Feature Pipeline Supervisor

Description

The Feature Pipeline Supervisor is responsible and accountable for determining, modifying and maintaining the most effective and efficient technical approach and workflow for the entire show's digital feature production including CG, editorial/Zviz and art department.
• Develops an efficient, effective and user-friendly pipeline which allows the artists (LAL/LAS and 3rd party venders) to deal primarily with creative issues and produce the highest quality images with minimum resources and in the shortest time.
• Works with the Show Key Creatives and technical administration to anticipate the shows challenges and finds efficient , effective and realistic solutions. Always thinking of ways to simplify, optimize and streamline complicated tasks to produce outstanding visual effects.
• Leads a team of CG supervisors to evaluate the technical approaches for the show and determine the optimal course to achieve the director and Key Creative's vision. Investigates and proposes multiple approaches and understands their respective merits or limitations.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the tools and procedures of the entire CG pipeline and assigns work to the appropriate discipline or pipeline to ensure efficient use of resources and optimize workflow.
• Works with R&D in the assessment of software needs and requirements including in-house R&D requirements and 3rd party evaluations.
• Identifies and utilizes tools and techniques which significantly improve productivity and the quality of product. Avoids reinvention of the wheel or duplication of effort. Recommends writing of tools only when there is no other way the artists can deliver a convincing shot, or when a new technique will create a visual break-through which will impress an audience.
• Monitors technical developments within the Lucas divisions and incorporates best practices and techniques into the show approach plan where appropriate.
• Ensures timely and effective communication with R&D by developing meeting agendas for regularly scheduled show meetings, calling upon appropriate show personnel to attend.
• Provides technical support and leadership to the CG production crew
• Leads a team of CG supervisors to provide the technical support and guidance to the shows artists to enable them to complete their shots to the highest visual standard in the most efficient time.
• Ensures constant flow of communication so that the crew has the information needed to do their jobs efficiently. Demonstrates creative problem solving and efficient trouble shooting skills. Is available to answer questions when needed and demonstrates patience in teaching.
• Leads regular crew briefings to share information, show policies and techniques and ensures that the show web page is up to date Fosters communication between teams and disciplines.
• Participates in mid show and end of show review process for CG artists. Also demonstrates strong management skills and provides continual timely and effective feedback to CG artists during the show. Delivers and accepts constructive feedback with a positive attitude, and in an objective, accurate, respectful, and non-judgmental manner.
• Works in a team with the producer and takes input from other supervisors to manage project schedules and resource needs and personnel requirements.
• Understands production pressures. Partners well and supports producer's strategy and CG supervisor's goals. Is cognizant of the shows budget and driven to achieve the budgetary as well as creative goals. Gives accurate bids and estimates and notifies production if any budget impacts may occur
• Effectively draws upon knowledge and experience with artists to participate in and inform crewing decisions. Delegates work where appropriate to achieve timely delivery of assignments. Prioritizes tasks effectively and cross utilizes digital artist skills to efficiently and effectively complete the work.
• Works with the show leadership team to delegate sequence shot assignment and sequence management work out to the sequence supervisors and/or the CG supervisors. When required manages some sequences directly while continuing to provide technical support to all.
• Identifies cross-utilization opportunities & determines most effective strategy for show
• Addresses show-specific training needs with Digital that training can be accomplished within the given timeframe and the crew has the knowledge to perform the tasks required.
• Manages show disk and processor resources effectively by accurately forecasting production needs. Manages work effectively to minimize use of resources and to share the facility resources among all the shows in house.
• Ensures thorough clean-up, documentation and archiving of the show upon completion.
• Owns and ensure the timely publication of the final show report.
• Assures that all appropriate documentation on new techniques is made available to Digital Training.