The Layout TD is responsible for building/maintaining all elements that make up a shot so as to make it ready for the Animation department. This layout is used to setup/pre-visualize shots correctly before the beginning of animation and allow downstream CG departments to use as the foundation for shot construction.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead a team of Layout TDs to supply shots to Animation

• Lead the standard of Layout work by example, always demonstrating an expert standard of skill

• Work with production teams to ensure that the bidding and scheduling of Layout work is accurate

• Have a good understanding of key shots on a show, and the potential creative and technical challenges to be resolved and advise appropriately

• Where necessary take artistic responsibility for producing ‘hero’ shots, and creating master scenes or templates for the team to use

• Assign appropriate tasks to Senior, Mid and Junior team members, showing a strong understanding of their abilities and the project workflow and timing

• Be a key contact for production and supervisors ensuring clear communication as to creative challenges and solutions and delays to scheduling

• Maintain a good relationship with all other departments and address any issues promptly

• Train, share knowledge and take responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team

• Provide regular feedback and quality control for the work

• Work with HOD to review workflow and tools in conjunction with leads from multiple shows

• Advise HOD of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows

• Report any specific show issues that affect Layout to HOD and DM

• Set a high level of professionalism for the team, displaying calmness, integrity and positivity

• Guide artists in team on how best to present work

• Give feedback to the team on submissions and help guide comments in daily sessions

• Highlight any crewing issues to HOD and DM

Essential skills:

• Strong Maya knowledge with excellent problem solving skills and a solid understanding of the visual effects pipeline

• Good attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues in order to maintain continuity within the sequence

• Strong demonstrable experience in sequence and shot composition

• Good working knowledge of cinematography in a virtual environment

• Excellent understanding of practical cameras and camera techniques

• Excellent technical problem solving skills

• Ability to work under pressure on potentially short turnaround times

• Ability to take direction and feedback

Desirable skills :

• Previous experience of scene layout to match previz or storyboard reference

• Previous experience in camera tracking and animation blocking is advantageous

• Basic Mel and Python scripting is ideal but not required

• Organisation skills and able to create tidy scenes for use in the rest of the pipeline

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent organisation skills

• Experience in using Dynamixyz or similar facial tracking software