Overview

The primary focus of the Lighting Supervisor position is to own and manage of all aspects of the Lighting department. From artist management, shot assignments, to shot finalization during post production, the Supervisor will lead by example, deliver briefs, references and set the quality standards.

The  Department Lighting Supervisor will work closely with the Visual Effects Supervisor to establish a creative lighting approach based on client direction. Once lighting approach is determined, the Lighting Supervisor will oversee all work and ensure all shots meet client expectations with minimal guidance from the Visual Effect Supervisor.

The Lighting Supervisor will keep track of all scenes and monitor delivery progress to ensure shot targets are met. They will communicate creative updates to the Lighting Coordinator and will flag issues so that they may be addressed by Production.

They will coach, guide and provide feedback to artists ensuring detailed and high quality work is delivered to Image Engine clients. Lighting Supervisors will be responsible for employee performance management and supervision.

Equally, the Lighting Supervisor will establish themselves as a key member of the leadership team and will build relationships with all Image Engine Supervisors/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
Be responsible for light, shadow, color and value on all the shots your team is assigned to
Be aware of the Client and VFX/ Supervisors vision and assist the team in delivering quality Lighting that meets those standards
Work with the CG Supervisor to set up the shots workflow and develop the look of the shots
Work with the CG Supervisor and the Asset Supervisor (lookdev) to insure the assets are optimized enough to insure economical shots production
Utilize effective communication skills to receive client notes and deliver instructions/feedback to the VFX Supervisor and artists
Provide visual references, recommendations or technical solutions for effective task completion
Review scope of work and assign tasks based on artist skills/abilities
Ensure quality standards are met by administering final quality control checks for all artist’s work prior to presenting competed shots to the VFX supervisor
Have a solid understanding of the Lighting tools, and pipeline in order to assist the rest of the Lighting team
Assist Lighting TDs in interpreting the VFX supervisor’s notes, as needed
Develop new tools or work with a developer or TD to develop tools to ensure the team has the tools and information they need to carry out their tasks
Offer guidance and mentoring for junior to mid-level Lighting TDs
Use time management skills to schedule meetings and tasks effectively
Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
Interview, select and train artists
Engage in the performance management process such as performance reviews, daily feedback, and mentoring
Communicate artist surplus or deficits to ensure profit and loss margins are maximized

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A minimum of 5 years Lighting experience VFX for films/ commercials
2 years of experience as a Lead
Supervisory experience is an asset
Expert knowledge of a physically plausible renderer like Arnold
Experience on-set as a photographer or cinematographer is an asset
Strong aptitude for technical workflow challenges such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, automation tools, automated dailies, etc.
Demonstrated experience teaching/ mentoring co-workers and assume leadership role
Assess and optimize render performance to make optimal use of available renderfarm allocation

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
Ability to train and coach artists in Lighting techniques and approaches
Ability to analyze the cost/benefit ratio of a prospective setting change. Be able to weigh whether the improvement of the look merits the cost of a render iteration to the company
Able to create multiple types of Lighting scenarios from simple to difficult with minimal supervision
Good understanding of photography and film, and how interactions of light, shadows, lenses and film emulsions make up the image
Thorough understanding of a linear color-space workflow
Excellent eye for detail for quality control

Core skills
Ability to complete bids; determine the timeframe and scope required for each project
Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
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
Strong desire and ability to help artists grow technically, creatively or as individuals
Excellent time management and communication skills
Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail, while maintaining the whole picture