Designer, Production - Universal Creative - UK Project

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

Our team members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Production Designer, having project design and installation experience, is responsible for leading a multi-disciplined design team in the development, documentation, coordination, and technical execution of the creative intent for all ride and show related elements and areas. Responsible for leading the development of virtual and physical models, drawings and drawing packages depicting design and art direction for all show and scenic components of a project through oversight of vendor efforts and internal resources. Responsible for creating multiple technical and creative approaches and solutions to meet critical design criteria, such as: guest experience, theoretical hourly capacity, show timing, vehicle spacing, etc., while adhering to local building codes.

As directed by the Show Producer, Art Director, and Creative Director, ensures that the project creative vision and design intent is accurately integrated and documented in models and drawing packages, and executed in the field. Coordinates with all project personnel, departments, and disciplines (e.g., Design, Ride Show Engineering, Facility Architecture & Engineering and Project Management). Responsible for the development of show set drawings & packages, 3d models, animations, and animatics that detail and integrate the various ride & show elements of an attraction. Utilises various modeling & drafting techniques, 3d modeling/animating & drawing techniques and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Graphics software, 3D software, etc.) to create dimensional, scale drawings and models detailing the design intent and the integration of various show elements with each other and the facility. Responsible for designing construct-able projects to project program, creative intent, schedule, and budget requirements.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (% of time)

• As directed by the Show Producer, and in collaboration with the Art Director and Creative Director, responsible for developing and executing the Creative Director’s vision through the production of coordinated design drawings and deliverables. Ensures that projects meet or exceed creative design intent and achieves desired creative guest experience on budget and schedule. Key participant in cost, schedule, technical, integration and other discussions - 30%
• Oversees the design efforts of external resources and vendors ensuring they are capturing the design intent and stakeholder’s needs in the project design through documentation in models and drawings while adhering to Universal standards. Oversees and gives day to day work assignments to the design team during all phases of the project, including production and installation, in a manner that meets the project design intent, schedule and budget. Initiates and organises design reviews as often as needed during the process - 30%
• Participates in design, cost, schedule, and technical reviews. Responsible for the development of creative design, colour boards, sketching, drafting, and models and other creative output that outline solutions to integrate elements into a themed environment. Evaluates sightlines, visual intrusion, and concealment of non-theatrical equipment within an "on-stage" environment. During construction, oversees contractors, develops in-field solutions and follow-up documentation. Ensures project completion of documentation of art and finish specifications, materials specification, and design drawings - 20%
• Mentors and provides guidance and training to staff related to career goals and technical skills. Motivates staff to accomplish assignment goals. Builds bench strength within the staff by identifying training and development opportunities. Leads staff and communicates job expectations, planning, coaching. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and show set design standards - 10%
• Establishes, builds, and maintains positive and productive team relationships based on open communication, trust and teamwork with project partners, departments, disciplines, and personnel. Communicates, inspires, and maintains project intent among all team-members. Acts as project liaison for appropriate internal and external partners, licensors, and intellectual property developers - 10%
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Supervises an exempt and non-exempt team.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organisation’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities (KSAs) required:

• Must have completed a full project design and construction cycle with experience in every phase of the process from concept design through construction, fabrication, and installation.
• Must be a creative, innovative, organised thinker and problem solver with strong technical and artistic ability with various design techniques/tools such as show set / scenic design and drafting, 3D modeling, architectural design, and/or others.
• Must have strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Must be proficient in AutoCAD with strong skills in 3D modeling software such as Revit/3ds Max.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. (Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Design, Theater, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

Extensive theatrical design and production experience with field installation experience; experience of schematic phase through install or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.