Layout Supervisor

About ILM

Founded by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, with studios located in San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Sydney and Mumbai. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema. You can see some of our current projects here.

Your role?

The Layout Supervisor leads the layout crew, ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of matchmove and layout shots. This role requires a strong artistic eye, technical expertise, and leadership abilities. You will be working closely with the VFX Supervisor. The Layout Supervisor collaborates closely with production on scheduling, bidding, and crewing, mentors artists, troubleshoots technical issues, and oversees outsourced work. You will also contribute directly to shot work, including complex layouts, camera creation, and set modeling. 

What will you be doing?

• Responsible for the most complex layout and set ups. 

• Set up master layouts for scenes to guide other artists.

• Provide leadership, guidance and direction to the layout team.

• Work with the CG Supervisor and Production Manager to bid, schedule, and cast shotwork.

• Coordinate with supervisors and other departments to find creative and technical solutions.

• Coordinate with 3rd party vendors for shot supply and ingestion.

• Run client and department dailies as required.

• Give the layout team technical and aesthetic instruction for shots or sequences.

• Troubleshoot issues related to shotwork or layout pipeline.

• Identify and advise on improvements to tools and departmental efficiencies.

• Converts background plates to create digital motion files that match the plate photography, including animating any live action character or relative object in the scene.

• Generate 2D Compositing elements, while maintaining the accuracy of the camera perspectives.

• Model the set geometry used to create the matchmove and environment for other departments.

• Light, render and composite files with the background to evaluate camera  moves.

• Create original CG camera animation. 

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of the Layout pipeline and its integration with upstream and downstream departments.

• Translate client creative vision into actionable notes for artists.

• Maintain consistent artistic direction across shots and sequences.

• Help interpret and convey client and VFX Supervisor direction.

• Provide creative mentorship and guidance to artists, including critiques of their work.

• Give the layout team technical and aesthetic instruction for shots or sequences.

To be a contributing member of this team, you will have a mix of these skills:

• 10+ years of VFX experience, including 4+ years as a Layout Supervisor in VFX, Feature Animation, commercials, or video games.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills. 

• Prior experience in  supervising and mentoring a team of artists and Leads.

• Prior experience in collaborating with  CG Supervisor and VFX Supervisor.

• Proven ability to mentor and provide constructive feedback to artists, including experience in delivering creative guidance and performance reviews. 

• Willingness to learn new tools and workflows, with a demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and work efficiently within a production environment. 

• Understanding of photography and the effects of different lenses on perspectives. 

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field or relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.

• On-set experience.

• Background in previz or rough layout a plus.

• Advanced knowledge of Linux, 3DE, Maya, and/or proprietary tracking software. 

JoinILM

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.