Python Job: Head of Character Effects (CFX)

The Head of Character Effects plays an integral role in the production team. Supervising a team of artists, they are responsible for creating all Character Effects for shot production, including developing cloth and hair simulation assets, creating the best appealing simulation performances, and final character polishing. 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

• Partner closely with their peers as well as the Art Director of Characters & Production Designer to achieve the artistic vision and technical requirements of the show.

• Partner closely with the CG Supervisor - Characters in the development and integration of character cloth and hair.

• Provide artistic and technical guidance to a team of artists in the creation of appealing, consumable, efficient and complete character cloth and hair simulations rigs.

• Provide art direction for cloth and hair simulation performance.

• This work will include new character sim builds for the show as well as conversion and reuse of existing data from past projects. Strategize with show leadership and help to implement ways to leverage this data as well as other techniques to achieve the goals of the show within the target resource allocation.

• Engage in and support the creation of crowd characters, toolsets and their delivery throughout the asset and shot process.

Strategy

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

• Drives department processes, bidding, and reviews.

• Determines resource needs and collaborates with studio, show, and department leadership in finding staffing solutions.

• Analyzes and determines cost implications of requests and strategizes on solutions in partnership with show leadership.

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.

• Sets the creative and technical vision/expectations for the supervisors, leads, and department. Responsible for seeing that vision through.

• In tight conjunction with the Production Management and AM, inspires and motivates the supervisors, leads, and department. Responsible for the tone and morale of the department.

• Contributes to the overall craft and Leadership development of supervisors, leads, and department through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability.

Collaboration

• Creates, models, and supports a collaborative work environment within their team and between departments on the show.

• Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other department leaders utilizing a holistic view to meet show vision.

Communication

• Provides regular updates to show leadership 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 Artist Manager to support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation. Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists.

Recommended Experience

• Minimum 4 years of leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.

• Demonstrated history of problem solving and project management skills.

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

• Understanding of the disciplines/craft which you would be leading.

• Strong knowledge of the following areas:

  • Maya or other high-end animation DCC

  • Unix/Linux environment

  • Scripting proficiency in Python

  • USD composition structures

  • Animation or simulation rig building experience

• Desirable areas of knowledge:

  • Tailoring, Grooming or other authorship toolsets

  • Anatomy, kinematics, physical/material behaviors

  • Traditional fine art skill sets (sculpture, painting, drawing, design, photography, etc)