Front End Production Manager

Guru Studio is a creative-driven entertainment company and an industry leader in animated storytelling. For over twenty years, our studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children's properties in the world.

We're always looking for passionate and committed talent, so come join our dynamic and growing team

Are you ready to take the world's #1 smash hit animated series to the next level? The award-winning, action-packed and loved-by-every-child-on-Earth series PAW Patrol is entering its second decade of production, with BIG plans ahead

We're looking for a talented Front End Production Manager to join our team on PAW

Responsibilities:

• Breakdown scripts for records, design and asset builds, including bid days
• Organize, attend, and prepare detailed notes for production meetings across the front end departments, from Design thru to PreViz
• Build day-to-day schedules for front-end departments and their artists (Design, Model, Surfacing, Rigging, Groom and PreViz) 
• Oversee that the assigned departments stay on schedule and communicate any creative, technical, production-related concerns to the Producer
• Design, implement and monitor micro-schedules across all assigned departments
• Manage all assigned department artists' time and priorities
• Track production progress on a daily basis and generate internal and external progress reports across Front End departments weekly
• Coordinate, attend and schedule screenings, launches, reviews, and other meetings as required in a professional manner
• Identify and flag possible setbacks and assist the Producer to strategize solutions, prioritize allocation of resources and execute the solutions
• Prepare and plan weekly production meetings and client calls
• Upload and download files to and from the Client
• Carry out episode wrap up procedures
• Maintain asset and shot management system (using Excel, Shotgun & proprietary software) with Director/Producer/Client Notes. Assign and follow up with individual tasks for artists
• When needed, assist with rendering and organizing asset stills for review
• Identify production bottlenecks and assist the Production Manager/Producer to strategize solutions, prioritize allocation of resources and execute a solution by coordinating the production team
• Correspond with the Client, as it relates to Front End departments, in a professional manner

Qualifications:

• Excellent organization and multi-tasking skills, including ability to prioritize
• Strong ability to work autonomously as well as a team player and able to work well cross-functionally
• Strong Shotgrid (Flow) Studio production skills for coordination and communication
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and G Suite products (Excel, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, etc.), SyncSketch
• Experience with Autodesk Maya or other 3D asset-build software 
• Minimum 5 years combined Design and CG Asset experience on an Animated Series and/or Animated Feature Production
• Experience with detailed production reporting
• Understanding of 3D Animation pipeline and departments

Why Join Guru?

• We create a collaborative and creatively fulfilling work environment by promoting courage, purpose, inspiration, integrity, transparency, and empowerment as our core values
• We take great pride in our work and we always ensure it reflects a high standard of quality and creativity
• We encourage individuals to grow with us by offering learning opportunities that encourage skill development and growth
• We are proud to support philanthropic initiatives that support our local and global community through our charity committee Guru Gives
• We offer health and wellness support through an extensive benefits plan and extended mental health services and initiatives
• We allow the flexibility to work remotely while making our downtown studio available for in-person team building and collaboration

Guru is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that celebrates the diversity of its employees. We are dedicated to employment equity and welcome applications from people from all Indigenous groups, races, religions, genders and people with disabilities.

We are committed to providing an accessible candidate experience during our recruitment process and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible ‎environment where candidates and ‎employees feel valued and respected. Guru strives to respect the dignity and ‎‎independence of people with disabilities and is committed to giving them the same ‎‎opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process as all other candidates. If you have a disability, you may request ‎to be accommodated at any time. Guru will work with all candidates to ‎‎accommodate individual accessibility needs to the point of undue hardship. 

Guru Studio would like to thank all applicants for your interest, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  Guru Studio is an equal opportunity employer.  

Please note this is an In-Studio Work position