Shader Development TD
A shader development technical director is responsible for creating high-quality shaders for 3D assets that have to fit well with different lightning through post production. The role requires self-direct artistic and technical guidance, needing only initial direction from the producer. One will develop a shader using a reference given as a baseline of the visual look the director is aiming at which may be handed as a drawing, painting, picture, and sometimes, just a verbal brief. The shader can be developed using a wide range of techniques such as 3D paint, procedural texture, creating an original algorithmic shader, and/or modification of an existing one.
Shader development technical director is not an entry level role, to get into this position, one will have to work in the VFX industry for a couple years or more. To excel in this role, it’s required to know computer language, such as python and C++, to have an understanding of based node software, such as Maya, and to have advanced experience in lighting and rendering CGI scenes. This role has a major responsibility in 3D scenes since one will be responsible for the final step in CGI scenes, and will render the shot. On a daily basis, shader development technical director may work with modeller, look dev artists and shading artists.
Creature TD
Creature technical directors, also known as character technical directors, develop tools for artists to work on CGI characters’ cloth, skin, hair, fur, feather and other aspects. The tools are programmed using computer language and done to make the work more efficient. In some smaller studios, the role may include rigging as well, which is the process of creating a bone structure that will enable manipulating a 3D model, while in larger studios, the role will be concentrated only in grooming characters. This role includes a mix of technical and artistic skills, since one will be dealing with solving coding and other eventual technical problems, and designing the characters groom and skin.
To excel in this role, one will need to have programming and coding skills, such as knowing computer language like python and C++, and have an artistic basis. Technical directors is not an entry level position, in that way, they are responsible for mentoring junior artists. A good route into this role is to start as a modeller or shading artist since these types of artists also work on the development of a character/creature and on a daily basis, creature TDs will work closely with them. This job can be done by a freelancer or an employee depending on the studio.
Pipeline TD
Pipeline Technical directors work on VFX projects making sure everything is running smoothly within the pipeline. They need to be in contact with all the different departments to make sure they all have the software tools needed to pursue their job. When there’s an artist with a technical problem in a software or plugin, pipeline TDs will have to fix it. With that being said, they need to have a good understanding of the VFX production pipeline and know which artist performs which role and what software is required for each job. They need to look forward to making each job in the pipeline as efficient as possible, writing or modifying code to solve problems and build new tools.
On a daily basis, pipeline TDs will be in touch with the leads of each department, in order to plan which tools need to be developed and implemented. They will then create the tools using computer language, test the tool to see if it works, then implement in the software desired and explain to the artist how to use it. To succeed in this job, one will need to have programming and coding skills, to be a good communicator and to have a good understanding of all the parts of the VFX pipeline. It’s also important to be a good problem-solver, identify the problems and find the most efficient solution for it. Nowadays there are a lot of open source tools emerging, which means that pipeline TDs won’t need to code the tools everytime. In that way, finding the fastest and more creative solution will make a good professional.
R&D Programmer
Research and development programmer, also known as software developer, creates unique and innovative technology for artists to use in post-production. They will first analyse a non efficient part within the VFX pipeline, then they will research innovative solutions and new technologies that could be used, finally they will develop and implement the technology by coding and programming new technologies. The type of technology developed can vary from a new software developed, a tool implemented in an existing software, to data analysis depending on the problem they are looking forward to solving. Some technology themes that may occur are managing a world-wide production team, administrating a huge amount of data from different movies productions, real-time virtual production technology issues, creating more realistic fur, and others.
A R&D programmer must have an advanced knowledge in programming languages such as python and c++ and have a good understanding in the technical part of relevant software used in the VFX industry such as Maya, Nuke and Houdini. Also, one must be good at planning and analysing data, since one will be creating development plans. Being communicative is also a skill required for this job, since one will be communicating with technical directors, on a daily basis, and with a variety of staff to understand their needs and assist them with technical issues. One will have to be good at problem solving and come up with creative ideas for a variety of technical issues.