Pre-Production Technical Director – Feature Animation

Pre-Production Technical Director – Feature Animation

Requirements

• Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.
• 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, and/or VFX feature films.
• Proven technical achievements within feature animation or VFX.
• An understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to the Pre-Production craft group.
• Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in relevant software such as Flix, Avid, Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, and other related software used in the Pre-Production domain.
• Comprehensive understanding of technical details within the Pre-Production department.
• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Expert knowledge in Python as well as PyQt or another GUI toolkit.
• Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing, and retrieval.
• Solid understanding of C++ is a plus. A strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.
• Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid).
• Knowledge of code management software such as git and GitHub and code review processes.
• Knowledge of software development practices such as Agile and how to apply them in software such as Jira.
• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math, or Physics, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in animation/VFX.

Responsibilities

• Understand the visual requirements for productions and suggest new technologies, or design procedures, techniques, and tools to meet these requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance for all technology within the Pre-Production department.
• Contribute to the direction, evolution, and maintenance of the technology within the Pre-Production Department.
• Design, develop, and write well-maintainable and consistently high-quality code.
• Track and resolve the most complex technical issues within Pre-Production in partnership with other TD’s and Software Engineers.
• Work closely with other TDs within Pre-Production to drive the technical success of key development initiatives.
• Ensure that technology, tools, and procedures within the Pre-Production Craft Group support the creative process.
• Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading the implementation of new tools.
• Take responsibility for the troubleshooting and optimization of Pre-Production tools, software, and workflows.
• Actively drive the QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology, tool releases, or pipeline changes, ensuring artist workflow is not impacted.
• Understand the processes of adjoining departments and provide input where required to maximize pipeline efficiency and quality.
• Actively participate in brainstorming and problem-solving, contributing technical expertise and insight to create and maintain technology within the canonical production pipeline.
• Support the organization’s overall technical goals as required.
• Be aware of the deadlines for own development initiatives and actively engage in keeping these on track.
• Continuously monitor the scope of the most technically challenging development initiatives within the Pre-Production department and help to ensure scope adjustments have additional estimates, etc.
• Prioritize and break down technical projects into organized parts.
• Work with the Supervising TD to prepare estimates and pitches as required.
• Work with the Supervising TD for Front-End to provide technical guidance to Pre-Production TDs with day-to-day issues and escalate through the right channels when necessary.
• Work with Technology Talent Management and Supervising TDs to help further develop the skills and abilities of mid-level TDs within the Front End Craft Group.
• Mentor mid-level TDs within the team and assist in orientation with senior new starters.
• Create synergies between different work groups to promote efficiency and optimization and to generate innovative ideas and approaches to how we do things.
• Strong communication skills for technical ideas, project status, problems, requirements, rollout plans, etc.
• Able to communicate with Program Managers to contribute to the scheduling and planning of complex technology initiatives.
• Able to discuss complex issues with Senior Software Engineers, developers, and supervisors.
• Able to present to small teams (tool demos, Show Contract process, Support Dashboards, etc.).
• Good written communication skills for specs, tickets, status updates, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid understanding of C++ is a plus. A strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.