ROLES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
SHOW RUNNER
By far the most important job in the pipeline, the show runner is in charge of implementing feedback from faculty and making sure the project is on schedule and that everyone on the team is on the same page. The show runner keeps a schedule and makes sure that best possible project is driven forward. They make all the initial contacts with music and voice talent needed for the film. The show runner also represents the project in weekly screenings. You will also work with the senior animator to coach and develop voice talent and actor performances. The show runner will also be responsible for setting up recording times and collaborating with composures and musicians. It may be necessary to work with a professional or an experience sound editor to do final mixing and recording of effects and voices. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. Finally, the show runner must be able to work with the production team in terms of solving story and production problems. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor).
STORY LEAD
The story lead acts as the editor, director of cinematography and storyboard artist. They are the backbone of the production and ensures that the narrative is solid and competent. The story lead is responsible for constantly updating the story reel and replacing old scenes with new ones. The story lead will also be responsible for naming conventions of scenes and shots. They must be organized and be able to manage files and implementation of them into the final reel. They are on top of all production areas and are responsible for the final edited film. Basically they are the one who delivers the finished work to the show runner. As the story lead you must present the reel every other Thursday to the entire class. From time to time, you must be available to present the work to outside audiences that may include other students, faculty, administration, industry professionals, and filmmakers. You will work with the entire team in development and a smaller story team consisting of storyboard artists, conceptual designers, and writers. It is the ultimately responsibility for the story lead to be competent in Foley and sound editing. If for some reason the story lead cannot fulfill these duties an alternative story lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
ART DIRECTOR
The art director acts as the visual lead. They establish the tone and mood of the film. The art director is responsible creating a scrapbook or visual bible that consists of conceptual design, environment design, character design, and photo, video and artistic reference of artists and films published. Basically they are the one who delivers the color palette and visual look of the film. You will work with the entire team in development and a smaller story team consisting of visual artists, conceptual designers, and storyboard artists. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. You will also work with the story editor to develop the look and feel of the story reel. Finally, the art director must be able to work with the production team in terms of visual and production problems. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the art director cannot fulfill these duties an alternative story lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
SENIOR ANIMATOR
The senior animator acts as the lead animator. The senior animator is responsible for working with the animation team in regards to performance, acting and timing of characters. They are on top of all animation areas and are responsible for the final animation that is to be delivered to rendering and lighting. Basically they are the one who delivers the finished animation to the show runner. As the senior animator you must represent the animation part of the story reel every other Thursday to the entire class. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. You will work with the entire team in animation in regards to refining animation and ensuring continuity in ALL aspects of the film. You will also work with the show runner to coach and develop voice talent and actor performances. The senior animator will also help if necessary in live action actors and video references. Finally, the senior animator must be able to work with the production team in terms of solving animation and technical production problems. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the senior animator cannot fulfill these duties an alternative animation lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
SENIOR MODELER
The senior modeler acts as the lead model builder. The senior modeler is responsible for working with the modeling team in regards to character, set and prop design. They are on top of all modeling areas and are responsible for the final models that is to be delivered to rendering and lighting. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. You will work with the entire team in regards to refining modeling and ensuring continuity in ALL aspects of the film. You will also work with the show runner and artistic director to implement and create the final look. Finally, the modeler must be able to work with the production team in terms of solving modeling and technical production problems. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the senior modeler cannot fulfill these duties an alternative modeling lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
The tech director acts as the lead technical artist. The tech director is responsible for working with the technical team in regards to rigging character, set and props. They are on top of all technical areas and are responsible for the final rigged models that is to be delivered to the animation team. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. You will work with the entire team in regards to refining animation tools and ensuring continuity in ALL aspects of the film. You will also work with the senior animator and show runner to implement and create tools and models that can perform according to the story. Finally, the modeler must be able to work with the production team in terms of solving modeling and technical production problems. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the tech director cannot fulfill these duties an alternative tech director will be assigned to these responsibilities.
LIGHTING LEAD
The Lighting lead acts as the main cinematic lighter. They are the backbone of the visual component and can make or break modeling, layout and animation. The lighting lead is responsible for consistency of shots in terms of light and composition. They must be organized and be able to manage files and implementation of them into the final reel. They are on top of all visual areas and are responsible for the final “look” of the film. As the lighting lead you must present the reel every other Thursday to the entire class. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the lighting lead cannot fulfill these duties an alternative lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
TEXTURE LEAD
The texture lead acts as the matte painter and texture artists. They are the backbone of the film in terms of the final style and color. They give each shot and character warmth and believability. They MUST implement the art direction given by the team and Faculty. The texture lead is responsible for consistency of shots in terms of color and texture. They must be organized and be able to manage files and implementation of them into the final reel. They are on top of all visual areas and are responsible for the final stage of the film. As the texture lead you must present the reel every other Thursday to the entire class. You will be responsible for taking notes from Professor feedback and be able to implement this information back to your team. If a creative conflict arises, the ultimate decision will be made by the executive producer (Professor). If for some reason the texture lead cannot fulfill these duties an alternative lead will be assigned to these responsibilities.
COMPOSITE/FX LEAD
The compositor is responsible for the final shots in terms of all final rendered elements fused into a seamless shot. They will also be in charge of particles/effects that are needed to enhance the shots in the film. Various software and video effects will be needed to solve a particular problem. A good compositor/effects person can think quickly and love to solve various technical problems.
