Maik Donath - Houdini Redshift Lighter

Q: Where is Maik based?

Maik is based in Berlin, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Maik speak?

Maik speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Maik have?

Maik has at least 22 years of experience. During this time, Maik has worked in at least 11 different roles and for 18 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months . Note that Maik may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Maik's latest experience?

Maik's most recent position is Houdini Redshift Lighter at Rohtau .

Q: What companies has Maik worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Maik has worked for Rohtau , OutsidetheClub (OTC) , Industrial.Digital.Alchemy , Why Worry Productions , and OUTPOST VFX .

Q: Which industries is Maik most experienced in?

Maik is most experienced in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing , Retail , and Information Technology (IT) .

Q: Which business areas is Maik most experienced in?

Maik is most experienced in business areas like Production/Manufacturing , Product Development , and Project Management . Maik also has some experience in Business Intelligence , Quality Assurance (QA) , and Information Technology (IT) .

Q: Which industries has Maik worked in recently?

Maik has recently worked in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing .

Q: Which business areas has Maik worked in recently?

Maik has recently worked in business areas like Production/Manufacturing , Project Management , and Business Intelligence .

Recommended expert

Berlin, Germany

Experience

Jun 2023 - Aug 2023

3 months

Houdini Redshift Lighter

Rohtau

Matched light and mood to the plates
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts

Mar 2023 - Aug 2023

6 months

FX Artist

OutsidetheClub (OTC)

Created assets and toolsets in Houdini for Amazon Netflix movie
Created lifelike characters with appropriate textures, shadows and features
Researched how desired animations, movements and events would occur in real-world situations
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility
Paid attention to detail while completing assignments

Oct 2022 - Mar 2023

6 months

Producer Unit

Industrial.Digital.Alchemy

Location scout, camera unit, VFX postproduction, teaser creation in Houdini
Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery
Analyzed market trends and audience preferences to inform the development of relevant programming choices
Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional multimedia productions for various platforms
Supervised breaking news coverage and determined priority for stories within each broadcast
Coordinated with producers and on-air talent to create program content, new ideas, and segments
Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion

May 2022 - Oct 2022

6 months

FX Artist

Why Worry Productions

Created Houdini FX elements for Italian movie 'Il maledetto'
Managed multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet strict deadlines
Worked closely with directors and producers to achieve their desired vision through precise execution of visual effects
Designed mock-ups and simulations for review, finding and fixing animation problems
Optimized FX assets for improved performance and reduced render times, ensuring timely project completion
Developed storyboards outlining animation plans
Refined visual effects based on feedback until achieving the desired results
Researched how desired animations, movements and events would occur in real-world situations
Used Houdini to create computer-generated effects and simulations
Bridged communication gaps between technical and creative teams, translating artistic concepts into practical visual effects solutions

Feb 2022 - May 2022

4 months

FX Artist

OUTPOST VFX

Created digital holograms and dust visual effects for 'The Man Who Fell to Earth'
Troubleshot technical issues as they arose and provided solutions that maintained the integrity of the FX work
Stayed current on industry trends and emerging technology, applying new knowledge to enhance future projects
Mastered complex 3D modeling techniques to create realistic characters, environments, or objects required within specific VFX sequences
Contributed to creative brainstorming sessions, offering innovative ideas for visually striking effects
Worked closely with directors and producers to achieve their desired vision through precise execution of visual effects
Enhanced visual effects quality by meticulously designing and implementing FX elements for various projects
Created sequences under tight deadlines and seamlessly integrated with other components
Simulated behaviors of objects by developing models
Used Houdini to create computer-generated effects and simulations

Sep 2021 - Jan 2022

5 months

FX Supervisor

Lenker Studios

Supervised as FX Supervisor on 'Sapiens', delivering massive FX shots like tornados, maelstroms and energy FX in Houdini
Facilitated smooth operations during busy periods by stepping in where needed, demonstrating strong teamwork skills
Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback

Jul 2021 - Sep 2021

3 months

Remote

Houdini FX TD

Platige

Worked remotely on the feature cinematic 'The Outriders' using Houdini, Adobe Premiere and After Effects
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion

Jan 2021 - Jul 2021

7 months

Remote

Houdini FX TD

Little Dream Entertainment

Worked remotely on the feature animation movie 'Moon Bound' handling different effects using Houdini, Adobe Premiere and After Effects
Demonstrated excellent communication skills and strong work ethic
Managed time efficiently to complete all tasks within deadlines
Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment

Sep 2020 - Sep 2020

1 month

3dsmax Modeler

Purity Animation Studios

Performed modeling tasks for short movie 'Paul Sach Colonial Marines - Elite Forces Alien Xtreme' (unreleased)
Managed multiple modeling projects simultaneously, delivering timely and accurate results
Developed innovative modeling techniques for improved project outcomes
Evaluated existing model performance, identifying areas for improvement and optimization

Jan 2020 - Present

6 years 2 months

VFX Artist

Lenker Studios

Simulated behaviors of objects by developing models
Researched how desired animations, movements and events would occur in real-world situations
Created sequences under tight deadlines and seamlessly integrated with other components

Jun 2019 - Oct 2019

5 months

VFX Supervisor

Jean de Meuron

Supervised VFX on film concept 'First Contact', leading a team of artists to create alien lifeform ray beams
Enhanced internal workflows by standardizing documentation procedures across all projects
Composited CG alien life imagery and animation imagery using Nuke
Achieved seamless integration of live-action footage with CG elements by utilizing advanced compositing techniques
Worked with directors, technical staff and editors to refine designs and better reach end goals
Brainstormed new designs and techniques through close work with both technical and non-technical personnel
Developed storyboards outlining animation plans
Managed time efficiently to complete all tasks within deadlines
Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback

Jan 2015 - Feb 2020

5 years 2 months

Remote

3D Generalist

Wayne England

Worked remotely for the R&D department of Phenom Films under supervision of Wayne England using 3ds Max, Fume FX, Thinking Particles and V-ray
Troubleshot technical issues within the pipeline to maintain smooth production workflows throughout multiple projects
Simulated behaviors of objects by developing models
Created over 15 realistic simulations with full range of emotions and movement using 3ds Max and After Effects
Optimized render settings for Arnold and V-Ray to maintain visual quality while reducing render times
Developed storyboards outlining animation plans
Improved visual storytelling through thoughtful camera placement, composition and animation during layout stage
Created lifelike characters with appropriate textures, shadows and features
Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
Worked independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback

Mar 2014 - Jan 2015

11 months

3D Artist / 3D Generalist

Prophecy FX

Worked as FX Artist and 3D Generalist in Berlin on different projects and animations under supervision of Christoph Schmidt and Andreas Alesik using Fume, Pflow Box, V-ray 3.0, After Effects, Thinking Particles, Thinkbox Frost, Thinkbox Krakatoa and 3ds Max
Enhanced visual appeal of game environments by designing and modeling 3D assets
Worked closely with art directors to ensure consistency in style and quality across all 3D assets
Mentored junior artists, providing guidance on best practices and industry standards in 3D modeling and texturing
Developed storyboards outlining animation plans
Developed custom shaders for unique visual effects, improving overall aesthetics and realism
Contributed to award-winning projects with high-quality, photorealistic renders
Delivered high-quality work under tight deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude toward challenging tasks
Conducted modeling and texture optimization for real-time 3D game applications
Simulated behaviors of objects by developing models
Streamlined the development process by optimizing 3D models for efficient rendering and performance

Feb 2013 - Feb 2014

1 year 1 month

3D Artist

VFX BOX

Found solutions for daily 3D business under supervision of Benjamin Haagen and Michael Goebel using FumeFX, V-ray 2.0, After Effects, Thinking Particles, Thinkbox Frost, Thinkbox Krakatoa, 3ds Max, Motion Builder and NukeX
Solved technical challenges with innovative solutions, enhancing final product quality and reducing production time
Mentored junior artists, providing guidance on best practices and industry standards in 3D modeling and texturing
Elevated storytelling capabilities by collaborating with writers and designers to create visually engaging content
Conceptualized 3D animations, visual effects and motion graphics for logos, symbols, backgrounds and special features
Created over 20 shots with full range of emotions and movement using 3ds Max

Jan 2012 - Feb 2012

2 months

FX Artist

BA-Software Development

Worked as freelance FumeFX artist for mobile app 'FXGuru' for Bachir Babale using FumeFX, Thinking Particles and V-ray
Stayed current on industry trends and emerging technology, applying new knowledge to enhance future projects
Troubleshot technical issues and provided solutions to maintain integrity of FX work
Mastered complex 3D modeling techniques to create realistic characters, environments or objects
Contributed to creative brainstorming sessions, offering innovative ideas for visually striking effects
Optimized FX assets for improved performance and reduced render times
Delivered high-quality VFX shots under tight deadlines by utilizing efficient rendering techniques
Created over 25 new stories built upon existing character animation using 3ds Max and FumeFX

Sep 2011 - Mar 2012

7 months

3D Generalist

Celluloid VFX

Worked as 3D Generalist on 'Underworld Awakening', 'Hasenhimmel' and 'More Than Honey' under supervision of Michael Landgrebe and Holger Hummel
Developed storyboards outlining animation plans
Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion
Created motion graphics for logos, symbols, backgrounds and special features
Enhanced project quality by optimizing model topology and UV layouts for efficient rendering
Created over 12 realistic characters with full range of emotions and movement using 3ds Max, Phoenix FD and Nuke

Jun 2008 - Dec 2012

4 years 7 months

3D Generalist

Neurotainment TV

Worked as 3D Generalist on 'Underworld Awakening', 'Hasenhimmel' and 'More Than Honey' under supervision of Michael Landgrebe and Holger Hummel
Enhanced 3D project quality by optimizing model topology and UV layouts for efficient rendering
Conceptualized 3D animations, visual effects and motion graphics for logos, symbols, backgrounds and special features
Conducted modeling and texture optimization for real-time 3D game applications
Created lifelike characters with appropriate textures, shadows and features
Troubleshot technical issues related to rendering, lighting, shaders or dynamics systems
Designed mock-ups and simulations for review, finding and fixing animation problems
Implemented motion capture data into animations to enhance realism
Followed design guidelines, asset naming conventions and other technical constraints to produce compliant results
Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations

Jul 2005 - Apr 2008

2 years 10 months

3D Artist

Sportbiene Bindlach

Designed 3D assets for online shop systems using 3ds Max and Photoshop
Solved technical challenges with innovative solutions, enhancing final product quality and reducing production time
Mentored junior artists on best practices and industry standards in 3D modeling and texturing
Streamlined the development process by optimizing 3D models for efficient rendering and performance
Conducted modeling and texture optimization for real-time 3D game applications
Simulated behaviors of objects by developing models

Apr 2004 - Jun 2005

1 year 3 months

3D Artist

die Manufaktur

Trained in 3D film media and sound
Enhanced visual appeal of game environments by designing and modeling 3D assets
Developed custom shaders for unique visual effects, improving overall aesthetics and realism
Played a key role in winning bids for new projects by creating compelling pitch visuals using advanced 3D software tools
Collaborated with animators to create realistic character movements for immersive gaming experiences
Resolved technical issues relating to rendering, streaming and memory management
Conceptualized 3D animations, visual effects and motion graphics for logos, symbols, backgrounds and special features

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Media and Entertainment (18.5 years) and Retail (3 years).

Media and Entertainment

Retail

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Production (14 years), Product Development (10.5 years), Project Management (7 years), Business Intelligence (0.5 years), and Quality Assurance (0.5 years).

Production

Product Development

Project Management

Business Intelligence

Quality Assurance

Summary

Story-driven Animator focused on character development and high-quality animation. Successful at completing action-driven and dramatic shots. Versed in a wide range of animation styles, techniques and software programs.

Skills

Graphics Design
Teamwork And Collaboration
Multitasking Abilities
Procedural Animation
Sports
Film
Writing
Nature
Houdini
Autodesk Maya
Creative Problem Solving
Creative Thinking
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Photoshop
3ds Max
Nuke
After Effects
Karma
Arnold
Unreal Engine
Davince Resolve
Programming/ Vex

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

May 2015 - May 2018

State Vocational School Bayreuth

Associate of Science · Network and System Administration · Bayreuth, Germany

Retail Management Assistant

Associate of Arts · Retail Management Assistance · Bayreuth, Germany

Werner von Siemens School

Bachelor of Arts, Media and Sound · Media and Sound · Frankfurt, Germany

Profile

Created

January 2024

Last Update

January 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Maik based?

Maik is based in Berlin, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Maik speak?

Maik speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Maik have?

Maik has at least 22 years of experience. During this time, Maik has worked in at least 11 different roles and for 18 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months. Note that Maik may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Maik be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Maik would be well-suited for roles such as: Houdini Redshift Lighter, FX Artist, Producer Unit.

What is Maik's latest experience?

Maik's most recent position is Houdini Redshift Lighter at Rohtau.

What companies has Maik worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Maik has worked for Rohtau, OutsidetheClub (OTC), Industrial.Digital.Alchemy, Why Worry Productions, and OUTPOST VFX.

Which industries is Maik most experienced in?

Maik is most experienced in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing, Retail, and Information Technology (IT).

Which business areas is Maik most experienced in?

Maik is most experienced in business areas like Production/Manufacturing, Product Development, and Project Management. Maik also has some experience in Business Intelligence, Quality Assurance (QA), and Information Technology (IT).

Which industries has Maik worked in recently?

Maik has recently worked in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing.

Which business areas has Maik worked in recently?

Maik has recently worked in business areas like Production/Manufacturing, Project Management, and Business Intelligence.

What is Maik's education?

Maik holds a Bachelor in Media and Sound from Werner von Siemens School.

What is the availability of Maik?

Maik is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Maik?

Maik's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.