Director Of Cinematography Layout

This is a Full Time Job


The Director of Cinematography - Layout is responsible for supervising and delivering all aspects of cinematography, from animatic through the final film output. The Director of Cinematography - Layout will oversee a team of artists working together to capture the impression of the Director's vision through the camera including environment asset creation. This is a regular, full time, staff position that will be located at our Vancouver, BC studio. Please note that relocation eligibility may be determined based on role and individual circumstance.

Role Specifics
• Work with the Director, VFX Supervisor, and Director of Cinematography - Lighting to realize their vision to define and implement the Cinematography style and practices for the show.
• Supervise a Layout Team composed of layout artists in creating the world that is specified by the Director.
• Supervise the creation of the camera rig and lens packages to be used for the show.
• Maintain functional parity between Layout, Animation, and Lighting.
• Direct the continuing maintenance and streamlining of the Layout process.
• Develop and maintain portions of the environment bibles, specifically in relation to the technical implementation of pertinent characteristics.
• Work closely with the Animation Team to ensure the successful collaboration, handoff, and execution of environments and cameras.
• Partner with the Director of Cinematography – Lighting, following all shots from conception to completion.
• Partner with the Editor and editorial department to ensure that the Director's cinematic vision is captured.

Strategy
• Responsible for consumability and efficiency of deliverables into downstream departments.
• Drives department processes, bidding, and reviews.
• Determines resource needs and collaborates with studio, show, and department leadership in finding staffing solutions.
• Analyzes and determines cost implications of requests and strategizes on solutions in partnership with show leadership.

Leading People
• Creates an inclusive and safe work environment by carefully managing sensitive information, making rooms feel open and comfortable, creating space for everyone to have a voice, and addressing bias when it occurs.
• Sets the creative and technical vision/expectations for the supervisors, leads, and department. Responsible for seeing that vision through to completion.
• In tight conjunction with the Production Management and AM, inspires and motivates the supervisors, leads, and department. Responsible for the tone and morale of the department.
• Contributes to the overall craft and leadership development of supervisors, leads, and department through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability.

Collaboration
• Creates, models, and supports a collaborative work environment within the team and between departments on the show.
• Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other department leaders utilizing a holistic view to meet show vision.

Communication
• Provides regular updates to show leadership on the progress, health, and direction of the team.
• Keeps the team informed with context for show related changes and updates.

Studio Stewardship
• Studio Culture- Actively fosters an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment so every employee can contribute at the highest levels.
• Technology, Tools, and Workflow- Engages in the creation and execution of technical standards, pipeline conventions, and workflows to support the department, show, and studio.
• Department Stewardship- Partners closely with peers and the Artist Manager to support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation. Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists.

Recommended Experiences
• Minimum 4 years of leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.
• Demonstrated history of problem solving and project management skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WDAS standards, pipeline, tools, and workflows as they relate to discipline(s) you would be leading.
• Understanding of the disciplines/craft which you would be leading.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Illustration, Cinema Studies, Computer Graphics, Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience as a Layout Supervisor, Sequence Supervisor, CG Supervisor, or similar role in CG Animation and/or Visual Effects production.
• Experience with camera rigs and mechanics and a strong understanding of lens effects.
• Experience in doing previs, providing a blueprint, prior to production crews starting.
• Strong understanding of the principles of cinematography and animation.
• Strong knowledge and technical understanding of digital pipeline issues.
• Strong knowledge of each of the following technical areas:
• Maya®
• 3D Modeling and Rigging
• 3D Texture painting and mapping techniques
• Animation principles
• The Unix/Linux environment
• Skill in the following areas is desired:
• DSequencer
• Traditional drawing, painting, design and/or sculpture
• Knowledge of anatomy, kinematics and physical behaviors