Director - CG Series (Disney Television Animation)

This is a key Creative Leadership role that partners with the Supervising Director, Supervising Producer, Executive Producer, and Creative Leadership to execute the creative vision of the show while working within the schedule and budget for the series. The Director works closely with Show Leadership and the Artists on the series to manage the process. It is expected that the Director has the ability to deal with potentially changing schedules and clear deadlines.  This role requires collaboration with and leadership of a diverse group of people in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

•  Ensuring that every episode upholds the show’s cinematic tone, character consistency, and storytelling intent.

•  Guiding the team of Storyboard Artists in achieving expressive acting, dynamic staging, emotional resonance, and cohesive visual storytelling that ensures the translation of boards into CG Layout.

• When necessary, storyboarding sections of the script and reboarding sequences in which the script or story has shifted.

• Collaborating with the Show Leadership to interpret scripts and launch Storyboard Artists into creating compelling and cinematic storyboards.

• Attending meetings and come prepared with any questions, suggestions, concerns, while keeping in mind complexity, schedule, and deadlines. 

• Following up with the SB artist(s) after the hand-out to ensure that they are clear on the direction and what is expected of them. Continually check in with the SB artists to ensure they are on the right track. 

• Working with the Art Team regarding the artistic direction of the episodes, using designs to depict accurate characters and locations.

• Providing constant and timely feedback to the Artists working on your team, providing mentorship, fostering growth, and creative ownership.

• Working with the Editor, SP, and SD on building the initial Animatic and continuing to guide the episode through Lock.

• Collaborating with the EP and Editor on finalizing for various stages of production – Screenings through Final Lock for Shipping.

• Attending recording sessions for your episodes, if requested.

• Reviewing all materials prior to shipment to the overseas studio.  Reviewing boards for continuity and working with the Production Coordinator to ensure the episode is complete, clear, and ready for shipment.

• Partnering with the EP, SP, and SD to hand out the show to the overseas studio, ensuring that the creative vision and goals of the episode are clear. 

• Ensuring that Executive, BA/Legal and S&P notes are addressed throughout the production process.

• Additional duties as necessary, or as defined by individual contracts

Qualifications 

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Story or Animation departments. At least 3 years in a Leadership or Directorial role.

• Knowledge of Traditional Animation, CG Animation, Visual Effects and/or Video game production.

• Knowledge of software and hardware including Cintiq, Toon Boon Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, Blender, or other applicable storyboarding software.

• Knowledge of and ability to storyboard within a Blender pipeline is a plus.

Skills

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.

• Mastery of cinematic storytelling, with understanding of film language and pacing.

• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.

• Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible. Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

 
Job Location: Glendale, CA 
 

The hiring range for this position in California is $2,913.18 to $3372.00 per week, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.