Layout Artist

**ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE**

Based in Vancouver BC, Image Engine is a world-class visual effects studio led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling. We offer a full range of visual effects services from concept designs and pre-visualization to computer-generated animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects.

Involved from the very first stages of production, our exceptionally talented crew works closely with clients to push artistic and technical boundaries. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation, with a focus on continually evolving our robust production pipelines and pioneering in the area of proprietary software development.

Well-known for our groundbreaking alien animations in Neill Blomkamp’s critically-acclaimed film District 9, we have gone on to produce more award-winning work in The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, Elysium, and most recently, we received an Emmy Award for our VFX work in The Book of Boba Fett.

Our recent productions include The Mandalorian: Season 3, The Three-Body Problem, Willow, The School for Good and Evil, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Moon Knight, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Snowpiercer, Hawkeye, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Mulan, and much more.

**POSITION PURPOSE**

The Lead plays a very important role in the quality control and leadership of the Layout team. The Lead is responsible for communicating notes from the client or VFX Supervisor to artists in a constructive manner. They will work with the VFX Supervisor to translate previs or storyboards into beautiful 3D shots or sequences. This will include, but will not be limited to: camera set up, rough animation, environments, asset blocking, and technical troubleshooting. The Layout Lead will complete all setups in such a way that works most effectively with the pipeline.

They will be able to make creative decisions and work with the VFX Supervisor to ensure that the creative vision is realized. They will provide leadership, training, guidance, and support to the rest of the Layout team. The Lead will also contribute to the overall operation and improvement of the Layout team by setting and maintaining department standards. This will include engaging in cross-department communication, flagging/providing solutions to critical issues, documentation, taking part in reviews and interviews, and participating in the development of new employees. In addition, the Lead will develop new processes and stay up to date on innovative technologies to keep the Layout team on the cutting edge.

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Communicate the creative brief and real-world references from the VFX Supervisor and Director to the Layout team
- Determine the broad creative approach, in conjunction with the VFX Supervisor
- Communicate with downstream departments to ensure the setup enables artists to complete their work in the most effective manner
- Breakdown previs or 2D storyboard into 3D shots or sequences
- Stage all shots in line with the VFX Supervisor/Directors creative vision
- Overcome technical issues (day to day problem solving), in conjunction with R&D and the CG Supervisor
- Set up data to maximize throughput
- Work with R&D to develop and suggest tools
- Evaluate artists work to set and maintain quality standards
- Assist members of the Layout team to learn and grow their skills to meet their career aspirations
- Work with Layout team as well as other departments to ensure information is communicated down the pipeline

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- 5+ years’ of Layout experience with high end series or film
- Experience leading teams (6+ people) on large projects of 300 + shots
- Experience managing large datasets
- Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling layouts
- Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**

**Technical skills**
- Understanding of Lead best practices
- Ability to train and coach artists in layout techniques and best practice
- Ability to communicate with downstream departments to assess needs
- Senior level knowledge in Maya
- Knowledge of Nuke and Houdini is a plus
- Experience with LINUX/UNIX
- Strong understanding of sequences versus shots
- Ability to learn pipeline and workflow quickly

**Core skills**
- Ability to help with bidding; determine the timeframe and scope required for each project
- Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
- Capable of managing a team of artists; setting expectations, and managing their time
- Ability to assess artist’s strengths and weaknesses to assign tasks and manage workflow
- Ability to react to stressful situations and changing parameters, while projecting an attitude of calm and competence
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent time management and communication skills