Hi, I'm Alejandro Cabrera
Pipeline TD & Software Developer
I build tools and pipelines for VFX and feature animation studios. Specialized in Python development, USD workflows, and cross-DCC solutions.
A bit about me
I'm a Pipeline TD and Software Developer based in Ontario, Canada, with over 10 years of experience in the 3D, VFX, and feature animation industry.
My expertise spans pipeline and tools development with a systems engineering background. I specialize in building Python tools for Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and USD workflows, as well as designing cross-DCC communication solutions.
I've worked on major film productions including Maleficent 2, Rumble, and Fireheart, contributing to both technical artist workflows and pipeline infrastructure.
Skills & Technologies
Where I've worked
Pipeline TD
GHOST VFX- Built a PySide2 asset/template browser used daily by 40+ artists
- Designed cross-DCC camera rerack tool (Maya, Houdini, Nuke)
- Created Houdini HDAs that replaced manual steps across departments
- Built USD/Solaris tooling — custom animation exporter, stage inspection utilities
- Managed Git repos, CI/CD with GitLab, and Rez packaging
CG Tools TD
MARZ VFX- Developed Houdini HDAs and CG production tools in Python and C++
- Built ShotGrid integrations and custom Deadline farm plugins
- Led a small team of developers on CG tooling priorities
Assets TD
MRX FX- Maintained the asset repository and built artist-facing tools
- Developed ShotGrid integrations and HDAs for the assets pipeline
- Wrote Bash automation, worked directly with the assets team
Rigging / Pipeline TD
L'Atelier Animation- Developed rigging tools using the Maya API — space switcher, rig validation, batch processing
- Managed the rigging repo, reviewed submissions, enforced code practices
- Feature film: Fireheart
Character FX Artist
Reel FX Studios- Cloth, hair, and muscle simulation with Ziva Dynamics, Nucleus, and XGen
- Built PySide/Qt tools for the CFX team to automate sim setup
- Feature film: Rumble
CFX / Technical Animator
Mill-Film- Cloth and hair sims using proprietary tools and Nucleus for hero shots
- Built feather sim setups and character skin-fix solutions
- Feature film: Maleficent 2
Selected work
Latest thoughts
Let's work together
Looking for a Pipeline TD or tools developer? I'd love to hear about your project.