Character Modeling Supervisor - Expression of Interest

Mikros Animation is a global CGI animation creative studio. Providing filmmakers with top-tier animation and CGI services through a complete range of front and back-end creative services to bring unforgettable and stylized stories to life in every format, for every platform.

We provide end-to-end animation services, uniting industry-leading talent across our global network of creative studios located in Montreal and Paris.

We help filmmakers define and develop their vision from script to screen, making every project truly unique.

The Character Modeling Supervisor defines the overall technical and creative direction of the character models and leads the team of modelers on a given film.

The Character Modeling Supervisor works in collaboration with the CG Supervisor, Supervisors from other departments on the show and our Global Head of Characters in an international environment. Present from the start of the production, the Character Modeling Supervisor plays an essential role in the 3D character development process, working closely with the client, and overseeing character modeling throughout the project.

They regularly review the work of the modeling team and provide critical feedback to ensure that the quality and style defined for the project are achieved. The Character Modeling Supervisor establishes departmental workflows, and ensures effective communication between other asset departments, animators, developers, production management, clients, and others. 

In addition to artistic and technical responsibilities, the Character Modeling Supervisor also participates in the recruitment of the team of modelers and interviews. They ensure the training, development, and well-being of the team. As a real driving force and a leader, the Character Modeling Supervisor inspires and motivates the modeling artists to achieve their objectives and deliver high quality work in a collaborative team spirit. Significant expertise and experience in modeling and team leadership is expected. 

Responsabilities 

Work in collaboration with the Prod Manager, Coordinator, VFX Sup, CG Sup Anim and Characters team to ensure that all aspects of modeling are ready to deliver quality content: 

Production 

• Communicate with the Production Designer and/or Director to clearly understand the show’s visual style in order to balance artistic expectations, technical constraints and production deadlines
• Offer options to enhance the look of the characters in 3D
• Lead and guide the team to establish a high-level quality of the deliverables and ensure that models and facial blend shapes match the artistic and technical needs
• Ensure that models are consistent with the overall design and technical requirements of the characters in the film, and that assets are ready for the next departments
• Work closely with Rigging, Animation, Surfacing, Technology, and other departments to define the most effective model topologies and modeling strategies, as well as develop technical solutions to meet the artistic demands of the department
• Responsible for helping to ensure the optimization of the workflow, tools and resources of the modeling department
• Provide creative ideas and solutions to maximize the level of visual and technical quality on the show
• Ensure that assets are completed in a timely manner and artistic notes addressed
• Prepare presentation content for clients and submit assets for reviews
• Anticipate, analyze, and find solutions to potential and actual technical problems
• Collaborate with the R&D and TD departments for the development and improvement of internal modeling procedures and tools

Management

• Balance available resources according to project expectations and needs
• Keep the CG Supervisor and Production Management informed of any issues related to staffing, resources, and deadlines
• Inform the team of any relevant changes and updates related to the project and communicate clear priorities in collaboration with the lead and production management
• Work with Production Management to set up bids and schedules for the film
• Partner with Production Management to ensure assets stay on schedule while also communicating potential delays and challenges
• Assign, oversee and qc the team's work in collaboration with the lead and production management
• Prepare guidelines and instructions to be followed by the modeling team
• Responsible for training the modeling team to achieve and maintain the desired style and quality of the models throughout production
• Lead internal department meetings and actively participate in larger team and client meetings
• Participate in cross-show studio meetings
• Assess and review the artist’s performance
• Work with the Recruiters to evaluate, interview, and hire all modeling artists necessary to complete the show

Required skills

• Proven experience leading a team of Modeling Artists, preferably as a Lead or higher.
• Demonstrated experience as a Modeling Artist in a film production environment, animated TV series or visual effects
• Excellent knowledge of Maya, ZBrush and/or Mudbox
• An aesthetic sense to produce high quality models that are true to the style of the film
• Thorough understanding of the techniques required to interpret designs and accurately match 2D drawings in 3D
• Excellent understanding of human and animal anatomy
• Good understanding of the work processes of rigging and animation
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a busy team while respecting production deadlines and budgets
• Provide constructive feedback that inspires and motivates your team to always achieve better direction and performance
• Ability to work as a team with excellent communication skills

Optional skills

• Experience in facial modeling
• Knowledge of dpk_BCS
• Bilingual

The person in this role will work closely with our Paris studio in a bilingual environment, as well as with international partners, talent, and clients. They will regularly interact with non-French-speaking stakeholders across various productions and strategic communications, in order to present and promote the creative and technical strengths of Mikros Animation on a global scale.

MIKROS ANIMATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Mikros Animation complies and prohibits against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), mental and/or physical disability or handicap, marital status, sex, age, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, familial status, registered domestic partner status, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions and any other characteristic or activity protected by federal, state/provincial or local law.