Modeling Supervisor (Feature Animation & VFX)

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Position Summary

We are looking for a Modelling Supervisor to join our DMS (Digital Model Shop) team. The Modeling Supervisor leads all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the modeling team on their show, ensuring that their own, as well as their teams characters, environments, vehicles, props and shot corrective sculpts are crafted according to the designs and visual style as well as the technical needs of the project. 

Working under the guidance and direction of the VFX Supervisor, the Model Supervisor is responsible for establishing the preferred look of the models and partnering with other department supervisors to ensure the models move through the pipeline successfully.

At ILM, a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you’re looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the DMS team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Crafts asset of their own while supervising model work on large and complex shows, making sure all technical and aesthetic aspects meet production requirements

• Works with VFX, Texture and Look Dev Supervisors to determine the “look” for an asset

• Participates in turnover meetings, asset breakdowns, reviews and bidding/re-bidding over the course of the show

• Attend all relevant show production and team meetings to promote effective communication throughout the show production

• Briefs, reviews and approves Third Party Partner model work

• In collaboration with Production, assigns work to modelers based on their individual skills and strengths, as needed

• Alongside the Head of Department are responsible for guiding artists’ overall professional development, providing performance feedback, facilitating overall team building efforts, and maintaining positive morale amongst the crew

• Participates in the recruiting and staffing of the modeling team - assesses the work of prospective candidates for the hiring process and works with Recruiting and Talent Management on hiring decisions, as needed

• Collaborates with Talent management and Head of Department on a regular basis for departmental planning 

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive proven leadership experience at equivalent large scale VFX facility on multiple projects. 10+ years of industry experience creating complex 3D organic or hard surface objects for Film or TV required

• Confident in providing mentorship, guidance and difficult feedback to team members

• Expert knowledge of Maya and Zbrush 

• Great design sense for mechanics, vehicles and architecture 

• Must have an extremely creative and critical eye for guiding form/anatomy and structure/silhouette

• Strong knowledge of facial blend shapes for both humans and creatures

• Extensive pipeline knowledge displaying an understanding of both technical and soft skill needs for how the Modeling department interacts with other departments 

• Strong problem solving skills and ability to think around problems and find solutions 

• Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and organizational skills required

• Ability to learn quickly and assimilate new information

• Proven experience and ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse skills and cultural backgrounds

• Has a team oriented demeanor with and open mind and desire to learn 

• Sketching, drawing, painting and design skills desirable

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.