Associate Producer

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (list non-exhaustive):

HUB & UNIT:

• With VFX Producer and key VFX creatives, creates and communicates main show schedule, including pre-production, VFX assets and VFX shot production

• Under the guidance of VFX Producer, manages budget for assigned VFX shows

• Guides, manages and mentors VFX Production Managers (PM), VFX Production Coordinators (Coord) and VFX Production Assistants (PA)

• Steps up where necessary to act as “right hand” to VFX Producer in case of absence, attending bi-weekly production meetings, escalating show issues to EIC, etc…

• In partnership with VFX Producer and VFX Production Accountant, regularly checks EFC to ensure work is on budget

• Organizes and runs VFX bidding meetings as needed

• Manages the change order process

• In partnership with VFX Producer, VFX Supervisor- define global leadership needs, outlines basic roles & responsibilities during pre-production

• Oversees internal shot turnover process, including shot creation in production tracking system

• Creates, maintains and communicates VFX crew ramps to VFX Talent Managers, VFX Producer, Show Leadership and production teams

• Attends VFX CG Status meetings, works with VFX Talent Managers on VFX crew conflicts

• Drives, updates and regularly communicates changes on show schedule and deliveries

• Works with Coords on creating, updating and communicating their VFX department schedules, ensures deadlines and budgets are met

• Prepares and runs weekly show update meetings (hallway)

• Oversees all deliveries, both physical and digital, using secured delivery system- keeps an eye on log of all deliveries

• Produces Weekly Status Reports, including all show statistics for VFX Producer, communicates to relevant parties

• Acts as PM on shows where budget does not permit both AP and PM

• Evaluates performance of supervisors, leads and production team in relation to their output and productivity

HUB ADDITIONAL:

• At discretion of VFX Producer, where required, engages and communicates with VFX client on non-budget related items such as VFX show schedule, VFX TO schedules, VFX deliveries, etc…

• Assists VFX Producer in maintaining and updating Bidcast with latest bids

• Communicates closely with global AP and/or PM on bid updates, Prodcast ingests, overall schedule & priorities, TO dates, various delivery dates, etc…

• 3PP Management:

  • Plans with VFX Supervisors and VFX Producer for VFX work to be outsourced to 3PP

  • Proactively looks for opportunities to send VFX work to 3PP during capacity constraints at ILM

  • Helps identify 3PP vendors appropriate for body of VFX work

  • Prepares 3PP bidding packages, spearhead 3PP cost analysis and weekly cost reporting

  • Works with Global Production and Business Affairs to award work to vendors

  • Serves as point person for 3PP vendor communication

  • Problem-solves and raises concerns in all aspects of vendor relations

  • Creates, organizes and maintains project schedule for all work executed at 3PP

  • Manages the budget and EFC for all 3PP work- meets or exceeds budget and schedule targets

  • Provides support as liaison with 3PP vendors for technical and creative issues that arises to ensure work stays on schedule and optimal workflow is adhered to

  • Manages change order process

  • Manages client contact related to 3PP

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Been a VFX production manager on multiple shows and displayed the following abilities:

• a proven solution-driven decision-maker 

• responds proactively to unforeseen changes to any agreed plans

• comprehends the bigger picture of a show as well as the even larger picture of being part of a global company

• justifies and problem-solves schedule/manweeks changes and fully comprehend its impact on budget

• helping out new PMs, working with the PM group to ensure all shows run smoothly

• communicate efficiently with 3PP or client 

• successfully manage and resolve miscommunications, conflict, other…

• mentoring  PAs , Coords, PMs

• Familiarity with financial scenarios, understands changes that impacts finances such as changes to VFX methodology  

• Highly skilled communicator, must include communication experience across multiple sites or 3PP 

• Solid command of production VFX scheduling and tracking

• Solid knowledge of the VFX pipeline workflow 

• Able to multi-task and work in a fast paced, high pressured environment without losing composure

• Fluent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Project, as well as Linux is a must

• At ease engaging in higher level conversations

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.