VFX Supervisor

020 7494 9513

VFX Supervisor

Speculative application

Role Details

The VFX Supervisor (VFXS) is a key creative position that connects the creative vision of the Director and client to our internal teams from concept to delivery. They are a senior creative voice at Union and are responsible for the creative direction and success of our film and episodic projects, advising and leading the teams on the best approach to deliver the highest quality work on time and to brief. They are a key point of contact for the creative leads internally and on the Client-side and will have an in-depth understanding of client requirements and the ability to coordinate and oversee projects, communicate creative ideas and manage all creative and delivery expectations of both internal and external clients.

The VFXS will be comfortable being a part of, and overseeing, the entire production process from concept to delivery and working with people at all levels. They will be our Union ambassador on-set for both VFX and Virtual Production shoots and must be able to provide advice and guidance on both creative and technical approaches and solutions with diplomacy and tact, keeping in mind both the needs of our client and Union.

The VFXS will have the confidence and ability to set high creative standards and will approve all work across their show. They will be able to look at the bigger picture and priorities of each project and adapt the requirements and workflow accordingly. The VFXS will be collaborative and a strong communicator, both internally and externally, both written and verbal, and will be clear and concise with notes and able to negotiate with clients and manage their expectations whilst also protecting Union’s interests. They will help to nurture Artists including helping with technical and creative problems and knowledge transfer and attend outreach events to promote Union to prospective talent.

Our VFX Supervisors will understand that the role will require flexibility and adaptability depending on the projects and schedules in play at Union. There may be times when they are not actively supervising or their project or other projects require senior level comping or trouble-shooting assistance and they will be willing to jump in and bring a positive approach to every requirement.

The VFXS will be part of an experienced and talented team and it will be a varied, exciting and challenging role that will require strong creative, technical and multi-tasking skills, the ability to see, plan forward, be proactive and drive things forward independently. They will have a flexible and calm approach that is solutions focussed and excellent people management and communication skills. They will be required to engage, keep informed and manage the expectations of all relevant stakeholders, both internal and external, always remaining calm and professional.

Responsibilities:

Project management & operations:
• Manage relationships and lead meetings with Clients, Directors and Production from storyboard stage through to final delivery
• Determine production requirements and advise on technology, available processes and budgets for a variety of VFX projects
• Work with Production, SOM and DFX/Leads to plan each project’s work-flow and artist resourcing
• Work with Production and Studio Operations Manager to plan shoots, including additional on-set crew requirements and equipment
• Lead designated projects and communicate creative ideas and manage creative and delivery expectations of both internal and external clients
• Work closely with Production to ensure an accurate collaborative design and execution of Director’s vision, working within a budget and to deadline
• Work closely with Production to ensure production schedule is set-up and maintained
• Establish the artistic requirements of projects, setting internal goals, and determining resources required

Creative:
• Collaborate with client side production team to ensure the artistic style, quality and continuity matches our Clients’ vision and standards
• Define, communicate and implement the creative direction of each shot and sequence
• Create sophisticated visual effects involving complex compositions including both 2D and 3D elements
• Develop ideas and provide solutions to complex technical and creative issues
• Apply keen creative eye and artistic skills with an understanding of colour, light and photography
• Act as DFX supe or provide senior-level comping as required

Bidding & sales:
• Build a strong client base by gaining and developing relationships with creative talent and clients
• Work with Creative Director to help pitch and concept ideas for potential new shows as required
• Provide break-downs, quotes and re-bids on complex VFX projects
• Collaborate with the team during the bidding stages, assessing shots and completing shot breakdowns
• Understand and take responsibility for the profitability of projects and contribute in any way possible to help with any creative and technical decisions that may affect this

On-set:
• Plan shoot attendance and equipment needs
• Attend shoots and supervise VFX requirements on-set
• Provide daily on-set reports, references, and elements as required
• Manage the successful creation of VFX plates and elements during production
• Act as a liaison between Union and the Director and crew, while establishing strong client confidence
• Communicate regularly with our VFX Producer on production status
• Flag overages and conceptual changes that would affect the VFX bid
• Communicate Director’s insights and feedback, and delegate appropriate tasks to on-set crew as required
• Troubleshoot issues on a fast-paced schedule, while being able to remain calm and organised
• Work with Producers to manage the transition from shoot to post

Artist management & development:
• Establish the artistic requirements of projects, setting internal goals, and determining resources required
• Effectively brief the teams on director’s creative vision and enable artists to produce desired results

Technical & problem solving:
• Review all technical and R&D requirements for the start-up of any new show
• Together with the CG Supervisor determine technical and workflow aspects of the project
• Proactively recommend ongoing pipeline improvements and development
• Work closely with all departments on pipeline improvements and development including early development, testing and R&D needed for tool and VFX pipeline
• Ensure that all work carried out on the projects fits within our pipeline where possible

Outreach:
• Attend Outreach events and interviews for senior artists/supervisors
• Represent the company at industry-wide talks and forums
• Work with the Talent Team to source and recruit the best talent

Skills, Experience & Knowledge:
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• Ability to thrive on a varied working day, getting involved in anything and everything to ensure the smooth-running of our business
• A people person who enjoys a high level of collaboration and contact with a wide range of people and making things happen both independently and by working with others
• Patient, practical and positive
• Strong planning and prioritising skills
• An innovative thinker and good problem-solver who loves to try new things
• Ability to see where you can make improvements and implement them
• Keen to learn and are able to assimilate knowledge rapidly
• Strong working knowledge of the overall VFX pipeline, VFX shot production and its iteration process including the Client approval process
• Strong understanding of colour theory and film application for live-action features, including film-stock, film-grain, colour-space and lookup tables, film processing and DI processing
• Extensive and current knowledge of VFX tools and creative techniques and the ability to adapt them to fit the most visually complex of projects and find alternative solutions
• A keen creative eye with a strong aesthetic sensibility and an understanding of colour, light and photography
• Experience leading and supervising film and TV VFX projects
• Excellent people and project management skills - able to lead and direct other artist’s work
• Clear & confident communication skills - able to engage with the team and collaborate closely with other departments
• Client relationship & management skills - able to build and develop strong relationships with Directors and Creatives
• Strong ability to understand and communicate creative ideas
• Ability to step back and identify priorities & focus
• Strong problem solving, organisation and time management skills and the ability to successfully delegate and manage projects
• Flexible and adaptable
• Positive and approachable
• Ability to remain calm and confident in a fast-paced environment

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