Cfx Supervisor

Full Time Job
Job Summary:

The CFX Supervisor plays an integral role in the production team. They will oversee and mentor a group of CFX Artists to deliver final character performance including geometry cleanup, cloth, and hair simulation. They will supervise a team of artists, and work with the Head of CFX to realize the Director's vision. 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
• Create and foster a tight relationship between CFX Artists, General TDs, Animators, and Lighting artists.
• Run CFX dailies; provide direction for cloth & hair simulation performance as well as shape cleanup.
• Maintain consistency of deliverables to both artistic and technical standards.
• Work directly with the Animation Supervisor to achieve required performance and aesthetics.
• Ensure that checks are implemented and maintained as necessary to ensure CFX workflow and data integrity.
• Partner with Effects Supervisors to coordinate tight character, simulation, and effects interaction.
• Partner with Lighting Supervisors to address necessary fixes.

Implementation
• Responsible for consumability and efficiency of artist deliverables into downstream departments.
• Participates in department processes, bidding, and reviews.
• Assesses resource needs and collaborates with department leadership in helping find staffing solutions.

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.
• Guides the creative and technical vision/expectations for the team members.
• In tight conjunction with the Head of CFX, Production Management, and Department Manager, inspires and motivates the team.
• Contributes to the overall craft and development of team members through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability.

Collaboration
• Models and fosters a collaborative work environment between individuals on the team and across departments.
• Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other supervisors.

Communication
• Provides regular updates to direct leaders 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 Department Manager support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation. Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists.

Recommended Experiences
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.
• Experience as a CFX Supervisor, Technical Animation Supervisor, or similar role in CG Animation.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WDAS standards, pipeline, tools and workflows as they relate to the discipline you would be leading.
• Understanding of the disciplines/craft which they would be leading
• Strong understanding of the filmmaking process, principles of animation, and show pipelines and workflows.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Ability to present ideas and to communicate clearly with artistic and studio leadership.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking as well as giving direction with tact.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Cinema Studies, Computer Graphics, Engineering, related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with complex animation and simulation rigs, skeletons, deformers, shape libraries, and simulation techniques.
• Strong knowledge of each of the following technical areas:
• Maya®
• Simulation techniques (cloth and hair)
• Knowledge of anatomy, kinematics and physical behaviors
• 3D sculpting tools/techniques
• Python scripting
• The Unix/Linux environment
• Skill in the following areas is desirable:
• Traditional drawing, painting, design and/or sculpture