VP VFX

Who are we hiring?

Sphere is looking for a seasoned Visual Effects executive to lead the internal studio Visual Effects department at Sphere Studios in Burbank. As the creative content shop for Sphere projects, we strive for the best content creation, delivering content that has never been witnessed before on displays that have never been seen in this scale. The Vice President of Visual Effects is responsible for ensuring that all productions commissioned by Sphere are fully supported through VFX: creatively, operationally, and financially. This senior management role covers all VFX within the studio, including but not limited to attractions, immersive shows, residencies, and corporate events. It encompasses Pre-Viz, Shot Production and Virtual Production for both Exosphere and Media Plane environments.

Reporting to the Head of Production and working closely with the heads of Creative Development, Production Management and Post Production, candidates must demonstrate real world Visual Effects leadership experience. The ideal candidate has a unique blend of experience in live-action feature film and television, large format cinema, immersive and interactive experiences, and emerging technologies. This role requires a deep understanding of the economics, business and process of Visual Effects, including shot production, immersive content, real-time rendering, and live event playback systems.

What will you do?

• VP Visual Effects oversees the Sphere Studios Visual Effects department, a center of excellence for the creation of innovative visual content produced specifically for Sphere’s 16K media plane.
• VP Visual Effects provides leadership and guidance to ensure every production is designed and delivered at the highest level of quality from concept through delivery.
• Guide the economics of Sphere VFX production to maintain the ideal balance between internal and external resources for the best quality, efficiency and fiscal outcome.
• Oversee visual effects budgeting, resource allocation, project staffing, and manage recruiting and training needs.
• Collaborate regularly with creative, production and technical teammates and Studio leadership.
• Drive efficiency and improve quality by implementing tools, best practices, internal frameworks, components and standards
• Ensure Sphere Studios remains an industry leader in the application of the most advanced visual effects tools and techniques
• Maintain relationships with external vendors ensuring all deliverables are met and projects are delivered on time and on budget.

What do you need to succeed?

• What will it take? A unicorn of unicorns with a diversified portfolio of experience across all visual content types and a deep passion to explore the new medium of Sphere, while advancing VFX processes, with subject matter expertise across the board.
• Previous experience in the cinema industry as Head of Visual Effects, Studio VFX Executive, VFX Executive Producer, or Executive leader at a large VFX facility
• 15+ years of experience working in Visual Effects pipelines
• 10+ years of experience in leading artist teams, including involvement with recruiting, staffing, scheduling and training
• Experience with large format/CG/360/VR/Real-Time content creation
• Superb organizational skills with ability to create executive presentations, visual effects budgets, cost reports, production plans, multi-project timelines, etc.
• A confident, professional, and persuasive communication style with senior leaders and team members
• A passion for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking
• Ability to remain flexible and calm in high-pressure situations and adjust as multiple moving parts consistently change
• Experience using production management programs a must.
• Work in a production environment with ability to work off hours and weekends as necessary.
• Oversees the VFX business unit, with direct reports at Director level who oversee each department. Ability to lead, mentor, coach and develop staff is a must have

Special Requirements

• Role will require some travel to/ from LA to Las Vegas for business meetings.