BG Prep Supervisor

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE

Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.

We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.

At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.

Our bgPrep Team is a very tight-knit group of specialists that shares a common passion for Roto and Paint, always trying to go the extra mile to provide the best possible quality and also to allow the crew to have fun while experiencing a well designed career path, and a well balanced work environment and lifestyle.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Supervisor of the BG Prep team is essential to the success of the Image Engine pipeline. With BG Prep sitting at the front of the production pipeline, the BG Prep Supervisor has the responsibility of ensuring plates are setup correctly for downstream departments. The BG Prep Supervisor will lead by example, deliver briefs and set the quality standards for all paint and rotoscoping work completed. They will review and finalize all frames before submission. They will coach, guide and provide feedback to artists ensuring detailed and high quality work is delivered to Image Engine clients. BG Prep Supervisors will be responsible for employee performance management and supervision.

Equally, the BG Prep Supervisor will establish themselves as a key member of the leadership team and will build relationships with all Image Engine Supervisors and Leads. They will leverage their relationships with department Supervisors to build cross-departmental efficiencies. They will communicate with the Leads and Producers to develop cost effective bids to assist Image Engine procure new business opportunities.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Operations

• Oversee bgPrep operations across multiple shows, supporting Leads with methodology, task briefs, outsource annotations, QC, and artist training & guidance
• Be an active voice on the floor, providing guidance to all team members
• Establish trusting and collaborative relationships with Show Production teams, and facilitate communication with VFX Supervision, and other Department’s Leadership to set clear expectations and optimize workflows.
• Support bgPrep Leads by attending show kickoffs and methodology meetings, proactively assessing workloads and approaching challenges with a pragmatic mindset.
• Assist the Department Manager with show resourcing and assignments
• Communicate team successes and challenges to the Head of 2D, Show Production teams (alongside bgPrep Leads) and Management

Quality & Workflow Standards

• Maintain image quality and efficiency standards across the department
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of standardized workflows to enable artists and Leads to work seamlessly and efficiently across projects
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of documentation for the bgPrep department

Training & Development

• Identify current and future knowledge gaps within the team and provide training to address them
• Engage in performance management through annual reviews, show-based feedback, and mentoring
• Where required, train outsource vendors on best practices to ensure they can work to Image Engine’s high standards

Strategic Development

• Develop best practices within the bgPrep department, with a vision towards company-wide best practices. Educate other departments and broader teams in these best practices.
• Be the strategic partner of the Head of 2D and Department Manager, providing clear and unbiased advice to help prioritize and focus on the most important tasks.

Recruitment & Bidding

• Participate in interviewing and recruiting candidates, including interns
• Collaborate with Leads on bidding assigned shows and with Executive Producers on future show bids

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 8+ years of feature film/TV production experience
• Expertise in Silhouette
• Expertise in Nuke
• Proficiency in Mocha Pro
• Proficiency in Shotgrid
• Basic Linux knowledge
• Degree/Diploma in Digital/Traditional Arts is appreciated
• Specialization in VFX Compositing is appreciated
• Experience in Photoshop/Lightroom/After Effects is appreciated
• Experience in photography is appreciated

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical Skills

• Rotoscoping in Silhouette
• Efficient Spline Breakdown and Keyframing
• Matching Plate Motion Blur
• 2D Point & Mocha Planar Tracking
• Extracting Tracking information from Matchmove Camera
• Painting Frame by Frame in Silhouette
• Dust bust and cosmetic touches
• Retime Artifacts Painting
• Procedural plate cleanup in Nuke
• Marker removals
• Simple Camera, Crew, Rigs, Wire removals
• Understanding of Nuke’s 3D environment

Soft Skills

• Good Communication skills
• Excellent time management
• Eye for detail and precision
• Curiosity in Photography & Film
• Understanding Color Theory
• Responsibility & Dedication