CG Modeler

Swaybox Studios is seeking a technically adept and creatively driven CG Modeler to create the CG models of set extensions, environments, props, and vehicles to seamlessly integrate into live action plates. This role is central to maintaining the stylistic aesthetic of the film, ensuring the final output meets the high artistic standards of the studio. It requires technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and a collaborative mindset.

The CG Modeler will focus on the CG creation of our modeled assets to be handed to other departments including layout, texture, lookdev, light, and composite into our final imagery. This person will play a hands-on role in breathing life into our CG assets and resolving creative challenges. While also collaborating with the VFX Supervisor, Unreal Supervisor, MoMo Supervisor and Art Director to ensure technical and creative goals are met, while also offering input to the TD team on ways to streamline and improve the production pipeline. This is a perfect position for a VFX artist who is passionate about the cinematic quality that can be achieved with CG and hybrid visual storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and refine high-quality digital models for sets, props, and vehicles based on provided references, concept art, and/or directorial feedback.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and production to ensure models meet both creative and technical requirements for layout, lookdev, and lighting.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of surface characteristics to create, adjust, and assist in matching the style of our fabricated assets.
• Manage and optimize UV mapping for clean and efficient texture workflows.
• Research and collect visual reference materials to inform surface detail and realism.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisor, CG Supervisor, MoMo Supervisor, and TDs to identify areas of improvement in the pipeline, including tool and workflow development.
• Excel in a fast-paced environment, where priorities can shift quickly, demonstrating exceptional organization, flexibility, and the ability to maintain output quality amid evolving creative direction.
• Work closely with the art and production teams to maintain visual consistency across environments.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience as a set or environment modeler in film, television, or cinematic animation/VFX.
• Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Blender or any standard modeling software.
• Solid understanding of scale, composition, and modular design for props and environments.
• Highly skilled in hard surface and soft surface modeling as well as UV work.
• Ability to model both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail.
• Deep understanding of visual language- texture, color, dimension, perspective, shade, motion blur, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.
• An artistic mindset and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Rhinoceros (Rhino) 3D is advantageous.
• Understanding of rigging and animation is a plus.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or other similar rendering tools.
• Background in architecture, industrial design, or scenic/set design.
• Basic knowledge of compositing in Nuke to create and refine slap comps for presentation.
• Familiarity with tracking software such as Shotgrid (Flow Production Tracking) and version control software such as Perforce.