Pipeline Supervisor / Technical Supervisor

Job Description

Technical Supervisors manage the technical goals of the production across all departments. They are responsible for all technical resources of the show. They advise and directly supervise Associate Technical Supervisors and TDs, and liaise with Technology on development efforts.

Role Specifics
• Oversee coordination between Associate Technical Supervisors
• Supervise all Technology resources which are embedded in the production
• Direct the continuing maintenance and optimization of the entire production process
• Work in conjunction with the show leadership to identify and implement production workflow processes and create technical standards and conventions
• Coordinate development efforts between the production and Technology, and between concurrent or overlapping productions
• Work closely with the show leadership to ensure the successful collaboration, handoff and execution of data through the entire production
• Predict, identify, and resolve technical and process issues inhibiting production quota in all departments
• With department supervisors, drive department Tech Check reviews to identify and diagnose issues, and ensure data is ready to be consumed by downstream departments
• Proactively watch for and address data integrity issues, and identify and implement data and performance optimization
• Develop and maintain the show documentation, specifically in relation to technical workflow and tools
• Identify opportunities to share knowledge and educate others on production process
• Provide resource projections during development, pre-production, and production for all technical processes

Strategy
• Responsible for consumability and efficiency of deliverables into downstream departments.
• Drives department processes, bidding and reviews.
• Determines resource needs and collaborates with studio, show and department leadership in finding staffing solutions.
• Analyzes and determines cost implications of requests and strategizes on solutions in partnership with show leadership.

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.
• Sets the creative and technical vision/expectations for the supervisors, leads and department. Responsible for seeing that vision through.
• In tight conjunction with the Production Management and AM, inspires and motivates the supervisors, leads and department. Responsible for the tone and morale of the department.
• Contributes to the overall craft and Leadership development of supervisors, leads and department through setting expectations, delivering consistent constructive feedback, recognition and accountability.

Collaboration
• Creates, models and supports a collaborative work environment within your team and between departments on the show.
• Identifies solutions and compromises in partnership with other department leaders utilizing a holistic view to meet show vision.

Communication
• Provides regular updates to show leadership on the progress, health and direction of the team.
• Keeps the team informed with context for show related changes and updates.

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.

Recommended Experiences
• Previous leadership experience that demonstrates a strong ability to lead and mentor others.
• Demonstrated history of problem solving and project management skills. Understands WDAS standards, pipeline, tools and workflows as they relate to discipline(s) you would be leading.
• Understanding of the disciplines/craft which you would be leading.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, related field, or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience with computer graphics
• Ability to architect new technology and processes
• Strong knowledge of each of the following technical areas:
• 3D Modeling, Rigging, Camera and Animation, Simulation and Effects
• 3D Texture painting and mapping techniques
• 3D Lighting and Compositing techniques
• Experience using USD
• The Unix/Linux environment
• Python scripting
• C/C++ programming
• CVS, git, or a similar version control system
• Maya®, GI Rendering, Nuke® (or comparable compositing system)
• File management systems
• Queueing systems
• Data management, storage and optimization
• Strong understanding of the filmmaking process
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the current studio pipeline and workflow with a good understanding of its technical underpinnings, especially in regard to the data management and visualization of data by various departments
• Previous leadership experience, demonstrating ability to lead and mentor teams in production
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking as well as giving direction with tact
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to issues
• Desire to share knowledge with others and ability to present ideas and communicate clearly

WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2019's Frozen 2, the biggest animated film of all time, to our 60th animated feature, Encanto, releasing November 2021. Among the studio's timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia.

This position is with Walt Disney Animation Studios Vancouver Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gqbbyz-18-225-31-159-42 in your application.