Lighting TD - Mid/Senior

The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic studio, at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

This role is a six month contract October 2026 - March 2027 and would require candidates to have work rights in Australia or be within a timezone that aligns closely with Melbourne.

About the role

Lighting TDs are responsible for the lighting and rendering of elements required to complete visual effects shots for high-end photo-realistic VFX films.

What you’ll do

• CG scene assembly including the correct assets from applicable departments

• Lighting shots as briefed by the Visual Effects/CG Supervisor or Sequence Lead

• Working closely with CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look

• Developing shots in collaboration with the shot Compositor

• Rendering non-lighting passes as required by the shot Compositor

• Creating lighting set ups and/or working with current set ups

• Creating efficient rendering set ups in order to optimise render farm usage

• Scrutinising the colours and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene and replicating them in CG

• Staying on schedule and meeting set deadlines while maintaining the highest levels of quality

• Ongoing communication with Production and leads regarding schedules and deadlines

• Other duties as required including wrangling assets or elements of a shot from another department to ensure shots are completed to schedule

• Submit shots for review and follow through with notes as required

• Provide support for more junior team members

Essential Skills:

• Degree / Diploma aligning to the position

• At least 5 years previous experience working in a film VFX pipeline

• 5 years full time work experience will substitute formal qualifications if none are available

• Previous experience with shot look development

• Knowledge of Houdini and Maya

• A good understanding of colour-space

• Knowledge of lighting techniques

• A basic knowledge of Nuke or similar compositing package, including how to use layers and passes to tweak a shot after it has been rendered

• Good knowledge of other disciplines within VFX including simulation, Modeling and UV mapping, Texturing and Camera Tracking

• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills

• Creative problem solving and attention to detail

• Able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining high quality results

• Able to work successfully as part of a team as well as independently

• Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines

• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to work within a pre-set workflow or pipeline but also have the creativity and problem solving skills to work around issues

• Knowledge of either Renderman, Arnold or similar production renderer

• Basic knowledge of physically plausible shading techniques

• Basic knowledge of Python and/or Mel scripting

• A strong understanding of Linux/Unix based operating systems

You might also have

• Experience with digital paint software such as Photoshop and/or Mari

• Experience working with effects elements and volume rendering

• Knowledge and experience in other render packages

• Knowledge and experience in Compositing and Nuke

• Experience and knowledge in Modeling and Texturing

  Accessibility Statement

  Our Melbourne studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

  Application Process

  To apply, please complete the linked application form or email your resume and portfolio to recruiters@framestore.com with the subject line: Lighting TD - Melbourne.

  We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know—we are happy to accommodate your needs.