Technical Director, Animation and Interactive Studio

Posted: Mar 06, 2023 Closing date of the competition: Mar 27, 2023 Location: Montreal (Balmoral) Flexibility Profile: Hybrid Salary Range: 10 – $81,693 to $104,457 (under review) Position Status: Continuous - Full-time Position Number: 00021161 Division: Programming - Creation, Distribution and Marketing Department: English Program Animation and Interactive Studio Union Category: SGCT

Are you passionate about great storytelling, about exploring the issues that matter, about pushing the boundaries in new audiovisual experiences? So are we. As Canada’s public producer and distributor, the National Film Board has been telling the country’s stories and pioneering breakthroughs in virtually every field of audiovisual content since 1939. But to do this, we need a team that truly reflects the richness and diversity of Canada. If you’d like to be a part of this team—and part of the NFB’s incredible legacy—we’d love to hear from you.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Responsible for the development and implementation of the technical production requirements for animation and digital media projects inside the Studio. In collaboration with artists and NFB teams, designs and delivers workflows, pipelines and technical solutions, including identifying the hardware, software and various creative tools required to deliver completed productions. Oversees the sound administration of production equipment, media resources and production rooms and suites.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works with artists to translate, define and document technological support and tools required to achieve a project’s creative vision.
  • Working with producers, plans and directs technical production activities to ensure efficient use of equipment, resources and production facilities.
  • Responsible for the evaluation and management of all technical production needs in the studio.
  • Leads equipment acquisition initiatives for productions and studio facilities, including software, hardware and other related tools and materials.
  • Designs and documents appropriate production pipelines and workflows on a project-by-project basis to achieve the desired outcomes, including the most effective use of resources.
  • Sets up systems and equipment required for projects; configures appropriate software, installs and tests components required such as screens, memory, internal components, peripherals, cameras, lighting and others, as required.
  • Provides support to the executive producer and producers in the technical evaluation of project proposals and the impact of technical choices on budgets.
  • Liaises with other NFB teams to support cross-functional implementation of technological solutions and processes.
  • Provides ongoing technical and creative expertise and input throughout the life of projects.
  • Leads prototyping and testing initiatives for processes and techniques, where required.
  • Contributes to development and maintenance of ongoing quality control mechanisms.
  • Contributes and supports the NFB mission as it relates to technological innovation and excellence.
  • Provides training on the use of the equipment and tools, where required.
  • Analyzes industry trends and formulates recommendations in terms of animation and digital media technologies and equipment.
  • Encourages artists to use/experiment with innovative technologies and methods.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in visual and media arts, film and digital culture, or equivalent training in a technical field affiliated with audiovisual production;
  • At least seven (7) years’ relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience;
  • Good knowledge of traditional, CGI and 3D animation techniques and tools;
  • Must be technically and artistically knowledgeable; very good general knowledge of computer graphics and digital imaging;
  • Thorough knowledge of film, video and interactive digital media;
  • General knowledge of the media production process;
  • In-depth knowledge of Macintosh and PC platforms and their respective software;
  • General knowledge of networks.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

  • Judgment, initiative, organizational skills, sense of responsibility and autonomy;
  • Ability to learn quickly and function effectively in a constantly evolving environment;
  • Ability to establish good interpersonal relationships, to be effective in professional interactions and to exercise unifying leadership;
  • Strong aptitude for collaboration; active listening, ability to understand needs and support people;
  • Ability to establish, juggle, negotiate and follow through on priorities;
  • Ability to transmit their knowledge and to convey complex or technical ideas while adapting to the audience, both verbally and in writing;
  • Excellent analytical, synthesis and problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to work under pressure and efficiently and effectively manage several tasks simultaneously;
  • Strong communication, writing and reporting skills;
  • Innovative, results-oriented and solutions-oriented.

Interested candidates with the above qualifications are invited to apply in writing, including a copy of their résumé to cv@nfb.ca, BY MARCH 27, 2023, citing competition number: JR-00021161.

The NFB is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce that’s reflective of Canadian society. It promotes initiatives such as employment equity and encourages candidates to voluntarily indicate in their cover letter if they are a woman, a member of a First Nations group, Inuk, Métis, a person with a disability, or a member of a visible-minority group.

The NFB is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Feel free to advise us of any accommodation needs.

Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.