FX DepartmentFX Supervisor

The FX Supervisor is the head of the FX department(s); they answer to the CG Supervisor and VFX Supervisor to ensure that all FX assets adhere to the director vision. FX assets are often high profile hero assets that can play an important part in the story or visual look of a production. The artistic requirements are often very ambitious; achieving this can be technically very complex making large FX shots potentially expensive. This is a senior and important role, involving technical and creative skills, as well as management of FX requirements and FX crew. Responsible for breaking down the script and working with the CG Supervisor, VFX Supervisor, to deliver on the larger and more complex CG elements of a production.

• Builds innovative initial FX setups, helps to establish the Director’s initial vision for an effects sequence.
• Evaluate the creative and technical approach for more technical FX issues, looking to optimise and standardise working processes across the project.
• In collaboration with the CG Supervisor and Pipeline departments they will help define the FX toolset and pipeline.
• Work with the VFX Producer to ensure that crewing and delivery timetables are met.
• Responsible for show wide FX workflow documentation, mentoring and information dissemination.
• Works with Lighting and Compositing to ensure that the final look delivers on the director’s vision.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

Several years experience in the FX department ideally in a leadership role, with knowledge and experience of creating a variety of different types of FX.

Excellent technical skills and an in-depth knowledge CG production particularly in areas such as Fluids, Particles, RBDs, CG theory, coding and tool development.

Excellent artistic eye, excellent sense of timing and scale. Can give precise and constructive criticism/feedback.

The experience to dissect a script, and scope FX tasks. Can identify potential issues and bottlenecks within the FX workflow

Can foresee and plan for particularly time consuming/complex tasks.

Great interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

Ability to manage multiple technical departments, while meeting production timetables and budgets.

Works with:

• Director
• VFX Producer
• FX Line Producer
• VFX Supervisor
• CG Supervisor

Career Path for FX Supervisor

Career Path for FX Supervisor: Several years experience in FX department, with experience as an FX Lead.

Career Path from FX Supervisor: FX Supervisors advance their careers by moving on to become CG Supervisors.

Education Routes: FX Supervisors often have a degree in Animation, Visual Effects or Computer Science but can also come for cognate areas such as Film studies, Photography or Architecture. Showreel and FX production experience are required.