Head of 2D

Moving Picture Company (MPC) is a global VFX studio with decades of storytelling experience across the feature film and episodic industries, with award-winning highlights including The Lion King, 1917, The Mandalorian, and the Jungle Book.    

MPC’s global network of artists is constantly innovating to bring unimaginable ideas to life through cutting-edge technology and boundless creativity. Part of the Technicolor  Group network, MPC continues to lead the visual arts industry, building authentic and long-lasting connections with audiences across screens worldwide. 

The role of Head of 2D is a senior position within MPC, requiring strong inspirational leadership and communication skills. We are looking for a hands-on approach with someone who leads by example. The primary focus of the role is developing and promoting the best experience for MPC's 2D talent and overseeing the day-to-day management of the department. The 2D department is at the company's very core as they are responsible for the final compilation and manipulation of elements from all other departments. They ensure that they and their team produce work of an exceptionally high standard and play a critical role in creating high-profile effects for any number of creative projects.  

The 2D HoD has a sharp aesthetic judgment, mastery of Flame and Nuke compositing software; has insight into emerging technology; has strong communication and organizational skills, is self-managed, and is a team leader. At times they will be client-facing, and as such, they have the appropriate attributes to ensure client satisfaction.  

The 2D HoD will understand and appreciate the power of training and mentoring from within and encourage a holistic approach to communication across all disciplines, especially Production & Scheduling.     

An appreciation for the scale of our group is a key element of designing and implementing strategies for the 2D department. The Head of 2D helps to make sure the 2D department is following standards that make the cooperation with all the MPC's offices as a group as seamless as possible.   

Leadership:  

• Direct and manage the long-term strategic growth and development of the 2D Department.

• Provide leadership and guidance on any projects that the 2D department are involved with. 

• Support producers and artists when planning and quoting new work. 

• Work in conjunction with MPC's other sites to encourage knowledge and project sharing.

• Help coordinate and chair a monthly meeting involving all Lead Artists and Supervisors to discuss any project-based or technical issues. 

• Be involved with a monthly global conference call with other Heads of 2D. 

• Work closely with other HoD's to ensure 2D stays relevant with other departments, identifying potential efficiencies across disciplines.  

• Regularly assess MPC's representation at Key conferences and Universities ensuring the brand is well-positioned. 

• Recognize MPC's brand and position in the industry, referring to MPC's manifesto.

• Attend Senior Management meetings and give updates on the status of the department.

• Engage with recruitment and work closely with the Operations and the Talent team to attract the highest quality artists in the industry to fill any potential gaps in the department's structure.

Management:  

• Manage all 2D artists' career progress by supporting their creative, technical and personal development.

• Advise upon specific ways in which staff members could improve based on outcomes from their annual review.

• Highlight potential talent gaps within the department.

• Engage in salary reviews of all artists to ensure that everyone is suitably paid and reward artists on consistent high performance.

• Assist the Talent Team with the evaluation and interview process of potential new hires.

Technical:  

• Work with other HOD's and HOWs to continually explore new technology options and consult with the Head of Technology about the feasibility for testing and implementation.

• Compositing of 3D and 2D elements in collaboration with external clients.

• Provide guidance to 2D and 3D in the creation of mattes and other elements.  

• Monitor the output of colleagues, including compositing, element provision and artwork provision.

• Report technical shortcomings and issues to the Engineering department.

• Guide and manage a team of Artists during large and complex workloads to deliver on time in tight deadlines.

• Combining the technical and creative aspects of the role with an innate understanding of the industry and being able to apply those skills to the ever-changing needs of the clients, often under extremely demanding deadlines.  

• Building a strong client base by sourcing and developing relationships with young creative talent and clients on their own projects.

• Guiding and training the junior Artists in the department and advising junior employees in Support Departments, on MPC's methodologies and working pipeline to ensure the development and throughput of talent and the creative output at every level is to a standard befitting our worldwide reputation.

• The Head of 2D must have the confidence and ability to develop ideas, provide solutions to complex technical and creative issues and communicate with clients independently as they are required to manage VFX projects and respond to external client queries. 

Reporting:  

• Manages the 2D team

• HOD reports to Head of Creative

• HOD works with the Department Manager, Senior members of the 2D team  

• Key liaison with: Other HOD's, Executive Producers, Producers, 2D Scheduling, Head of Technology, R&D, Creative Technology, Talent team