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.
- 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.
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.
