Hasta La Motion!

Summary:
Under the direction of the Creature Dev VFX Supervisor, the CG Supervisor oversees the creation and implementation of DD’s Creature Dev (CD) pipeline from concept phase through modeling, rigging, texturing, look dev and delivery of the creature assets into shot production. Responsible for the timely throughput of (CD) assets, partnering with the CD Production Manager to ensure delivery of assigned work on schedule and on budget and to the requirements of an individual show’s CG/DFX Supervisors. Responsible for the implementation of an efficient and effective approach to CD and asset builds that allows the CD Department Supervisors and their artists to focus on creating assets that will allow the highest level of animation performance and fidelity, within a show’s budgetary and schedule limitations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Oversees the creation and implementation of DD’s CD pipeline, partnering with the CD DPM
• Ensuring that the techniques, tools and pipeline being created are modular and portable from show-to-show and that a proper QC process is in place between all CD departments and into the show’s shot production pipeline.
• Manages the DDBA Creature Dev (CD) team across multiple projects, working with CD DPM to create schedules, milestones and approval processes that align with the needs of each particular show.
• Together with the CD DPM, works with individual show CG (or DFX) Supervisors (and their respective Digital Producer) to ensure that the creature assets flow smoothly into the shot production workflow utilized for a specific show, resolving bottlenecks and schedule issues pertaining to creature dev.
• In conjunction with the CD DPM, manages the CD team across tests, pitches and multiple shows, with the shows acting as a ‘client’ to the DDBA team.
• Participates in turnover meetings, asset breakdowns, and re-bidding over the course of the show.
• Participates in the staffing and recruiting process
• Responsible for attending facility technology meetings
• Provides concise direction and feedback to Leads and artists on the floor, focusing effort on the critical parts of the shot
• Delegates to Team Leads and/or artists to ensure focus on technique and methodology
• Anticipates show’s CD challenges and identifies solutions with the DFX Supervisor, maintaining an ongoing focus on optimization and streamlining throughout the life of the show
• Identifies and utilizes tools and techniques which improve productivity and the quality of the work; avoids reinvention of the wheel or duplication of effort both within the show and across the facility
• May participate in the bidding process and strategizes on creative approach for Creature Dev work working with the CD DPM, to accurately estimate work-load and resources in creating production budgets
• Collaborates with other CG Supervisors in the facility and promotes a positive and productive work environment
• Responsible to the VFX Supervisor in realizing his vision
• Responsible for the success/failure of the artist departments on a show
• Mediates discussions within the Leads and Artists, acts as an escalation point for the Leads and resolves conflicts between the Leads as needed
• Ensures effective communication between disciplines within the show and partners with peer group to ensure critical information is shared across shows
• Mentors the Leads and Artists, providing ongoing feedback and participating in mid-show and end of show review process for team

Education, Experience and Skills Required:
• Minimum of 6 years of artist experience across 2 or more disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of Lead experience in feature film VFX required
• Strong knowledge of the entire post-production process relating to visual effects
• Must have a sense of strong team dynamics and a positive morale generating style
• Must have strong problem solving mentality and/or the ability to accurately place people who can solve a particular problem
• Ability to successfully delegate, mentor, and manage people and projects