CG LAYOUT SUPERVISOR

Description

LOCATION: Sherman Oaks, CA
Job Title: Layout Supervisor
Reports to: Supervising Producer
Department: Layout

Industry competitive rates. IATSE 839 classification. For the high profile DreamWorks Animation television series, “How to Train Your Dragon".

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Head of Layout is the creative and technical leader of the Layout department. His/her number one priority is to create a dynamic cinematic vision for the film that supports the narrative, and execute it by inspiring the crew. He/she will be working closely with the Director(s) to translate their vision (as represented by the storyboards) into the 3D environment. He/she must provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic problems. The Head of Layout is responsible for shot count management.


Rough Layout:
Creative
• Act as the creative leader of the layout process.
• Responsible for the complexity of the movie.
• Establish and execute a cinematic vision for the film.
• Take the vision of the Director(s), and block the existing boards to create a 3D version of the story reel with a unique layout of shots.
• Work closely with the Production Designer and Art department to incorporate their art direction into the layout.
• Provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic problems.
• Establish a strong relationship with the Editor and the Editorial department to provide enough material to produce the most effective and dynamic cut.
• Work with the Director(s) on the iterations of each shot/sequence.
• Create rough pre-visualization models and environments when required.
• During review sessions, discuss shot changes with the Director(s) and Animator(s) and offer creative input and original cinematic ideas to Directors to enhance continuity and consistency of the sequence. Create solutions to creative problems.
• Define and interprets specific instructions from the Directors.
• Approve layout artist’s work on changed or altered shots.

Technical
• Ensure the development and integration of toolsets for rough layout.
• Document cinematic style workflow and pipeline process for production.
• Liaises with department heads to solve technical problems.


Final Layout:
Creative
• Provide creative leadership and instruction to the FLO team.
• Work with the Art Directors, Production Designer and the Directors over issues of continuity, camera sweetening and set dressing.
• Act as a diplomat dealing with concerns and supporting other departments like animation.
• Help resolve technical issues.

Technical
• Is involved in final modeling and the set up of for Maya assets.
• Establish toolsets and procedures (including documentation) for setting up shots correctly for the pipeline.


General:

Managerial:
• Assist Director(s) in continuity as it affects layout in sequences.
• Communicate changes to Editorial and coordinates shots sent to edit.
• Appropriately elevate issues and solutions to Associate Producer/Producer effectively.
• Work closely with the Production Supervisors in the management of the department and to create the schedule and ensure quotas/deadlines are met for both shots and sequences. Supervises RLO Artists.
• Work with the Production Supervisor on casting shots/assignments to RLO artists.
• Responsible for improving the performance of artists on the team. Mentor artists to provide guidance, experience and insight. Involved in trying to resolve performance related issues.
• Responsible with Production Supervisor for maintaining crew morale. Foster good working atmosphere and ethics.
• Deliver reviews with Production Supervisor to crew members; help manage career growth of staff; provide recommendations for promotions.
• Work with management in the casting and staffing of talent on the show.
• Help with recruiting and perform interviews. Ensure that RLO new hires are provided the necessary training.
• Responsible for participation in the unification and initiatives for the studio.
• Facilitate meetings with artists to keep the crew informed on show changes and requirements.
• Ensure open lines of communication with other departments and department heads.

Cross-site:
• Work with Director to ensure all necessary material and reference is ready for Cross-site Layout to begin.
• Prepares detailed notes of Layout requirements using Director’s initial notes. Involved in the creation of schematics and down shots.
• Communicates with OverSeas Layout Department when issues or questions arise.
• Attends daily Layout Reviews of incoming sequences for approval. Using Director’s feedback, generates additional information for OverSeas team to execute.
• Due to time differences with OverSeas Studios, may require a shift in schedule to ensure overlap for communicating with OverSeas.