Virtual Production Supervisor

Within FPS, Virtual Production is defined as a spectrum of computer-aided production and visualization filmmaking methods which combines virtual and augmented reality with CGI and game-engine technologies to enable production crews to see their scenes unfold as they are composed and captured on set. These include the following services:
Previs virtual scouting / previs virtual camera / previs motion & performance capture / facial capture / motion control supervision / simulcam and on-set tools supervision / real-time compositing / content creation for and supervision of LED stage shoots and technology.

The Virtual Production Supervisor is responsible for leading virtual production, delivery and best practice on a show basis. They inform the acquisition and implementation of physical virtual production stage technology on film and episodic productions. As a creative leader, they are the key contact with the show's executives, director, VFX Supervisor and Producers throughout the virtual production process.

On a project basis they decide internal creative tasks and conduct reviews of artists' work throughout the virtual production process. They have responsibility for internal creative sign off on shots and client deliveries.

They decide the choice of technology and respective workflow to be deployed to solve a particular creative problem. This sees the VP Supervisor work with technology, pipeline and production teams to design appropriate workflows which may utilise multiple softwares including but not limited to Unreal, Unity, Maya, Houdini and Nuke. They define the utilization of interactive tools on a project basis and work collaboratively with department heads to ensure there is a practical integration of traditional Maya based production and Virtual Production when required.

The VP Supervisor is required to work on-set or at client offices, where they are responsible for overseeing LED panel shoots, on-set live tracking and compositing needs, virtual scouting and camera work in VR & AR and supervising motion control rigs and motion bases. In a high pressure shoot environment they must exhibit a “can do” attitude and enjoy the challenge of seeking solutions to complex technical problems.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- In collaboration with client supervisors and internal VFX and animation supervisors design the workflow architecture for project specific virtual production, including virtual scouting in VR / AR, virtual camera, motion capture, visualization and LED shooting.
- Work closely with Framestore’s real-time leadership team to ensure all technological development or products are leveraged across the global business and to identify the priorities for the VP teams in London.
- Work with the VP Producer and/or show VP Supervisor to create accurate cost estimates and schedules for show specific VP work including VR, AR and LED workflows.
- Work with the VP Producer to advise on casting and sourcing of talent on a project basis.
- Wherever possible incorporate mocap / performance capture into prospective projects.
- Supervise the onsite stage team for LED shoots.
- Work closely with pipeline and engineering teams in planning and execution of technology development projects, ensuring that priorities are in line with show/project needs.
- Supervise demonstrations and tests to prove capabilities and potential of performance capture/virtual production.
- Oversee VP stage crew, TD’s and TA’s by providing training, mentoring and guidance on running shoots and projects.
- Evaluate and maintain virtual production needs and standards for potential and ongoing projects and ensure that documentation of these standards and approach plans are maintained.
- Create and maintain vendor relationships
- Responsible for the delivery of good captured data that plugs into the Framestore film pipeline.
- Supervise motion retargeting, editing, and delivery of data shot internally or externally.
- Supervise preparation for all virtual production shoots, including scene assembly and asset preparation.
- Ensure asset and delivery pipelines are properly configured for each virtual production show. Work closely with the Engineering team to improve the pipeline.
- Attend trade shows and travel to vendors for tech evaluations, etc.
- Supervise in-house element / photogrammetry shoots as needed.
- Supervise and direct facial / motion capture on and offsite.

**Experience and qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Film, Engineering, Computer Science, or relevant area
- 5+ years of experience with Motion Capture technology, VFX, and Physical Production.
- On-set client interaction and key creative collaboration.
- Track record of successfully delivering high-quality data in a rapidly changing environment

**Essential Skills**:

- Extensive experience in visualization and visual effects for film / TV including recent VP supervision experience, studio based and on location
- Advanced knowledge of on-set digital acquis