Overview

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Well known for our work on Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, Image Engine has gone on to create numerous incredible creatures, epic environments and extraordinary digital effects for a broad range of feature films! We are led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling, and helping our exceptionally talented crew to push the boundaries of artistic and technical achievement at our studio.

POSITION PURPOSE
The Rigging Supervisor will lead by example, deliver briefs and set the quality standards for all rigging work completed. They will review and finalize rigs (when necessary) before submission. They will coach, guide and provide feedback to artists ensuring detailed and high quality work is delivered to other departments in the pipeline. Rigging Supervisors will be responsible for employee performance management and supervision.

Equally, the Rigging 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 the Asset Supervisor to develop cost effective bids to assist Image Engine procure new business opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Interview, select and train artists

·         Engage in the performance management process such as performance reviews, daily feedback, and mentoring

·         Communicate the creative brief and real-world references from the VFX Supervisor and Director to the Rigging team

·         Review scope of work and assign tasks based on artist skills/abilities

·         Manage workflow to balance production schedule 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 rigs submitted for review for artistic problems (ie. Biped and quadruped rigs, hero and background characters, motion capture rigs, face rigs)

·         Help determine the broad technical and creative approach to an asset, in conjunction with the CG Supervisor and Asset Supervisor

·         Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets

·         Write utility scripts to help other riggers, animators and pipeline developers

·         Overcome technical issues (day to day problem solving), in conjunction with R&D, the CG Supervisor and Asset Supervisor

·         Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets

·         Write utility scripts to help other riggers, animators and pipeline developers

·         Overcome technical issues (day to day problem solving), in conjunction with R&D, the CG Supervisor and Asset Supervisor

·         Provide assistance to junior artists in the event an assigned task proves to be too difficult

·         Communicate with other departments and provide solutions to technical issues

·         Attend and coordinate meetings with other departments

·         Ensure the team has the tools and information they need to carry out their tasks

·         Assist the Rigging team in solving technical problems

·         Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required

·         Work with recruiter to assess and interview artists as needed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
·         5+ years’ rigging experience for VFX for film

·         2 years of experience as a lead

·         Experience leading teams (6+ people) on large projects of 300 + shots

·         Demonstrated proficiency in defining and creating photo-realistic assets

·         Thorough understanding of traditional art skills (Form, architecture, topology)

·         Strong understanding of human and animal anatomy and hard surface functionality

·         Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling assets

·         Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

·         A strong understanding of animator requirements

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
·         Ability to train and coach artists in rigging techniques and best practice

·         Strong aptitude for technical workflow challenges such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, automation tools, automated dailies, etc.

·         Senior level experience in MEL / Python / C++/PERL scripting (python preferred)

·         Deep understanding of the Maya rigging tool sets

·         Experience with Houdini is also appreciated

·         Experience with LINUX/UNIX

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 rigging 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 rigging team