Lead FX Artist - CG Series

Sony Pictures Animation is looking for an experienced Lead FX Artist to help define and drive the visual effects language for our upcoming CG animated Ghostbusters series—a bold, stylized expansion of the iconic franchise. This is a rare opportunity to shape the look of the series from the ground up, blending classic supernatural comedy with grounded horror and jaw-dropping FX moments.

You’ll be responsible for developing the look and feel of all FX on the show as well as guide the FX work completed at our partner studio. You’ll work directly with the Executive Producer, creating Houdini-based setups and style-defining FX that will be handed off to our overseas vendor team for large-scale execution. You will then be responsible for reviewing and providing feedback on their shots. You will collaborate with our Production Designer, Art Director and also receive notes from the Comp Supervisor. 

We are a fast-paced and collaborative production. You’ll need the stamina of a TV veteran, the eye of a feature artist, and the technical chops to pivot on a dime.

Sony Pictures Animation is an animation studio based in Culver City, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality stylized FX that read as real from a distance but reveal painterly, textured detail up close.
• Design and author Houdini-based FX setups for a wide variety of challenging fx and simulations. 
• Work closely with the Comp Supervisor and Executive Producer to iterate on looks—expect multiple rounds of creative refinement per element.
• Package up development files and FX templates for efficient use by our partner shot production studios. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production Design, Editorial, and Lookdev as needed.
• Maintain a strong sense of timing, appeal, and emotional impact in your FX work.
• Complete FX Breakdowns and notes for our partner studio and gather reference as needed. 
• Participate in lighting/ comp/ FX launches with our partner studio. 
• Review FX bids from our partner studio and collaborate with production on solutions to bring FX bids into scope. 
• Analyze animatics, designs, mattes, lighting concepts and assets for FX related feedback. 
• Advise production on FX producibility and collaborate with EPs on solutions. 
• Review FX work from partner studio and provide constructive feedback in a timely manner. 

Required Skills

• 5+ years of experience in CG FX for animation, VFX, or games (TV or feature preferred).
• Expert-level Houdini experience.
• Strong understanding of VEX and Python for procedural workflows.
• Proficiency in Maya, Redshift, Renderman, Nuke, and Photoshop.
• Solid grasp of physical dynamics, stylized motion/physics, and FX timing.
• Comfort with fast-paced iterations and collaborating with creative leadership.
• Ability to work hybrid from Los Angeles, with 2 in-person days per week (Wednesdays required).

Nice to Have

• Experience in stylized FX pipelines and developing show-wide FX style guides.
• Familiarity with brush-based or painterly look development.
• Desire to explore R&D or pipeline tool building.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $2,761.56/week to $3,000/week. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please submit a resume and a link to your work. Please make sure to include any passwords needed to review your work in your resume or cover letter.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.