The Opportunity:
We are looking for a supportive and highly creative Previs/ Layout Lead to guide our previs/layout team on a premium streaming series for Marvel Animation.
You will act as the practical, hands-on head of cinematography for our 3D world. Your job is to lead the team in taking storyboards and figuring out how to make them work in a 3D space in a way that truly supports the story. This role isn't just about reviewing camera placements; it's about helping your artists make smart, creative choices with framing and character blocking so the whole sequence feels right, setting the animation team up for absolute success. If you are a team player who loves mentoring artists, finding practical solutions to staging roadblocks, and keeping your crew organized, we want you at the helm.
In this role, success looks like:
Cinematography & Staging Leadership:
- Oversee the layout and previs process, ensuring all camera work and staging perfectly achieve the vision of the Director and Previs/ Layout Supervisor.
- Take a hands-on approach to lensing and blocking the most highly complex, action-heavy, or emotionally driven sequences.
- Ensure all character posing for compositional considerations is done to a level that allows for accurate sequence timing across the department.
Team Leadership & Mentorship:
- Organize, manage, and provide ongoing training and guidance to the camera and staging team.
- Act as a supportive, approachable leader. Keep communication clear and focused on solutions, ensuring your artists feel heard and respected even when production deadlines are tight.
- Act as a motivational force who can realistically balance the demands of the production schedule with the well-being and needs of the team.
Collaboration & Pipeline:
- Work closely with the editorial team to ensure sequences flow exactly as intended, helping your team gracefully adapt to pacing or structural changes.
- Partner with the animation team to proactively respond to blocking and staging challenges as they arise in the pipeline.
- Continually review and approve work in Flow Production Tracking, ensuring deadlines are met and notes are clearly communicated.
The Requirements
Must-Haves:
- Experience: 5+ years of production experience in Previs, Layout, or Camera, with at least 1-2 years in a Lead or supervisory role.
- Artistic Eye: A demonstrated, expert-level understanding of the principles of cinematography (framing, lenses, depth of field, camera movement) and character animation/posing.
- Core Tools: Extensive working experience within a Maya pipeline.
- Leadership Style: You lead with empathy and practical problem-solving, balancing creative excellence with team support.
- Tracking Mastery: Production experience with Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid) for tracking, task management, and running reviews.
- Eligibility: Legally eligible to work in British Columbia, Canada.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Working experience with professional editing and graphics software, such as Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, and/or Photoshop
Why Join Stellar?
- Flexible Environment: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that will vary with project and team requirements.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health benefits.
- Growth: Professional development support to help you stay ahead of tech and creative trends.
Culture: A collaborative, ego-free environment where technical expertise fuels creative magic.
Competitive salary range: $95,000 CAD - $110,000 CAD based on your experience and skills.
