Rigging Supervisor

Job Summary

The Rigging Supervisor plays an integral role in the production team. They will work with a team of Rigging Artists, provide leadership and guidance, help them meet the high artistic standards of Disney Animation to create engaging characters, and ensure that the direction of the creative team is carried out on schedule and on budget. This is a regular, full-time, staff position that will be located at our Vancouver, BC studio. Please note that relocation eligibility may be determined based on role and individual circumstance.

Role Specifics

1. Work with the CG Supervisor - Characters to realize their vision to define and implement the Character Rigging style and practices for the show.
2. Collaborate directly with the Art Director of Characters, Character Model Supervisor, Simulation Supervisor, and Character Look Development Supervisor to realize Characters which successfully encompass all artistic and technical criteria.
3. Partner and collaborate directly with Animation to achieve animation performance requirements and to ensure the successful collaboration, handoff, and execution of character rigs.
4. Partner with Production Management and the CG Supervisor - Characters to make sure artists are on track to complete assignments on time and to top quality.
5. Work directly with the other supervisors of asset generation to coordinate the production of character and prop rigs.
6. Supervise the creation of a variety of character and prop rigs for animation and deformation.
7. Implement and maintain the standard rig build; Fold rig solutions back into the main rig build.
8. Work with facial, cloth, and hair leads to establish and streamline consistent methodology and conventions including standards for data structure and naming.
9. Ensure that check scripts are implemented and maintained to help rig workflow and data integrity.
10. Maintain functional parity between layout, animation, and final character assets.
11. Develop and maintain portions of the character guides, specifically in relation to the technical implementation of pertinent characteristics.
12. Analyze cost implications of requests or changes and notify production of resource over-runs.
13. Manage complexity of the character rigs.
14. Stay abreast of the development of new rigging tools.

Implementation

1. Responsible for consumability and efficiency of artist deliverables into downstream departments.
2. Participates in department processes, bidding and reviews.
3. Assesses resource needs and collaborates with department leadership in helping find staffing solutions.

Leading People

Creates an inclusive and safe work environment by carefully managing sensitive information, making rooms feel open and comfortable, creating space for everyone to have a voice and addressing bias when it occurs. Guides the creative and technical vision/expectations for the team members. In tight conjunction with the CG Supervisor - Characters, Production Management, and AM, inspires and motivates the team. Contributes to the overall craft and development of team members through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability.

Collaboration

Models and fosters a collaborative work environment between individuals on the team and across departments. Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other supervisors.

Communication

Provides regular updates to direct leader on the progress, health, and direction of the team. Keeps the team informed with context for show-related changes and updates.

Studio Stewardship

Studio Culture: Actively fosters an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment so every employee can contribute at the highest levels.

Technology, Tools and Workflow: Engages in the creation and execution of technical standards, pipeline conventions, and workflows to support the department, show, and studio.

Department Stewardship: Partners closely with peers and Artist Manager to support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation. Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists.

Recommended Experiences

1. Minimum 2 years of leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.
2. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WDAS standards, pipeline, tools, and workflows as they relate to the discipline you would be leading.
3. Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Cinema Studies, Computer Graphics, Engineering, related field, or equivalent experience.
4. Experience with complex animation rigs, skeletons, deformers, shape libraries, and procedural modeling techniques.
5. Strong knowledge of each of the following technical areas:
   1. Maya
   2. Simulation techniques (hair, cloth, and rigid body)
   3. 3D sculpting tools/techniques
   4. 3D texture painting and mapping tools/techniques
   5. The Unix/Linux environment
   6. Python and Mel scripting
6. Skill in the following areas is desirable:
   1. 3D modeling
   2. Traditional drawing, painting, design, and/or sculpture
   3. Knowledge of anatomy, kinematics, and physical behaviors

The hiring range for this position in British Columbia, Canada is C$142,290 to C$184,140 per year. This hiring range covers candidates who are considered expert level. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.