CFX Supervisor

The CFX Supervisor plays an integral role in the production team. They will oversee and mentor a group of CFX Artists to deliver final character performance including geometry cleanup, cloth, and hair simulation. They will supervise a team of artists, and work with the Head of CFX to realize the Director's vision. This is a regular, full time, staff position that will be located at our Vancouver, BC studio. Please note that relocation eligibility may be determined based on role and individual circumstance.

Role Specifics

• Create and foster a tight relationship between CFX Artists, General TDs, Animators, and Lighting artists.

• Run CFX dailies; provide direction for cloth & hair simulation performance as well as shape cleanup.

• Maintain consistency of deliverables to both artistic and technical standards.

• Work directly with the Animation Supervisor to achieve required performance and aesthetics.

• Ensure that checks are implemented and maintained as necessary to ensure CFX workflow and data integrity.

• Partner with Effects Supervisors to coordinate tight character, simulation, and effects interaction.

• Partner with Lighting Supervisors to address necessary fixes.

Implementation

• Responsible for consumability and efficiency of artist deliverables into downstream departments. 

• Participates in department processes, bidding, and reviews.

• Assesses resource needs and collaborates with department leadership in helping find staffing solutions. 

 Leading People

• Creates an inclusive and safe work environment by carefully managing sensitive information, making rooms feel open and comfortable, creating space for everyone to have a voice, and addressing bias when it occurs. 

• Guides the creative and technical vision/expectations for the team members. 

• In tight conjunction with the Head of CFX, Production Management, and Department Manager, inspires and motivates the team.

• Contributes to the overall craft and development of team members through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability. 

Collaboration 

• Models and fosters a collaborative work environment between individuals on the team and across departments. 

  • Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other supervisors.

Communication

• Provides regular updates to direct leaders on the progress, health, and direction of the team. 

• Keeps the team informed with context for show related changes and updates. 

Studio Stewardship

• Studio Culture- Actively fosters an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment so every employee can contribute at the highest levels. 

• Technology, Tools, and Workflow- Engages in the creation and execution of technical standards, pipeline conventions, and workflows to support the department, show, and studio.

• Department Stewardship- Partners closely with peers and Department Manager support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation. Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists. 

Recommended Experiences

• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.

• Experience as a CFX Supervisor, Technical Animation Supervisor, or similar role in CG Animation.

• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WDAS standards, pipeline, tools and workflows as they relate to the discipline you would be leading.

• Understanding of the disciplines/craft which they would be leading

• Strong understanding of the filmmaking process, principles of animation, and show pipelines and workflows.

• Excellent problem solving skills.

• Ability to present ideas and to communicate clearly with artistic and studio leadership.

• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking as well as giving direction with tact.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Cinema Studies, Computer Graphics, Engineering, related field, or equivalent experience.

• Experience with complex animation and simulation rigs, skeletons, deformers, shape libraries, and simulation techniques.

• Strong knowledge of each of the following technical areas:

  • Maya®

  • Simulation techniques (cloth and hair)

  • Knowledge of anatomy, kinematics and physical behaviors

  • 3D sculpting tools/techniques

  • Python scripting

  • The Unix/Linux environment

• Skill in the following areas is desirable:

  • Traditional drawing, painting, design and/or sculpture