Rigging TD (rigging technical director)
A Rigging TD (Technical Director) is responsible for creating digital skeletons for 3D computer-generated models. They work to program these digital skeletons so that they move in a realistic way, and this is then used by Animators as a basis for their character’s movements.
The responsibilities of the Rigging TD (rigging technical director)Rigging TD (rigging technical director) may include:
• Implement new rig modules based on feedback from Animation and Rigging teams.
• Create and maintain Maya plug-ins based on the needs of the Rigging department and other departments that are impacted by Rigging.
• Create tools for the rigging department to aid in workflow and day to day tasks.
• Provide technical direction on model topology so it meets the technical requirements needed for the highest level of rigging and skinning.
• Represent the Rigging department while interfacing with Animation and other departments.
• Provide support to artists and supervisors and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Generate artist-friendly documentation and tutorials for tools and procedures.
• Give tool and workflow demonstrations within the pipeline team and to artists.
This position is also technically demanding and usually requires you to have sufficient work experience as well as good software skills. And there are also requirements for your programming skills.
These careers are not usually available to newcomers or students and require a high level of work experience.
Web reference
https://vfx-montreal.com/job/rigging-technical-director/ https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2019/10/21/become-rigging-td/
Creature TD (creature technical director)
The Creature Technical Director is responsible for rigging and enveloping hero to background creature, vehicles and props in Maya. They are able to wrangle rigging and creature pipeline issues proficiently under the support of their supervisors. They also possess the ability to run flesh-surface, hair, rigid sim, crowd, and/or cloth simulations.
The responsibilities of the Creature TD (creature technical director) may include:
- Provide rigging and enveloping in Maya for various vehicles, characters, and creatures
- Run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, or muscle simulations
- Troubleshoot creature pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines
- Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in Maya
- Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as required
- Mentor entry level artists
- Special projects as necessary
The position of Creature TD (creative technical director) usually depends on the size of the studio. Only relatively large companies have a dedicated Creature TD, but many smaller companies have animators working on a part-time basis to do these things. And only the larger companies have more elaborate characters. Smaller companies usually have a more normal film and television production.
Web reference
https://jobs.jobvite.com/lucascompanies/job/o7Bqgfw8 https://www.screenskills.com/job-profiles/browse/visual-effects-vfx/technical/creature-technical-director-td/
VFX Producer
The VFX (Visual Effects) Producer is responsible for achieving the creative aims of the Director or Producers through the use of visual effects. It is a senior role, with a high level of responsibility running the visual effects department.
The VFX Producer is the owner of the entire VFX industry and is responsible for ensuring that the studio’s VFX is produced to the satisfaction of the client. Often, the VFX Producer will create bids so that his or her studio can receive VFX projects. The VFX Producer is also responsible for the staffing and time budget for the project. He will also work with the studio to edit the production to achieve the best possible results.
Key Skills
- Good leadership skills
- Knowledge of VFX effects and skills
- Understanding of 3D animation
- Ability to work with a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to stick to deadlines
- Scheduling
- Budgeting
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt
- Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy
- Organisational skills
- Calmness under pressure
VFX Producer is the source of income for the work is. Having a good VFX Producer will allow the studio to have more projects and earn more money.
Web reference
https://www.ftrack.com/en/2021/08/what-is-a-vfx-producer.html https://www.productionbase.co.uk/blog/2020/03/06/become-vfx-producer/
Production Manager
Production Manager’s job is to break down the incoming VFX jobs and create a detailed schedule and budget for the entire project. This usually also involves drafting employment contracts for personnel.
Their job is usually like that of a secretary. Keeping everything in order. So that the whole project can be completed quickly and with quality
The responsibilities of the Production Manager may include:
• managing artist assignments and production requirements from beginning to end of production
• accurately breaking down shots and VFX requirements
• organizing dailies, rounds and meetings and tasks
• ensuring data, shot statuses, tasks, camera reports, notes and critical information are updated in Shotgun on a timely basis
• keeping to the planned schedules and milestones and communicating any changes
• overseeing client deliveries and postings of all temps and finals
• managing submission sheet information and updates
• arranging cine-syncs and communicating the playlist agenda in advance
• anticipating special project requirements (software, hardware, space, resources) and ensuring information is communicated to Systems and Executive Producer / President as early as possible
• taking clear, concise and accurate notes in all meetings and dailies sessions, ensuring teams have required information as quickly as possible
• ensuring internal notes are approved
• ensuring client notes are reviewed with the team and updated in Shotgun
• providing project status reports to the Executive Producer, Head of Production and President as required and during weekly production meetings
• maintaining weekly client status reports
• collaborating effectively and fostering a positive and united working environment
• working with VFX Coordinators to ensure all administrative tasks are up to date
Web reference