Director of Photography

Description

Position : Director of Photography

Reports to : Director / Producer / Production Manager

Department : Previs / Rough Layout / Final layout / Lighting

Position Description :
The Director of Photography is responsible for collaborating with the Director to create the visual identity of the film. This includes working with the previs team, layout, art, assets, animation and the lighting team both at creative and technical level. The number one priority is to create a dynamic cinematic vision for the film that supports the narrative, and adheres to production assumptions and executes it in a manner inspiring the crew. He/she must provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic problems in a mentoring way.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities :

• Act as the creative visual leader.

• Responsible for controlling the complexity of the movie, within the scope of production.
• Take the vision of the Director(s), and managing the team to execute the existing storyboards to create a 3D version of the show(s).
• Work closely with the CG Supervisor and Art Director to incorporate other department’s concerns into the layout.
• Provide creative and technical solutions to aesthetic problems.
• During review sessions, discuss shot changes with the Director(s) and Storyboard Artist(s) and offer creative input and technical solution-oriented ideas to enhance continuity and consistency of the sequence. Create solutions to creative problems.
• Define and interpret specific instructions from the Director(s) and production.
• Prepare detailed notes of camera requirements using Director’s initial notes.
• If required, communicate with Overseas camera Departments when issues or questions arise, including meetings and conference calls.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable about software used on the production.
• Up-to-date technically on all hardware and software used in production, including experience with basic Python/MEL scripting.
• Ensure that Pipeline protocols are followed by the Art, Layout, Modeling, Rigging, Animation department.
• Ensure the development and integration of toolsets for camera departments.
• Liaise with department heads to solve technical problems.
• Document cinematic style workflow and pipeline process for production and supervisors.
• Remain accountable for shot count management through Layout process.
• Accountable for on time, on budget execution and delivery of up to date layouts throughout production.
• Responsible for communicating all changes and updates through the department APM/Coordinator in a timely fashion.
• Responsible for adhering to the production schedule.
• Work with the Previs Supervisor on casting shots/assignments to Layout artists.
• Responsible for improving the performance of artists on the team, both technically and creatively.
• Responsible for participation in the unification and initiatives for the studio within the Layout department.
• Facilitate meetings with Layout artists to keep the crew informed on show changes and requirements.
• Ensure open lines of communication with APM and Production.
• Attend reviews and launches where camera movement and lighting is relevant.
• Use Director’s feedback to generate additional information for Layout team to execute.

Required Skills and Experience :

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Computer Visualization, or Computer Animation required or equivalent work experience
• 5-7+ years of experience creating cinematic pre-visualizations for CG animation or feature film productions, with at least 2 years of Lead experience.
• Previous experience in a leadership role on a Feature film or Animated Feature project with a strong interest in Rough Layout, Layout, Final Layout, and Set Dressing and Stereoscopy.
• Expertise in scene, shot, camera, and character composition is preferred.
• Exposure to modeling, lighting, texturing and animation required.
• Strong knowledge of terminology and techniques used in film, animation and visual effects including knowledge of photography and camera lenses.
• Strong understanding of cinematography a must.
• A strong working knowledge of the principles of cinematic staging, blocking and camera work.
• Demonstrated expertise using Maya is required, with good working knowledge of Unix/Linux.
• Shotgun competent
• Scripting and programming skills a plus.

Annual Salary: $110,000 to $160,000 - Based on experience

Benefits: Medical Benefits, Dental Benefits, Life Insurance Benefits, Other Benefits