jobby: Lead Compositor, Starz Animation, Toronto

December 8, 2010

Starz Animation located in downtown Toronto is looking for a Lead Compositor to work on a stereoscopic live action feature film “A Dolphin’s Tale”. This role plans out sequences for the assigned project, influences the technical and aesthetic aspects of the final composited shots and works to resolve technical issues. This is a 5-6 month contract position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead assigned team in ensuring that all compositing deliverables are completed fully and in line with production schedule and Director’s overall vision
• Support team members by providing compositing direction and assisting with technical difficulties
• Assign work to team members based on individual specialties, and oversee individual progress and performance
• Maintain production schedules for project and provide regular team progress updates for Assistant Production Manager
• Monitor rendering efficiencies of comp networks
• Review and ensure sequence continuity for all compositing shots prior to review by Compositing Supervisor/Director/Clients
• Composite personally assigned quota of key shots and production shots based on direction from Compositing Supervisor and VFX Supervisor
• Ensure that personally assigned shots are completed according to schedule, and communicate timeline and delivery schedule issues to the appropriate stakeholder(s)
• Build compositing networks to be used for propagation
• Attend compositing/lighting reviews for assigned sequences
• Ensure resolution of technical issues
• Troubleshoot and debug shot problems
• Escalate technical issues as required
• Work with look development artists if needed for assigned project and plan out assigned sequences
• Assist with Lead visual development work and testing if needed
• Collaborate with members of other departments as necessary to ensure proper completion of shots and to ensure a smooth production
• Ensure efficient organization of individual work/files
• Remain current and up-to-date in compositing techniques through industry research and training

Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of CG/VFX compositing experience in a Maya production environment, with proven knowledge of and skills (prior Lead experience an asset)
• Feature Film experience required
• Stereoscopic experience is an asset
• Working knowledge of various renderers including Mental Ray is an asset
• Advanced knowledge of Fusion, Nuke or similar node-based compositing package
• Strong background in traditional art / photography with an excellent sense of light and colour theory is nice to have
• Completed post-secondary education classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
• Superior creative and technical problem solving skills with the ability to check own work
• Python and UNIX knowledge an asset
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with key stakeholders
• General understanding of animation styles and techniques as well as an excellent comprehension of animation production for film and/or television
• Great understanding of the animation production pipeline as a whole with an understanding of adjacent department workflows as well as how the Lighting and Compositing Department interacts with the overall production process
• Ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and willingness to take initiative in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and perform to standard in a fast-paced environment
• High level of independence and strong sense of reliability

Qualified applicants can apply online to Starz Animation at www.starzanimation.com/careers Please ensure you attach a link to your demo reel including a breakdown and resume.

We would like to thank all applicants however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.