E X P E R I E N C E
E X P E R I E N C E
2019 - Present
Walt Disney Imagineering
Glendale, California
2018 - 2019
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Role: Imagineer, Technical Animator, Animatronics Programmer
Organization: Walt Disney Imagineering
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Programmed audio-animatronics for attractions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai DS.
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Rigged and animated characters utilizing Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder.
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Automated pipelines by developing tools to maximize efficiency using Python.
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant
Organization: Carnegie Mellon University
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Instructed over eighty students over the semester in Maya, Unity, and Adobe Creative Cloud for game development purposes.
2019 - Present
Walt Disney Imagineering
Glendale, California
2018 - 2019
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Role: Imagineer, Technical Animator, Animatronics Programmer
Organization: Walt Disney Imagineering
-
Programmed audio-animatronics for attractions in Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai DS.
-
Rigged and animated characters utilizing Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder.
-
Automated pipelines by developing tools to maximize efficiency using Python.
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant
Organization: Carnegie Mellon University
-
Instructed over eighty students over the semester in Maya, Unity, and Adobe Creative Cloud for game development purposes.
Character Technical Director (Tech Animation, CFX, & Pipeline)
Multidisciplinary TD specializing in character effects, rigging, technical animation, compositing, pipeline development, and real-time prototyping
Hello! I'm Sahar
And I am a Character Technical Director and multidisciplinary CG technical artist based in Los Angeles, California with a background spanning character effects simulation, technical animation, rigging, pipeline tool development, compositing, and shot finishing. My work centers on building scalable character workflows and elevating storytelling across feature films, television, games, real-time, and immersive themed entertainment.
Leveraging a hybrid background in art and computer science engineering, I focus on creating deep, immersive experiences through animation and storytelling while bridging the gap between art and technology across interdisciplinary creative and production teams.
I spent the past six years at The Walt Disney Company, most recently as a CG Technical Director at Disney Television Animation, supporting the 3D animation pipeline across characters, props, lighting, effects, compositing, and scripting. Prior to that, I worked as a Character Technical Director at Walt Disney Animation Studios, focusing on cloth and hair simulation, tailoring, rigging, technical animation, and tool development for animated feature films. Earlier in my career, I served as an Imagineer at Walt Disney Imagineering, contributing to audio-animatronics, robotics rigging, show control systems, and software-driven mechanical workflows.
I’m currently seeking Character Technical Director, Technical Animation, Character Effects, or Visual Effects Design roles, with openness to software development and Unreal Engine pipeline development opportunities supporting real-time and hybrid production workflows.
Tools & Engineering
Bridges the gap between artists and programmers on cross-disciplinary teams. I develop pipeline tools and workflows to support animators and artists, applying software engineering principles and building intuitive, user-friendly interfaces. Beyond software, I’m trained in on-site construction and enjoy working with hardware, robotics, and microcontrollers.
Character Effects, Rigging, & Animation
Passionate about bringing characters to life through character effects, rigging, and technical animation. I combine a traditional art foundation with technology as my medium to articulate character performance through motion and behavior. I’ve applied these principles across animatronics, feature films, television series, and game development.
Mentor & Lecturer
Served as a mentor for emerging professionals and students entering the industry. I’m passionate about nurturing new talent, supporting underrepresented groups, and sharing industry knowledge through mentorship and speaking engagements. I’ve given live talks on my experience and welcome opportunities to collaborate or connect.