Reporting directly to the Head of Assets, the Assets Supervisor oversees all aspects of asset creation for a specific production(s). The Asset Supervisor will supervise, monitor, direct and influence wideranging aspects of high-end asset creation across a project or multiple projects. This position is directly responsible for ensuring the delivery of shot ready assets from the disciplines of modeling, facial modeling, texturing, rigging, groom and lookdev. This role is the creative conduit between a show(s) and the asset department. It is responsible for relaying any creative input from the shot production teams back to the artists. This role guides and mentors the artists assigned to their productions assets to achieve the VFX supervisor’s vision and the technical needs of the show. An Asset Supervisor is expected to attend show based dailies and asset board meetings, as well as host rounds with the artists on their teams to help drive the assets for the productions that they supervise.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
- Manage, support and supervise all aspects of asset creation, including: modeling, texturing, rigging, groom and lookdev within a production(s).
- Act as a conduit for information, collecting notes and creative supervision from the show supervisors and relaying that back to the artists assigned to those assets
- Work with and within show productions to intimately understand the needs of the show pertaining to asset creation.
- Reports to the Head of Assets consistently regarding any progress or challenges
- Provide technical guidance to artists.
- Review all of the asset work for their show(s) before submitting for approval to the Head of Assets.
- Flag issues and concerns for the shows they manage with the Asset Department Producer and Head of Assets.
- Work with the Asset Department Producer to schedule and forecast the assets required for their show.
- Manages show setup for their productions to ensure that all relevant current asset based templates are published to the show and are functioning as expected.
- Work with the Compositing Supervisor on the show to ensure that Shoot2X formats match the standards set by the asset department and that any additional client presentation formats are accounted for and established early on.
- Work with the Head of Assets and the Asset Department Producer to ensure that crewing is adequate for their show(s)’s needs and make requests for assignments.
- Define and clarify the assets required for the show(s), making sure that the asset descriptions in Shotgrid are filled out and kept up to date. ● Assist in the bidding methodologies for more bespoke assets.
- Oversee the ingestion and organization of asset related materials such as reference, scan data, HDRIs, and concept art. Ensure that these materials are available to artists as they’re kicked off with their tasks.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and work with the pipeline team to address issues.
- Collaborate with the DPA and pipeline teams to assist with asset archival and library sorting and tagging.
Education and/or Experience Required:
- 8+ years of experience creating photorealistic assets for live action feature films or episodics.
- Expert level skill sets in more than one of the following fields: modeling, texturing, lookdev, groom or rigging fields. A strong foundational understanding of the others is essential.
- Understanding of Linux and general CG pipeline workflows required.
- Excellent technical and communication skills (written and verbal) within a show structure, communicating creative and technical thoughts and ideas clearly.
- Experience leading a team of artists or other relevant management background.
- Python or C++ experience in production is a plus, but strong technical and troubleshooting skills are critical.
- Maya, Houdini, Mari, Substance Painter, and Nuke experience is ideal.
- Experience with other 3D departments and a basic understanding of ACES color spaces are a plus.
- Ability to troubleshoot, debug, and optimize technical issues and workflows.
- Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands:
- Office working environment
- Hours for this position are based on normal working hours but will require extra hours pending production needs
- Walking/bending/sitting
