Production Supervisor (Creative and Technical)

For over a decade, our award-winning nonprofit academy and working production studio has been preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and the digital arts. Exceptional Minds develops a diverse and inclusive workforce of thoughtful and talented artists once on the margins, who now have what every young professional seeks - dignity, hope, and a command of the skills and tools necessary to lead successful careers.

Title: Production Supervisor (Creative and Technical)

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Type: Full Time

Department: Animation Studio

Date: July 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Summary/Objective

The Creative and Technical Production Supervisor is responsible for supervising animation and all types of multimedia projects that come through the animation studio. The Production Supervisor works with the Production Manager, studio artists, other supervisors and reports directly to the Director of Studio Programs.

Essential Functions

• Oversee 2D animation and other multimedia and animation-adjacent projects from start to final delivery.
• Supervise and mentor EM’s studio artists.
• Ensure adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Facilitate clear communication between creative teams, senior studio staff and clients.
• Co-directing as needed on assigned projects.

Creative Oversight:

• Collaborate with creative directors and clients to understand project vision and requirements.
• Review and provide written feedback on all artist work for the projects you supervise.
• Maintain consistency in artistic style and quality across all projects.
• Ensure that all creative elements meet the client’s expectations and project goals.

Technical Supervision:

• Manage the technical aspects of animation production, including software and hardware requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of software tools, plugins, and workflows.
• Ensure efficient and effective use of established resources and studio systems and tools throughout the production pipeline.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement solutions to maintain production flow.

Quality Control:

• Conduct regular reviews and quality checks at various stages of production.
• Ensure final outputs are polished and meet industry standards.
• Work collaboratively with the Production Manager and Director of Studio Programs to establish and implement best practices for file management and archiving.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as a liaison between studio artists, senior studio staff, and clients.
• Contribute to team meetings to discuss project status, challenges, and solutions.
• Provide regular updates to senior management on project progress and potential risks.
• Attend production meetings, post-mortems, EM monthly All-hands, Bi-weekly autism training, and other relevant committee meetings whenever possible.

Overall Artist Feedback and Skills Scores Evaluations:

• Work with studio artists and senior studio staff to identify individual artist challenges and strategize problem-solving solutions and accommodations that help set artists up for active, immediate improvement and success.
• Update skills scores for studio artists as projects are completed.
• Work with the Director of Studio Programs to define new roles and skills scores that may be required or introduced.
• Assist in updating Artist Workbooks regularly.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory role AND 5 years of experience in 2D animation production or equivalent experience. 
• Proficient in Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Premiere, and After Effects or similar.
• Proficient in Google Suite, with a focus on using and creating interactive spreadsheets.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and character design.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with other aspects of digital media production (e.g., illustration, video editing, compositing).
• Familiarity with 3D animation processes and software.
• Experience working with remote teams and freelancers.
• Previous experience working in an animation teaching role is a plus.
• Previous experience working with people on the autism spectrum.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.