Overview
POSITION PURPOSE
The Animation Supervisor will lead by example, deliver briefs and set the quality standards for all animation work completed. They will review and finalize all frames before submission. They will coach, guide and provide feedback to artists ensuring detailed and high quality work is delivered to Image Engine clients. Animation Supervisors will be responsible for employee performance management and supervision.
Equally, the Animation Supervisor will establish themselves as a key member of the leadership team and will build relationships with all Image Engine Supervisors and Leads. They will leverage their relationships with department Supervisors to build cross-departmental efficiencies. They will communicate with the Leads and Producers to develop cost effective bids to assist Image Engine procure new business opportunities.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for supervising a team of animators to execute high-end quality animation on a project by project basis
Actively involved in bidding, reviewing the scope of work and assigning tasks based on artist skills/abilities
Act as a creative Lead working closely with Supervisors and Clients to execute the story and binding physics involved
Manage workflow to balance production schedules and employee resources
Communicate artist surplus or deficits to ensure profit and loss margins are maximized
Utilize effective communication skills to receive client notes and deliver instructions/feedback to artists
Ensure quality standards are met by administering final quality control checks for all artist’s work
Provide recommendations/technical solutions for effective task completion
Complete all quality control for animation submitted for review for artistic problems (e.g. bad poses, character being off model, crashing, etc.)
Design and develop procedural and innovative tool sets, pipelines and techniques for the Animation team
Communicate with other departments and provide solutions to technical issues
Attend and coordinate meetings with other departments
Assist Animators who are having trouble working with the animation rig as needed
Work with the rigging department to solve problems with rigs (including requesting new animation tools or revising an animation rig)
Animate dynamic, believable and appealing characters/non-character assets
Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required
Interview, select and train artists
Engage in the performance management process such as performance reviews, daily feedback, and mentoring
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
10+ years’ experience in Animation digital VFX for film
2 years of experience as a Supervisor
Experience with leading teams on large projects
Demonstrated expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and compositional design
Ability to animate multiple types of character/non-character assets from simple to complex
Strong visual storyteller and well-versed in cinematography: camera angles, composition and continuity
Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling work
Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
Ability to train and coach artists in animation techniques and best practice
Strong aptitude for technical workflow challenges such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, automation tools, automated dailies, etc.
Strong knowledge of animation workflow and the animation application interface
Excellent eye for detail for quality control
Core skills
Ability to help with bidding; determine the timeframe and scope required for each project
Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
Capable of managing a team of artists; setting expectations, and managing their time
Ability to assess artist’s strengths and weaknesses to assign tasks and manage workflow
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
Ability to teach new techniques and apply new approaches to push animation to the next level
Strong leadership skills
Excellent time management and communication skills
Ability to remain calm during peak production periods and maintain the morale of the animation team
