Lead CG Environment Modeler

Swaybox Studios • New Orleans, LA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Swaybox Studios is seeking a highly skilled Lead CG Environment Modeler to help craft immersive worlds through meticulously designed environments. Working from concept art, reference materials, or the Director’s brief, you'll be responsible for overseeing and building assets that not only support the narrative, but also elevate the visual language of the production. This role is the bridge between practical fabrication and our digital world.
As a Lead CG Environment Modeler, you will be supporting the modeling needs between the Practical Set Fabrication team and the VFX team. This role is hands- on, collaborative, and provides support in early R&D. You will be responsible for ensuring the team adheres to the modeling standards and procedures throughout pre-production and production of the film. Your expertise will help shape and refine the pipeline and handoff, while fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.

Requirements

• 3+ years experience as a set or environment modeler on high-end film, television, or cinematics with a strong emphasis on realism.
• Previous leadership experience.
• Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, Blender, or other 3D, industry-standard, modeling softwares.
• Ability to translate 2D artwork into 3D models.
• Thorough understanding of holding edge needs, when smoothing or not smoothing models, and ability to determine when each is best used.
• Solid understanding of scale, composition, and modular design for environments.
• Ability to model both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative pipeline with evolving creative direction.
• Ability to revise work based on feedback in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new toolsets and willing to expand knowledge of toolsets.
• Knowledge of the modeling needs to hand off to VFX for accurate texturing and look development workflows.
• Deep understanding of dimension, scale, perspective, and overall spatial awareness.
• 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, whether that’s with draw-overs, over the shoulder adjustments, or team meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Solid understanding of modelling in Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D), or other architectural/industrial modelling programs is a plus.
• Layout and UV experience is a plus.
• Basic experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering tools.
• Familiarity with scripting or tool development (e.g. Python, MEL, etc.) to support pipeline enhancements.
• Background in architecture, industrial design, or scenic/set design.
• Familiarity with hybrid workflows.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine digital models for sets, props, and vehicles based on provided references, concept art, or directorial feedback.
• Ensure models meet both aesthetic and technical requirements for layout and lighting & rendering pipelines.
• Work closely with the art and production teams to maintain visual consistency across practical and CG environment extensions.
• Lead team in determining LOD and complexity; taking model builds from Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) into Maya, and adjusting, where necessary, for CG needs with organized, efficient, polygonal topology that maintain the stylistic shapes.
• Independently translate designs with minimal oversight: while maintaining fidelity and consistent shape language to proportion, style, and silhouette.
• Collaborate with the VFX Supervisor, Art Director, and Production Designer to determine the best split lines, to fit the needs for each of the environments and departments.
• Participate in scheduling and bidding needs for the modelling aspect of the department.
• Stay up to date with emerging tools, technologies, and modeling methods to enhance efficiency and output.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed