VFX Supervisor

Who are we hiring?

Sphere Studios is looking for a Visual Effects Supervisor to join a groundbreaking VFX team based in Los Angeles. As the content delivery team for MSG Sphere projects, we strive to deliver world-class content at an unprecedented scale on the largest LED screens ever made. 

The Visual Effects Supervisor will be a facility-based creative lead and when needed, serve as an on-set VFX Supervisor and general VFX representative when needed (including domestic and international travel). The ideal candidate will be comfortable taking on a lead-creative role on some projects, and a supportive presence with outside creatives taking the lead on other projects. This supervisor will serve a key role at the studio, ensuring pipeline and specs are adhered to, with the primary goal of delivering high-quality content on time and on budget. This Supervisor will fashion creative solutions to problems and be able to articulately and diplomatically collaborate with executives, film directors, key creatives, department leads, producers and artists. The ideal candidate must be comfortable dealing with a wide range of tasks- from high-level creative decision making all the way to representing the needs of editorial, I/O, color & pipeline on behalf of the entire post department when needed, especially when on-set. The VFX supe will ensure Sphere methodologies are followed, and standard visual effects practices are adhered to. The content being created by MSG Sphere is high frame rate, high resolution, spherical, so this role requires a deep understanding of immersive media, 360º/180º and/or spherical production. You should have a working knowledge of common VFX software packages like Nuke & Maya, while real-time engines like Unreal, Notch, Touch Designer and standard Post software packages like Baselight and Resolve are a plus. Experience and understanding of the entire film making process is essential, including pre-production, live action photography, post production & Visual Effects.  

What will you do?

• In tandem with the VFX Producer and Creative leads, oversee the entire VFX process from preproduction to delivery, working closely with all MSG departments ensuring Visual Effects meet the director’s vision & company goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with creative partners & clients, establishing solid client confidence
• Supervise visual effects breakdowns and assist with budgeting & scheduling
• Conduct and lead meetings, mentoring junior team members and helping them achieve their daily and long-term goals
• Distill creative notes and direction, disseminating and communicating them clearly, oftentimes to different audiences including colleagues with non-film backgrounds
• Support the post, post production technology and visual effects teams, maintaining pipeline efficiency and allow the artists and TDs to achieve their objectives and deadlines
• Interface in a positive, productive manner with various departments and leaders, including Filmmakers, Executives, Producers, artists and other MSG roles & departments.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality content on schedule, and on budget.
• Must be comfortable stepping in to let production & creative personnel know if something will affect the post production or VFX process.
• Thorough knowledge of how decisions on set affect post production and visual effects including lighting, tracking, stitching, editorial, color and overall production best practices
• Working knowledge of traditional on-set/location data capture, such as camera data, lenses, set measurements, HDRI, chrome balls, color charts, etc.
• Experience working with previsualization, photogrammetry, and virtual production.
• Provide exceptional experiences for our guests, partners, and team members, including by adhering to our appearance and presentation guidelines while on-site.  

What do you need to succeed?

• 10+ years experience working as a VFX supervisor in high-end production
• Working knowledge of the entire Post Production and Visual Effects process
• Experience capturing for AR/VR/spherical and/or large format
• Knowledge of photographic principles/lenses/lighting is essential
• Interest in new technology and innovation
• Positive attitude and proven track record in problem solving. Ability to work well under pressure and to create a positive working environment.
• Some levels of fluency in adjacent software like Resolve, After Effects, Premiere, ACES color and other applications as necessary.
• Must be flexible to accommodate some travel as needed.  

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