
Face Lookdev Supervisor
Why join Swaybox Studios?
Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll play a vital role in coordinating the artistry and logistics that bring bold visions to life. This is your chance to help lead a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Job Summary
Swaybox Studios is seeking a technically adept and creatively driven Face Lookdev Supervisor to lead the seamless integration of facial performance through the innovative combination of keyframe poses and proprietary facial replacement technology. This role is central to maintaining the emotional fidelity and character consistency of our hybrid puppetry-CG performances, ensuring the final output meets the high artistic standards of the studio.
The Face Lookdev Supervisor will manage a team of artists focused on facial performance replacement, utilizing projection mapping in Maya and compositing in Nuke. This person will play a hands-on role in supervising workflows, resolving creative challenges, mentoring artists, and collaborating with Technical Directors to evolve tools that enhance production efficiency. This is a perfect position for a VFX leader who understands the subtle art of expression, character performance, and hybrid storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the face replacement pipeline, ensuring keyframe poses are seamlessly matched to animation and puppet facial performances.
- Supervise the projection mapping and texture workflows within Maya, as well as compositing and refinement in Nuke.
- Provide direct guidance, mentorship, feedback, and support to the Face Lookdev and Comp team, maintaining strong morale and consistent creative direction.
- Collaborate with VFX Supervisor, MoMo Art Supervisor, and TDs to identify areas of improvement in the pipeline, including tool and workflow development.
- Contribute to hands-on shot work, as needed, to help maintain output quality and momentum.
- Maintain cohesive character consistency across facial replacements and ensure smooth integration with Digi-Pup or CG performances.
- Communicate effectively with production and creative leads to align visual performance with narrative goals.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years experience in compositing for high-end VFX films or television, with a strong understanding of facial performance work.
- Strong drawing skills with a deep understanding of visual language- texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, motion blur, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc.
- Proficient understanding of character animation, performance nuance, and texture mapping techniques.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage, mentor, and inspire a team of artists in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of on-set camera work, including understanding of lenses, lighting setups, and performance tracking.
- Familiarity with Photoshop, Nuke for compositing and Maya for projection mapping, facial pose application, and texture management, and other hybrid workflows that span traditional VFX and digital puppetry.
- Background in traditional art is strongly desired.
- An artistic mindset and willingness to give direct and constructive feedback, whether that’s with drawovers, over the shoulder adjustments, or team meetings.
At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
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