Production Supervisor

The Production Supervisor (PS) is responsible for managing the day ­to­ day production within a specific department(s).  In all duties below, the PS must work in collaboration with the artistic department supervisor(s).  The success of their partnership will be a primary factor in the department’s success on the film. In addition, the PS is a leadership role in the studio and, as such, must accept the responsibility of supporting and representing the directives of the studio and the production leadership.

Role Specifics 

• Works with the Production Manager (PM) and/or the Associate Producer (AP) to meet department production goals; strategizing, planning and overseeing resources on a departmental level.

• Partners with artistic department leadership to establish achievable and attainable short and long term goals; ensuring the delivery of work on time and within budget, while keeping team morale as high as possible.

• In collaboration with project leadership, oversee the department tracking of project pipeline, processes and workflows; embracing cross-project consistency, cross-department collaboration and championing process innovation.

• Looks ahead to ensure that long term goals/quotas, department milestones and inventory expectations are met. Strategizes with artistic supervisors, project’s upper management and other PS’ to resolve any productivity or inventory issues.

• Works with the department artistic supervisor to schedule, plan, and cast work to artists.

• Represents the artistic department in production meetings; reporting department progress and discussing solutions to any issues impeding the department.

• Ensures department data is tracked accurately and is easily accessible and understandable.

• Clearly communicates when changes in creative direction or productivity assumptions change; proactively offering suggestions to make-up for lost time and/or resources.

• Create and maintain reports that clearly illustrate department and individual artist productivity.

• Engages in Production Management issues on a studio level, i.e.:  Shotgun meetings and architecture of tracking and other department tools, leadership training, Cross-project Production Management meetings and initiatives/planning related to the Production Management team.

Implementation

• Participates in department processes, bidding and reviews

• Assesses resource needs and collaborates with department leadership (Artistic Leader ) 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. 

• In tight conjunction with Artistic Leadership and AM, manages, motivates and creates an environment conducive to achieving goals and artistic achievements; looking for opportunities to improve department and project morale.

• Contributes to the overall development of team members through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition, and accountability. 

• Establishes expectations for the Production Management team within their department.

• Provides mentorship and feedback to Production Assistants (PAs) and Production Coordinators (PCs) to foster growth towards individual goals.

• Partnering with the Artist Manager, oversee department-planning issues such as OT and vacation as well as help in managing conflict within the department - including reporting issues to HR and production leadership when necessary.

• Maintains composure and optimism during times of change; sets a positive tone and acts as an example to the rest of the team.

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 project leadership informed of department morale and progress.

• Keeps the team informed with context for show related changes and updates. 

• Clearly communicates department goals; acknowledging and addressing changes to department plans and expectations.

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 support an environment of creativity, trust, and innovation.  Actively involved in assessment, casting, hiring, and overall growth of artists. 

Requirements:

• 4 years minimum industry experience

• Bachelor’s degree in film / TV production or equivalent experience preferred

• Strong organization skills

• Must have the ability to prioritize tasks at hand, assisting on all phases of production

• Strong understanding of CG animation processes

• Clear understanding of the principles of animation production

• Production tracking experience using spreadsheets, databases or database software (such as Shotgun) a plus.

• Demonstrated success engaging in problem­ solving techniques