Animation Supervisor
Supervisor & Head of Artist Management Status: Exempt Classification: Full Time, Project-based
Purpose of the job
The Animation Supervisor is the front line of technical and artistic preparation, organization and production in regards to everything animation related for a Feature, Episodic, Commercial or other animation projects at Digital Domain. The Animation Supervisor is the standard bearer for quality, the team leader for consistency, and the example of excellence to all. The Animation Supervisor works closely with the VFX Supervisor and VFX Producer of the show to create an overall animation schedule, interacts with Animation Leads to ensure that production goals are met, and sets expectations of the pace of workflow for the Animation team.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
- Advanced general animation and character animation skills.
- An expert level knowledge of the animation pipeline from both the up and downstream
departments.
- Demonstrable ability to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas.
- Ensure that the highest quality of animation is being achieved.
- Identify and address personnel problems with support from their Manager as needed
- Oversee the daily activities of animators.
- Be aware of the capabilities of the animators for effective tasking in both existing and
growth skill sets.
- Be able to help grow and develop talent on their teams
- Support the production to ensure that the highest quality of animation is being achieved
on schedule.
- Facilitate technical aspects of animation production.
- Technically and creatively interpret the director’s vision for the show.
- Lead and actively participate in production meetings with FX, Rigging, Modeling, and the
other departments to enhance inter-departmental communication.
- Work with the Producers to meet the needs of the clients.
- Determine the most efficient way to expedite the production of the show, including fixes
from within the animation and technical groups.
- In partnership with VFX Supervisor and Editor, supervise the setup of the show during
preproduction and production.
- Help determine resource requirements in conjunction with the show’s Producer and at
times assist in bidding for their shows and others
Education and/or Experience Required
- Sequence directing experience desired.
- Prior experience supervising and training animators is required
- At least 3 years of applicable supervisory experience, in addition to 6+ years of
production-related experience including Leadership roles. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Digital Domain 3.0, Inc management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs. Compensation Range: $120,000.00 annually to $175,000.00 annually. The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of California and the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec. The range is posted in accordance with applicable law. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of California or the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec. Offered base pay is contingent on internal equity, as well as the candidate’s geographic region, job- related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors. As an equal employment opportunity employer, Digital Domain commits to a work environment free from unlawful discrimination where all employees are treated equally with dignity, respect and on the basis of individual experience and potential, without regard to any personal classifications protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of DD's values as a company. Our goal is to increase the attraction, retention, and advancement of women, persons of color, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S and all under-represented groups in skilled occupations within the entertainment and technology sectors. Building a diverse and inclusive workplace is critical to the success of our business and the well-being of our people. It drives innovation, new ideas, and most importantly, a safe and collaborative environment for you. We invite you to join us on this journey to help us better represent the world we live in, at the places we work, and to create a space where each individual feels comfortable bringing their whole self to work.
Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands
- Office working environment.
- Hours for this position are based on normal working hours but may require extra hours
pending production needs.
- Walking/bending/sitting.
- Expert Maya user, with demonstrable technical and artistic achievements.
- Other animation software experience (e.g., 3DS Max, Motionbuilder, Houdini, Proprietary
Packages) are considered a plus.
- Qualifying collegiate or graduate degrees and awards are preferred, but not required.
- A working knowledge of Motion Capture and/or Rigging is a plus.