Daniel Segal - Pipeline Technical Director

DANIEL SEGAL

[Pipeline Technical Director]

DANIEL SEGAL
Pipeline Technical Director

My name is Daniel Segal, and I am a Pipeline Technical Director with over 15 years of experience in the CGI and VFX industry. My expertise lies in developing, optimizing, and supporting robust production pipelines for Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Blender. I am passionate about solving complex technical challenges, automating workflows, and ensuring the smooth operation of all stages of production. I am proficient in Python, C++, and a wide range of production and infrastructure technologies.
I am fully open to relocation and excited about new opportunities to contribute to innovative projects.

Core Skills

Development & Pipeline:

Pipeline development and support (Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Blender), Python, PyQt/PySide, C++, C, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, Database management (SQL, MongoDB, Redis), YAML, JSON, USD APIs, Process automation, tool development, CI/CD

Production & Rendering:

ShotGrid (Shotgun), Ftrack, AWS Deadline, RenderMan, Arnold, OpenRV, rclone, FFmpeg, Render farm administration & optimization

Software & Other:

Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, Substance, Studio Library, Ticketing systems (Zammad, Jira), User support, task planning, code review

Experience

CG Pipeline Developer
Yarko Animation Studio (Gazprom-Media) — "Dino’s Doctor", Moscow

Supported and enhanced existing USD pipeline for Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Blender
Developed render farm submitters for Houdini and Nuke
Solved render farm issues: fixed black EXR, configured pool selection system
Maintained Ftrack for production data management
Managed technical support system via Zammad
Enhanced FX publishing tools, auto-save, and versioning systems
Provided technical support for 200+ users
Contributed to production of feature films and series such as "Team Match," "Moto Mars"

Lead Technical Director
VFX Digital, Iceland (Remote)

Optimized existing VFX pipeline and administered render farm
Deployed and managed containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes
Used Terraform for infrastructure management
Developed tools for automated data transfer processes
Configured Redis for caching and session management
Designed and optimized databases for production data storage
Provided technical support, code review, task planning, and team coordination

Lighting & Rendering Artist / Developer
Mukha Studio, Feature Film "Sadko", Ufa

Lighting and rendering for feature film project
Developed custom shaders, RIB generators, and scripts for RenderMan
Combined artistic and technical tasks

Education

Python Developer — GeekBrains
Architecture Diploma — Bashkir Construction Architecture College (BASC) - I received the specialty of a technician-architect but never worked in the specialty. During my studies, I repeatedly attended additional courses in 3d, programming, cad, and also participated in the creation of the Tarantula youth business school in St. Petersburg under the guidance of teachers.
Art School at BCAC - Graphics, painting, composition and sculpture classes
Ufa State palace of Art - Music diploma

Languages

Russian (Native)
English (Fluent)
Serbian (Fluent)

Open to relocation abroad.

Partners/Contacts