VFX supervisor

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Developments across the creative and cultural industry and the potential impact on VFX supervision both now and in the future Back to Duty

K2: The VFX processes, tools and workflows that could be used to deliver end-to-end production. How to scope the limitations or risks of using particular processes, tools and workflows e.g. motion capture versus key frame animation, using shot elements versus CG elements or matte painting versus 3D environment Back to Duty

K3: The implications that different types of production requirements have on production resources and business priorities eg. fully Computer Generated (CG), live-action integration, short-form, long-form Back to Duty

K4: The effect that different types of brief have on the strategy to be adopted for production planning and resourcing: visual, moving image, verbal and written Back to Duty

K5: : How to reformulate and communicate modified technical concepts and present in a manner appropriate to the audience Back to Duty

K6: How own role fits within and supports the strategic production and organisational aims and objectives Back to Duty

K7: The value of VFX content and confidentiality to the business and its customers, why it is important for your team to maintain data security, and the legal and regulatory requirements which apply to VFX assets such as copyright and intellectual property rights Back to Duty

K8: The implications of your decisions on the production budgets and resources with which you are involved, and how these impact on own organisation’s business operations and financial and commercial constraints Back to Duty

K9: The financial and creative requirements that will influence the adoption of blue/green screens, motion control or other specialist equipment throughout the production Back to Duty

K10: The hierarchy and interactions of each discipline within the VFX pipeline, the time required to complete individual tasks, and the interdependencies between departments and tasks Back to Duty

K11: The critical decision making points throughout the production process from pre-production to post-production Back to Duty

K12: How to influence the use of tools and methodologies for VFX projects such as Shotgun, Ftrack, RV Back to Duty

K13: The diverse needs and how to manage the expectations of clients, and build strong working relationships and trust with different stakeholders Back to Duty

K14: The approaches to vendor and internal colleague (including global sites) relationship management including negotiating, influencing and effective networking Back to Duty

K15: How technical specifications such as Colourspace, film and TV formats (HDTV, UHD, Academy) inform the assessment and selection of the most suitable VFX workflows and delivery formats to be used, and the impact this might have on the methodological approach to a production Back to Duty

K16: The limitations of commonly used tools and work-arounds and the factors to consider when providing solutions to the wider team or client Back to Duty

K17: How to supervise a team and build engaged, motivated and high performance, agile and collaborative cultures Back to Duty

K18: How to deliver feedback, and manage conflict, within a production environment to lead continuous improvement and develop a no blame culture Back to Duty

K19: How to interrogate a complex client profile and production requirements and develop them into a concept Back to Duty

K20: The on-set etiquette, environment, processes and hierarchy between departments, to enable the effective collection of VFX data Back to Duty

K21: The technical vocabulary used for delivery standards and technical delivery processes Back to Duty

K22: How to research, evaluate and influence the introduction of the latest advancements in technical VFX tools and techniques throughout the business and sector Back to Duty

K23: : How to Interpret and articulate the technical specifications, client requirements, organisational and industry standards for quality and delivery of VFX assets Back to Duty

K24: How to adapt communication techniques to meet diverse audiences, and to influence team members and clients to meet production requirements Back to Duty

K25: The principles of photogrammetry, texture reference and scanning Back to Duty

K26: The principles of motion picture photography and the film making process including lenses, composition, light, colour, perspective and scale Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Interrogate and contextualise a brief using creative and cultural references, developing a concept and gaining consensus on the strategy for delivery Back to Duty

S2: Analyse interacting factors and translate a creative brief into a departmental workflow, addressing conflicting or unclear requirements within the brief Back to Duty

S3: Assess, develop and/or select the appropriate methodology and technical resources required to deliver the brief Back to Duty

S4: Apply complex mathematics to advance VFX developments, including the application of vector mathematics, and applied mathematics in simulations Back to Duty

S5: Collaborate with and influence the production team to plan and implement a project schedule and budget Back to Duty

S6: Select and supervise the adoption of appropriate project management tools, techniques and methodology to plan the project Back to Duty

S7: Lead the delivery of project plans, take account of competing priorities and develop contingencies. Translate the creative brief into practical tasks that can be understood by individual artists Back to Duty

S8: Communicate complex technical VFX information both verbally and in writing Back to Duty

S9: Establish and manage complex relationships with multiple colleagues, customers, suppliers and professional networks in order to secure new and repeat business Back to Duty

S10: Develop technical and creative solutions and concepts. Manage expectations and communicates to clients and stakeholders. Adapt processes, methodology, tools and workflows to meet production requirements Back to Duty

S11: Critically evaluate the financial and creative requirements when deciding on and authorising the use of, technical resources such as blue/green screens, motion control or other specialist equipment Back to Duty

S12: Manage competing priorities, mulitple stakeholders or projects simultaneously without impact on relationships or deliverables Back to Duty

S13: Lead the dailies “review process”, giving critical, balanced and constructive feedback on a regular basis to keep the work on track and achieve a positive result Back to Duty

S14: Build and manage a diverse and inclusive team, motivating the team even if the commercial or creative benefits of the project may not be obvious Back to Duty

S15: Delegate and assign tasks, set goals and accountabilities and provide clear guidance in a fair and objective manner Back to Duty

S16: Mentor artists in the team to increase creative, leadership and technical skills Back to Duty

S17: Be accountable in pre-production meetings, on-set and during plate, scan, reference and/or capture shoots for; enabling the collection of data, such as on-set VFX data, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and advising, supervising and gathering information on all VFX aspects Back to Duty

S18: Provide clear context and reasoning for strategic decision making and when offering advice Back to Duty

S19: Monitor the project plan, checking the VFX technical solution in development is not deviating from production requirements Back to Duty

S20: Demonstrate the application of new ways of thinking, ensuring you are at the cutting edge of creativity in the industry by leading the way and pushing boundaries on technical innovation Back to Duty

S21: Assess work and evaluate if quality standards are met and how to resolve this if an issue is identified Back to Duty

S22: Research and where required, develop new tools, techniques and methods to optimise workflows Back to Duty

S23: Analyse and identify workflow operation and problems arising, using programming languages such as Python or C++ and providing solutions to the problems Back to Duty

S24: Raises awareness of the wider application of VFX tools and technologies across the business and creative industries. Ensure that latest advancements align with the long-term strategy of the business Back to Duty

S25: Supervise the delivery of assets, confirming these have been delivered securely and in accordance with client and organisational requirements Back to Duty

S26: Be accountable for you and your team’s adherence to agreed organisational policies, standards and procedures such as health & safety, confidentiality, security, asset storage, legal and regulatory requirements Back to Duty

S27: Apply influencing and persuading skills to personal interactions with stakeholders Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Is empathetic, builds trust and contacts, and is a good listener while still critically evaluating the information being received Back to Duty

B2: Creates a supportive culture, allowing others to develop, valuing initiative in other team members and recognising the variety of skills available, with an ability to motivate, listen to and adapt to other’s needs Back to Duty

B3: Works in a transparent and open way; making judgements free from bias and taking on responsibility as needed as to what should and should not be changed in the VFX process Back to Duty

B4: Leads by example; committed to prioritising and completing work within a set timeframe and to industry standards Adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met Back to Duty

B5: Is a strategic thinker; has an entrepreneuarial mind-set, drives innovation across the business; proactively keeps up to date with emerging trends, identifies and communicates opportunities for the application of new technologies/ or approaches to VFX projects Back to Duty