Lead CG Environment Modeler

Why join Swaybox Studios?

Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.

Job Summary:

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.

Work Location: New Orleans, LA

Key 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.

We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.