Lead Layout Artist

Position Summary

The Lead Layout Artist has multiple purviews under their umbrella. They should have a firm grasp on matchmove and matchanimation (known as roto animation at other studios) techniques and are able to tackle shots that would entail that type of work. Majority of the work done by ILM’s Layout department are matchmove and matchanimation focused. The Lead Layout Artist will also work as a “digital camera operator” to create camera compositions and determine rough character timing to pre-visualize shots and provide a clear sense of action for the Animation, FX and Lighting departments.

The Layout department at ILM encompasses a variety of layout related work and tasks which would fall under other departments at other studios such as: Facial Capture, set asset creation, and sculpting amongst others. The Lead Layout Artist will need to be flexible at learning and picking up new software/workflows depending on the project.

The Lead Layout Artist will be key in providing support to the Layout Supervisor; this includes helping out the team when team members have questions or difficulties in shot work as well as teaching and ramping up artists on the team whether they be new to the project or company.

What You’ll Do

• Work under the guidance and direction of the Layout Supervisor
• Guide the Layout teams to execute quality performance for the film
• Guide Layout Artists working on shots in the assigned sequence to ensure that the Layout Supervisor’s direction and level of quality is realized in addition to working on their own shots
• Provide mentoring and training as needed
• Matchmove cameras, object track and solving, matchanimate characters, lens calibration solves and lidar asset ingestion
• Creative Layout camera, character blocking, and environment set dressing work
• Help work with the Layout Supervisor to trial and test new software and workflows before and during shows
• Guide Layout Artists in the creation of rough models and environments for pre-visualisation
• Assist the Layout Supervisor with the technical set up of their assigned sequences, troubleshoot any problems on their shots, and are responsible for continuity and flow within and between shots
• Oversee the creation of a 3D version of the story reel. Also supervises the Layout crew to execute the layout of shots.
• May work as the team leader on technical aspects of Layout

To be a contributing member of this team, you will have a mix of these skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Graphics or previous experience in a related field preferred
• 7+ years VFX experience, with 4+ years as senior matchmove/layout artist in VFX, commercials or video games
• Good written and oral communication skills including strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to guide and mentor a team of artists
• Work closely with other discipline supervisors, including CG Supervisor and VFX Supervisor
• Deliver feedback to artists, both constructive and positive
• Must have a willingness to learn new tools, proven ability to be detail-oriented and to work efficiently within a production environment
• Excellent problem solving skills including the ability to work under tight deadlines
• Understanding of photography and the effects of different lenses on perspectives
• Nice to have:
• On set experience
• Background in previz or rough layout a plus
• Advanced knowledge of Nuke, LINUX, 3DE, Maya, front end pipeline knowledge (Asset development, Capture), and/or proprietary tracking software

About Industrial Light & Magic:

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ILM (Australia) Pty. Ltd., which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.