Visual effects (VFX)
Creature technical director (TD)
Also known as: Character TD, Creature effects (FX) TD, Groom TD
What does a creature TD do?
Creature TDs build the software that enables artists to create believable fur, feathers and skin on their creatures.
They develop and program the digital tools for all the artists who work on digital dinosaurs, animals or magnificent beasts, helping them to be as efficient as possible. They then work with pipeline TDs to incorporate the tools into a VFX production pipeline.
The scope of the creature TD role varies depending on the size of the studio. In some studios, the role includes rigging, which involves creating systems of skeletons and muscles which are then used by an animator as the basis for the creature’s movements. In larger studios, the role of creature TD is focussed on creating the fur, hair, feathers, skin. The goal is the same, to make sure the effects look convincing and blend seamlessly with the other VFX and live-action components of the film or TV programme.
Creature TDs can be employed by VFX studios or work as freelancers.
Watch and read
- District 9 interview #6 of 6: effects technical director - Vancouver Film School (VFS)
- What is a technical director in VFX, animation and games?!
- Interview with Erica Vigilante creature FX TD
What’s a creature TD good at?
- Problem-solving: be able to come up with solutions and overcome obstacles, use the most cutting-edge technology to find new ways to achieve a creative vision
- Collaboration and communication: be able to work with other VFX artists, use each other’s resources effectively and efficiently, be able to receive feedback in a constructive way
- Programming and coding skills: be able to use a variety of relevant software such as Houdini, Maya and Ziva Dynamics, be able to understand and use script languages (Python as preference, Mel and C++ as optional)
- Working with Linux or Unix operating systems: know how to work with these operating systems, which are different from Microsoft Windows or macOS (Apple)
- Working to deadlines: work within given time frames, be able to complete work under pressure, be organised
Who does a creature TD work with?
TDs report to the CG supervisor and VFX supervisor. They regularly communicate with the production department about schedules and deadlines.
They work closely with the other VFX artists working on creatures. These can be modelling artists, riggers and animators. TDs also work with effects (FX) artists and lighting TDs.
How do I become a creature TD?
You need to have a few years’ worth of experience working as a VFX artist in order to become a TD, as it’s a more senior role.
A good route into this role is to gain experience working as a modelling artist or texturing artist first. Or you might start off as a runner in a VFX company.
The role of creature TD involves a mix of art and technological competencies. You need to develop both technical skill and an appreciation for existing VFX. Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python and C++ and the software Maya and Houdini is essential.
There are degree courses available in computer programming, computer science or animation, which would all provide you with useful experience and knowledge towards becoming a creature TD.
At school or college:
If you want to go to college or university, you can take A-levels or Highers in computer science and maths. You might want to do some art as well. You could also take the following Level 3 vocational qualification:
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Computing
If you want to go straight into a job or apprenticeship, the following Level 3 vocational qualifications will equip you:
- Aim Awards Diploma/Extended Diploma in Games Animation and VFX
- AQA Technical Level IT: Programming
- OCR Technical Diploma in IT (Digital Software Practitioner)
- BTEC National Diploma in Computing for Creative Industries
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might want to enter the VFX industry through an apprenticeship as an assistant technical director. Have a look at NextGen Skills Academy VFX apprenticeships for school leavers. These involve a lot of learning on the job working in a VFX company.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on VFX apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in VFX.
Build a portfolio:
If you intend to get into this role through being a VFX artist, you will need to create a portfolio. Learn how to use, and then experiment with, VFX programs and create a showreel that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Go to build your VFX portfolio to learn how. Watch ScreenSkills’ advice on VFX showreels. It’s really important to develop your appreciation for VFX. Make sure you’re familiar with what’s out there.
Watch a lot of films:
As well as technical skill, it’s really important to develop an appreciation for VFX and animation. Make sure you’re familiar with what’s out there in the industry.
Get a degree:
VFX companies or studios generally prefer it if you have a degree in graphic design, or another VFX-specific course for this role. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in VFX. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the VFX industry.
Network:
Get to know people in VFX. Check out the events in ScreenSkills training and opportunities directory. Meet professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the sector. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to network well to learn how to do this.
Search for jobs:
Look at the ScreenSkills jobs board. Research VFX companies you’d like to work for. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior roles the art or pre-production departments. Even if they aren’t, send in your CV and showreel and ask them to bear you in mind for future roles or work experience. Keep looking on job websites too. ScreenSkills offers some advice from professionals on how to approach animation and VFX employers.
You might also be interested in…
Being a lighting TD. Or being a technical artist, graphics programmer or another kind of programmer in the games industry. You might also want to be an animation TD or an effects (FX) TD in the animation industry.
