VFX Head of CG

Role Summary The Head of CG for VFX is responsible for the development and execution of the highest possible quality CG at Jellyfish Pictures. The core objectives of the role include leading the development and advancement of our CG materials, surfacing, lookdev and lighting processes to produce the highest quality rendered CG our bids can afford, whilst exploiting every opportunity to build efficiencies and deploy new tools in partnership with the Head of 3D and pipeline team. This person is also responsible for hiring and creatively managing lighters and CG asset artists for the VFX department, as well as mentoring CG supervisors and setting best practice for that role. The ideal candidate will possess an exceptional eye for quality photo-real CG and expert technical knowledge in all aspects of CG technical workflow and DCCs. A drive to innovate CG production and deploy cutting edge technologies such as real-time and AI-based tools is also a preference, as well as strong communication an leadership capabilities. Reports to: Director of VFX & Animation & indirectly to MD of VFX.

Requirements

Main responsibilities:

• Research, develop and define the best working practices for execution of all CG assets, including creatures, digi-doubles, CG environments, vehicles and props.

• Ensure that best practices are followed across CG departments to deliver the highest quality photo-real rendered elements our bids can afford.

• Act as a Quality Assurance layer on CG output across the division, consulting with all project teams to understand creative goals and budget parameters for CG work, and help to build a plan which maximizes quality of CG output in the budget available.

• Build documentation and training materials, and lead training sessions for CG artists, especially lighters and CG generalists.

• Partner with the Head of 3D to identify the most appropriate DCCs for VFX and ensure that tools are best aligned with workflow architecture.

• Help projects to troubleshoot CG delivery issues, acting as a mentor to CG supervisors to problem solve and advise on solutions.

• Take part in client meetings to build confidence in relationships and take an active role in pitches for new projects, leading on CG test work.

• Be a key stakeholder in render management, holding CG supervisors to account to ensure optimization is carried out to its fullest at the asset build stage and during shot production.

• Set policy for the lighting team in terms of render stages, iterations, testing and render job QC.

• Oversee the hiring and performance of the lookdev and lighting team and work with dept. Supervisors e.g. Creature, FX, Environments to ensure artists are working in an environment which fosters growth, creative excellence and empathy.

• Explore new CG technologies such as real-time and AI-integrated tools, and work with Head of 3D, Pipeline teams and key stakeholder groups to build road maps for integration into JFP. Skills and experience:

• Proven ability delivering complex CG to an exceptional quality in photo-real VFX projects, especially feature films and high end TV

• Extensive experience in industry-standard DCCs such as Maya, Houdini, and lighting packages as well as renderers e.g. Arnold, Klara, PRman

• Expert understanding of CG workflow

• Exceptional eye for image quality, especially lighting, with a demonstrable understanding of cinematography

• Knowledge of the wider filmmaking process, particularly as pertains to VFX

• Experience On-set experience preferred

• High degree of leadership skills such as diplomacy, decision-making, dealing with ambiguity and pressure situations

• Ability to mentor aspiring artists, leads and supervisors

• Calm, friendly and personable

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills