Head of Cinematography and Layout, Dreamworks Feature

This is a Full Time Job

The Head of Cinematography, Layout is the creative and technical leader of the Layout department. Their primary role is to create and implement the cinematic vision for the film that supports the narrative. They will be working closely with the Director(s) to translate their vision (as represented by the storyboards) into the 3D environment. They must also provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic challenges while being prudent with shot count management.

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“What would you say you do here?”

Creative
• Establish and implement a cinematic visual style for the film.
• Supervise the creation of the camera rig and lens package to be used for the show.
• Act as the creative leader of the layout process.
• Translate the vision of the Director(s) into the 3D environment, broken out in shots and sequences
• Work closely with the Production Designer and Art department to incorporate their art direction into the layout.
• Provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic problems.
• Establish a strong relationship with the Editor and the Editorial department to provide enough material to produce the most effective and dynamic cut.
• Assist Director(s) in continuity as it affects layout in sequences.
• Create rough pre-visualization models and environments when required.
• Build solutions to creative problems by offering creative input and original cinematic ideas along with the Director(s) and Animator(s)
• Provide creative leadership and instruction to the Final Layout team and ensure they hit deadlines.
• Work with the Art Directors, Production Designer and the Directors over issues of continuity, camera sweetening and set dressing.

Technical
• Ensure the development and integration of toolsets and procedures for rough layout and final layout, including documentation.
• Document cinematic style workflow and pipeline process for production.
• Liaise with other department heads to solve technical problems downstream in the pipeline.
• Drive and develop technical needs for the show. Including, but not limited to, the character rigs used in previsualization and testing pipeline tools before the rest of the team onboards.
• Liaise with the partner vendor's layout team through to the final camera. Including the digestion of elements that may be built or designed by them, but used within the DWA Layout pipeline.
• Stay involved in the Final Layout process including final modeling, the set up of Maya assets and final camera.

Managerial
• Communicate changes to Editorial and coordinate shots sent to edit.
• Appropriately elevate issues and solutions to Associate Producer/Producer effectively.
• Works closely with the Production Supervisors in the management of the department, to assign shots, create the schedule and ensure quotas/deadlines are met for both shots and sequences.
• Responsible for overseeing and mentoring artists by providing guidance, experience and insight. Also involved in resolving performance related issues.
• Deliver reviews with Production Supervisor to crew members; help lead career growth of staff; provide recommendations for promotions.
• Work with studio and show management to facilitate staffing of artistic talent on the show.
• Foster a good working atmosphere and ethics, along with the Production Supervisor.
• Help with recruiting, interviews and onboarding of new hires in Rough Layout.

Qualifications

“What do I need to have in order to do this job?”
• 5 years or more of Previsualization/Rough Layout experience in the animation industry
• Minimum 4 years of demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong understanding of the principles of cinematography and animation
• Strong communication and decision making skills, with the ability to anticipate potential issues.
• Strong artistic, technical and visual storytelling skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Previsualization/Rough Layout pipeline and asset creation.
• Advanced understanding of Maya and an expert at creating shots.
• Basic understanding of Nuke.
• Advanced Linux OS knowledge.

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.

Salary Range: $155,000 - $190,000

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