Image Mastering Manager

Description

Image Mastering is responsible for the color mastering of Pixar projects (including features, shorts, promotional pieces, and dvd materials) and creation of the image distribution masters (including film, digital cinema, and HD/SD video) for domestic and international release. We are also responsible for the color science required to ensure that all formats achieve the desired creative vision and we devise software solutions for the calibration of color-critical desktop displays and printers throughout the studio.

The role of the Image Mastering Manager is to supervise the execution of image mastering for all Pixar projects, including budgeting, long- and short-term scheduling, personnel, and technology.

Responsibilities:

Production:

- Manage the mastering of multiple projects with competing needs to meet the global priorities of the studio.
- Work with Production Manager and Producers of each project, along with the Post-Production Supervisors, to schedule master deliverables.
- Manage each production through the various stages and processes of Image Mastering, troubleshooting problems as they arise, communicating with others as needed, to bring each project to completion on-time and on-budget.
- Create and maintain Image Mastering schedules and budgets.
- Work with Post-Production Supervisors and Image Mastering Lead Engineer to ensure that the image masters meet the appropriate technical specifications.
- Communicate frequently with Production Manager and Producers of each project to plan and schedule projects, and to provide updates.
- Coordinate with Lighting, Rendering, and Editorial Managers to plan deliveries of production inventory.
- Run departmental meetings and screenings.

Technical:

- Work with Image Mastering Lead Engineer to find technical solutions to the creative needs of each production.
- Work with Image Mastering Lead Engineer and Software Engineers to set priorities and directives for engineering projects, and manage those projects to completion.
- Assist in the identification and resolution of problems encountered during the Image Mastering process.
- Work closely with the Director of Photography (DP) and Supervising Technical Director of each project to develop preferred workflows.
- Communicate frequently with and provide support to the DP during the mastering process to ensure success.

Personnel:

- Supervise a team of 15 people including Color Grading Operators, Camera Operators, Software Engineers, and Department Administrators.
- Supervision includes setting project objectives and deadlines, providing performance feedback, facilitating communication within and outside of the department, resolving personnel issues, approving time cards and absences, and providing general support for every member of the team.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with people at all levels of the organization.
- Interface with Image Mastering and Post-Production vendors.

Equal Opportunity Employer.