Pipeline TD Lead - Layout/Animation

We’re looking for a Pipeline TD Lead to work with us at our Vancouver studio! The Pipeline TD Lead is responsible for supporting creative and visual objectives through pipeline troubleshooting, user support, technical direction, and tool development. They will oversee the Pipeline TDs (Animation, Layout & Editorial) and Technical Animators, and work closely with the R&D and production teams to ensure smooth running of the departments they support.

Whatyou’llget to do:

• Provide leadership and works with production and Artist Management to develop the skills and abilities of all Performance TDs in their team
• Mentor Performance TDs within the team and assist in orientation with New Starters
• Understand the overall brief and goals of a project and communicates this clearly to each member of the team
• Delegate work responsibly to ensure successful completion of goals across team members of all skill levels
• Communicate production information to both the Performance TDs and Production Management
• Participates in brainstorming and problem solving to create and maintain production pipeline(s) and support AL’s overall technical goals as required
• Documents new techniques and distributes updates to peers, crew and Production Management
• Prioritize and break down a project into organized parts
• Support open communication between your team and all AL craft departments
• Work with the CG Supervisor and the production team to prepare bids and pitches as required
• Participate in the recruiting and interview process for new employees as required
• Create synergies between different work groups to promote efficiency and optimization and to generate innovative ideas and approaches to ’how we do things’.
• Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximize efficiency and quality

Whatyou’llbring:

• 5 + years’ experience on feature films, TV and/or animated feature
• Proven pipeline TD experience in large scale animated features, animated TV series and/or VFX feature films
• Proven leadership experience within feature animation or VFX
• An understanding of traditional animation and layout techniques
• Experience using and troubleshooting in Maya (or other similar softwares)
• An understanding of USD and its general concepts
• Solid knowledge in Python and PyQt or other GUI toolkit
• Experience with Houdini, Nuke, AVID is a bonus
• A solid understanding of the 3D animation pipelines and the applicable tools
• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise
• Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, Meta data, publishing and retrieval
• Ability to quickly acquire a working understanding of off-the-shelf and proprietary software tools
• Pro-active problem solving within parameters
• Adaptable and calm while balancing workload with artist and production needs
• Ability to communicate in both a technical and artistic manner with various personality types
• Ability to work collaboratively, build relationships, share knowledge and mentor others
• Efficiently organise and prioritise work across multiple areas
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and willingness to mentor

What we offer you:

• The opportunity to join a growing, independently owned and operated, award-winning studio!
• A chance to contribute to the success of ground-breaking animated feature films
• Exposure to working within a USD pipeline
• A dedicated Learning and Development focused on your personal career growth
• A world-renowned working environment packed with social clubs, activities and events
• A variety of employee benefits including employee discounts, breakfast, free use of barista coffee machines and snacks galore!

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, then we want to hear from you. Submit your application below!