 150 members (far over 200 depending on how you count).
Our current slate includes 3 short films (2 in active development, 1 in post-production, 30min each), a comic book series (9 issues of Season 1, 45 pages/issue), and two games (one card game with online and offline versions featuring our characters and factions, and one TTRPG with one-shots, campaign rules, and region expansions). We also produce music, art, and have our own in-house media marketing element and ops.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Create VFX assets like wet maps and many types of 3D simulations [e.g. Liquid, Clouds and more].
Create multiple revision cycles of assets and keep them in line with naming conventions
Have a word with the art director on being briefed, discussing the best approach to it
YOU
Are experienced in node workflows in Houdini and like to figure out new ways to create effects that are needed
Have a good understanding of art fundamentals and a good feel for the flow of animation.
Are collaborative, let us know about your suggestions, and are open to receiving feedback
Can speak English decently to be able to communicate with all of us in online meetings.
Bonus: Familiarity & appreciation for the fantasy genre & history
ABOUT THE MOVIE
The story is about a Mage apprentice from a faraway land who starts acting strangely at the mage monastery where she is a resident. As time goes on, we find out what is really bothering her and begin to take a dangerous journey with her into the wild.
This ends up being a story about risky hope, family, and responsibility.
Shot on Arri Alexa LF with Cooke s7/i.
Starring Andrea Guo (Maxton Hall) and Adrian Topol (Fortitude).
Shot in two blocks in Nov. 2023 and April 2024.
The release is planned for the first week of September, and some homebrew premieres are organized for Cologne, Dublin, and Lisbon.
COMPENSATION DETAILS
Time Investment:
Part-time. Approximately 5-15 hours/week (flexible week-on-week, as we understand you may have other commitments) - you set your own boundaries and communicate your availability. Currently, it would be great to have you for 10 hours or more per week to complete the post-production in time.
Salary:
At this point, there is no salary for anyone in our team (from the CEO to the producers to the set runner, nobody draws a salary). We instead give parts of the profit away:
Profit Participation:
We are currently in the development of a profit share/royalty system that will award everyone who is part of the project a piece of the pie without causing any upfront taxation. Upon request for an interview, we will send you a detailed breakdown so you can make a decision on whether or not you want to continue with the application. This is fundamentally an investment contract (time invested, profit participation/royalties gained), and as a result, we are happy to support any due diligence you want to undergo ahead of joining.
Thank you very much for considering the collaboration.
We hope to see you on the other side and that we grow together on these exciting projects!
All the best,
Your Soul Atlas Team

Work arrangement
Yes