CG Supervisor Animation Asterix

For the full CGI animation feature Asterix, Grid is looking for a CG Supervisor Animation
DESCRIPTION
The CG supervisor provides technical and creative direction in the execution of specific CG animation projects. He or she may be assigned to a single project, or may oversee a number of projects with related technologies.
During pre-production, you work closely together with the line producer, director and art director and other heads of department to prepare the production planning and budget and keep them informed on their budget's status at all further production meetings. You also take part in the interviews for recruiting key members of the crew. You are accountable for meeting schedules and show deadlines, participate in dailies and team reviews of work in progress.
During production you develop the production pipeline and provide the documentation and guidance for the crew. This involves developing and improving procedures and tools to allow for a streamlined and efficient production pipeline.
You have a clear vision of how art and technology work in symbiosis. You foresee the strategic planning for upcoming technical challenges, and ultimately the delivery against critical milestones and within the foreseen budget and quality levels. The CG Supervisor must provide direction for the whole team while focusing primarily on the big-picture of the production.
The CG Supervisor is responsible for the definition and execution of high-level technical and creative strategy for the animation production. He directs a team of leads, TD’s and artists in meeting the technical and creative needs of the production. Mentoring people is as important to you as innovation is.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Evaluates the creative requirements of a project, determines their technical implications, and makes high-impact operational decisions. Examples include the selection of render engine, the balance between third-party tools vs. proprietary development, and the selection of specific technical methodologies.
• Responsible for creating the necessary look as provided by the Director, Art Director and Producer within budget.
• Recruitment phase : recommend, interview and select candidates.
• Team Training : ensure production techniques are clear to everyone, define crew training plans with leads, oversee training of new team members, one-on-one training with team members, assist leads where necessary with training.
• Team Guidance : facilitate production needs for every team member, correct and caution team members as necessary
• R&D: Stays attentive to emerging industry technologies and production techniques, and determines practical applications for these advancements in order to improve production. Test new techniques and technology when necessary, help leads and crew develop new techniques when necessary
• Planning : put together the team scheduling with the Line Producer. Continuously monitor where resources need to be focused, identifying and emphasizing the critical issues. Setting objectives and breaking down/estimating the objectives into specific tasks that can be passed to production for scheduling.
• Attends regular production meetings and plays an active role in the direction of the pipeline. Studies recurrent problems/bottlenecks and trends in the pipeline, identifies current technical challenges, and forecasts future requirements for critical pipeline optimisation and other resources such as network storage, render nodes, and software licensing.
• Present shots in dailies or other creative reviews to all crew members. Offer suggestions and alternatives that help the Director, Art Director and Producer achieve the desired vision within the 3D production process.
• May be required to do hands on development and/or shot work.
• Responsible for final quality control on all deliveries of shots.
• Participate in launches and approval meetings by clarifying direction and creative goals and ensures that technical and schedule requirements are met.
• Provide input during visual development/design phase.
• Continuously monitor cost implications of requests or changes.
• Develops the directory structure, naming conventions and proper organisation of the project.
• Interact with co-producing companies to ensure other studio’s elements work within the pipeline and that continuity is preserved across all sequences.
• Eliminate potential problems in pipeline tools before they impact production.
• Master the toolset and techniques for lighting, shading, comping and rendering, etc. Expert knowledge of all major aspects of CG production including key packages, procedural tools, script based tools, command lines, shaders and scripting languages (i.e. python, pearl, xml, etc)
• Develop the tools on a technical / creative level for the collaboration between the CG supervisor and all individual artists, to ensure efficient allocation and support for in and out of office based artists/co-production companies.
• Create documentation, and technical guides to communicate workflow and efficiency knowledge, as well as artistic expertise.
EMPLOYMENT
• This is a dedicated position starting now.
DESIRED SKILLS AND PLUSSES
• Experience as a CG supervisor within an animation production environment.
• In depth knowledge of 2D and 3D computer graphics, knowledge of the successful combination of 2D design and 3D execution
• Ability to write code/script and assist in tool/pipeline R&D development
• Ability to successfully delegate and mentor people and projects
• Leadership over Leads and TDs, working directly together with the Line Producer
• Project management experience with Tactic, Farmers' Wife or similar essential.
• Using a blend of leadership, client relations skills and a comprehensive understanding of cutting edge computer graphics, you enable our designers and artists to advance the designs of the assets and push the boundaries of our CG feature films. You are able to present complex concepts in a clear manner while being well organized, self motivated, and a lifelong learner.
• Demonstrates expertise in the following areas: 3D modeling, 3D sculpting and texturing using Maya, 3DsMax, Houdini, Mudbox, Zbrush, Shave and a haircut, Photoshop or equivalent techniques and programs.
• Familiar with Arnold, VRAY, Mental Ray or equivalent 3D lighting/render engines.
• Working knowledge of Nuke/Digital Fusion or equivalent is a plus.
• Office, particularly Excel.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 3-5 years experience as a CG Supervisor in the animation industry.
• Linux and scripting ability in Python and PyQt preferred, experience in MEL; C++ skills or other scripting languages are also applicable.
• Expertise with Maya, 3DSMax, Digital Fusion, Nuke and/or other high-end 3D/composting software is required.
• Position based in Belgium.
• Willing to work abroad for short periods.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCES
• Profound knowledge of all technical and creative aspects of the CG animation production process.
• Windows, Linux en Mac OS10.
• Knowledge of asset management software (preferably Tactic)
• Good knowledge of English (spoken and written), Dutch and French are plusses.
• MS Office / Open Office
PERSONALITY COMPETENCES
• Thrives in environment driven by continuous improvement & innovation.
• Thinks ahead about consequences to avoid problems, but solves problems with a smile if they occur.
• Motivated independently but understanding of a team culture.
• Naturally curious and likes to learn.
• Motivated by targets and result oriented, yet mature in dealing with direction changes in a dynamic environment
• Persistent and assertive yet diplomatic.
• An organized thinker, accurate analyst and clear communicator.
• Enjoys working with artists in a creative environment.
• Understands how resource limitations can be managed to inspire delivery of creative quality.
• Interested in how teams can excel despite apparent separation by culture and geography.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Creativity / Resourcefulness
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Target oriented
• Team player
• Stress resistance