Lead 3D Real-time Artist - VP

Lead 3D Real-time Artist (Virtual Production) London | Hybrid | Permanent

The Studio

A leading UK virtual production facility working across high-end television, film and branded content. The studio operates an LED volume stage and delivers real-time content for productions that demand cinematic quality, not game-engine aesthetics. They're now looking for a Lead 3D Real-time Artist to head up content creation across their virtual production slate.

The Role

As Lead 3D Real-time Artist, you'll lead real-time content creation for virtual productions, ensuring 3D environments and assets meet the visual standards expected in film and television. This sits between creative and technical, but weighted toward artistic judgment rather than pipeline engineering.

Day-to-day, the Lead 3D Real-time Artist oversees asset preparation and optimisation for Unreal Engine, works directly with clients to interpret creative briefs, and supports on-set during shoots when real-time troubleshooting is needed. You'll also shape workflows and mentor artists as the team grows.

This Lead 3D Real-time Artist role suits someone who understands Unreal deeply but approaches it as a creative tool rather than a development platform. You'll need strong opinions on lighting, composition and material quality, and the ability to recognise when something looks "too game-y" for broadcast.

As Lead 3D Real-time Artist, you'll be responsible for:

• Preparing, validating and optimising Unreal Engine assets for real-time performance at cinematic quality
• Leading creative and technical direction across 3D content for virtual productions
• Working on-set during shoots, troubleshooting rendering, tracking and material issues under pressure
• Consulting with clients on feasibility, translating creative vision into executable plans
• Developing workflows and processes that balance artistic control with production efficiency
• Mentoring artists and supporting knowledge-sharing across departments

You'll need:

• 3+ years creating real-time 3D content in virtual production, VFX or high-end games
• Hands-on Unreal Engine experience, including asset import pipelines, LOD setup, material optimisation and real-time lighting
• Working proficiency in Maya, Houdini or Blender for asset preparation
• Portfolio demonstrating cinematic lighting, composition and photorealistic material work
• Experience working on-set or in live production environments where you've troubleshot issues in real-time
• Ability to communicate technical constraints to non-technical clients and creative teams
• Comfortable making decisions under time pressure during live shoots

Useful but not essential:

• Experience with motion capture or camera tracking systems
• Background in film/TV production or VFX pipelines
• Familiarity with LED volume/ICVFX workflows

To Apply

If this Lead 3D Real-time Artist opportunity matches your background, click apply and include a link to your current showreel.