Effects (FX) Supervisor
Purpose of the job
Partners with the Artist Manager, production, and technology leaders in the company to direct, plan, and guide the day to day technology operations of a centralized FX department through management of the development of high quality effects including rigid body and particle dynamics, volume modeling and rendering, procedural geometry generation and fluid dynamics while championing the forward movement of consolidating and centralizing the FX function at a global level for visual effects used in Features and Commercials production.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
- Partners with production and technology leaders in the company on implementation of the
strategy and the configuration of the core FX technology underlying the production pipeline.
- Partners with CG Supervisors to integrate technology into production as well as define strategic
solutions for production.
- Participates in production planning and budgeting.
- Partners with DFX Supervisor, and CG Supervisors to oversee the setup and standardization of
production procedures.
- Works with the DFX Supervisors, and CG Supervisors to ensure that production-specific
software needs are met. Participates in pre-production planning as well as regular status meetings.
- Manages the work of leads and individual contributors while providing mentorship, and
escalation point for conflict resolution.
- Supervises the tracking of tickets and requests for feature enhancements to vendor and
internal software applications. Prioritizes and allocates resources to facilitate resolution.
- Establishes and enforces standards, file directory structures, naming conventions and version
controls.
- Keep Pipeline aware of any non-standard FX techniques in use so Global Pipeline Supervisor
can enforce established techniques or aid the requested innovation.
- Leads the FX TD’s in development of software scripts, codes and tools that support the
department.
- Accountable for on time, on budget execution and delivery, as well as quality, of required FX
technical direction work.
- Shares accountability with top production leadership for assigned production outcomes,
typically the production or support of assigned sequences of the centralized FX department employees allocated and supporting multiple productions.
- Partners with department Artist Management to schedule, and bid FX specific tasks.
- In partnership with Artist Managers, negotiates with Production leadership for
resources that affect assigned outcomes and participates in casting of FX talent across studios.
- In partnership with Artist Managers, selects, motivates and provides feedback on the
performance of department FX talent.
- Keep up-to-date on current industry technologies and techniques.
- Participate in outside discussions with 3rd party vendors as these discussions relate to
department initiatives.
Education and/or Experience Required
- 10+ years’ of experience working as a FX Artist/TD creating photo-real effects elements
for feature films with 5 or more years of that experience in a Lead and/or Supervisor capacity
- Degree in Animation, Arts, Fine Arts or equivalent production experience
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics a plus
- Expert knowledge of any/all of the following; rigid body and particle dynamics, volume modeling
- and rendering, procedural geometry generation and fluid dynamics
- Strong understanding of physical dynamics and natural phenomena
- Demonstrable production experience working in Houdini is required
- Requires strong technical and communication skills within a show structure
- Firm understanding of effects production pipelines
- Python scripting is a plus
- Strong organizational, project management and leadership skills
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of management
- Proven ability to establish priorities and multi-task efficiently within a high pressure environment
while meeting strict deadlines
- Demonstrated balanced approach between the operational, tactical, and strategic
- A persuasive collaborator and a highly participative mentor
Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands
- This position will require significant travel (up to 20%) and by accepting this role the incumbent
- accepts this job requirement
- Office working environment
- Hours for this position are based on normal working hours but will require extra hours pending
- production needs
- Walking/bending/sitting
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: $135,000 annually to $197,000 annually. The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the provinces of British Columbia. The range is posted in accordance with applicable law. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside the provinces of British Columbia. 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.