Apprenticeship training course

VFX supervisor (level 7)

Liaise with the director and director of photography from the earliest stages of a production, working with clients and colleagues to create VFX/CG elements.

• Qualification level: 7 ; Equivalent to master’s degree.
• Typical duration: 18 months
• Apprenticeship category: Creative and design
• Maximum funding: £21,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Assistant VFX supervisor
  • DFX supervisor
  • Outsource supervisor
  • Sequence supervisor
  • VFX supervisor
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Interrogate and contextualise a brief using creative and cultural references, developing a concept and gaining consensus on the strategy for delivery
  • Analyse interacting factors and translate a creative brief into a departmental workflow, addressing conflicting or unclear requirements within the brief
  • Assess, develop and/or select the appropriate methodology and technical resources required to deliver the brief
  • Apply complex mathematics to advance VFX developments, including the application of vector mathematics, and applied mathematics in simulations
  • Collaborate with and influence the production team to plan and implement a project schedule and budget
  • Select and supervise the adoption of appropriate project management tools, techniques and methodology to plan the project
  • Lead the delivery of project plans, take account of competing priorities and develop contingencies. Translate the creative brief into practical tasks that can be understood by individual artists
  • Communicate complex technical VFX information both verbally and in writing
  • Establish and manage complex relationships with multiple colleagues, customers, suppliers and professional networks in order to secure new and repeat business
  • Develop technical and creative solutions and concepts. Manage expectations and communicates to clients and stakeholders. Adapt processes, methodology, tools and workflows to meet production requirements
  • Critically evaluate the financial and creative requirements when deciding on and authorising the use of, technical resources such as blue/green screens, motion control or other specialist equipment
  • Manage competing priorities, mulitple stakeholders or projects simultaneously without impact on relationships or deliverables
  • Lead the dailies "review process", giving critical, balanced and constructive feedback on a regular basis to keep the work on track and achieve a positive result
  • Build and manage a diverse and inclusive team, motivating the team even if the commercial or creative benefits of the project may not be obvious
  • Delegate and assign tasks, set goals and accountabilities and provide clear guidance in a fair and objective manner
  • Mentor artists in the team to increase creative, leadership and technical skills
  • Be accountable in pre-production meetings, on-set and during plate, scan, reference and/or capture shoots for; enabling the collection of data, such as on-set VFX data, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and advising, supervising and gathering information on all VFX aspects
  • Provide clear context and reasoning for strategic decision making and when offering advice
  • Monitor the project plan, checking the VFX technical solution in development is not deviating from production requirements
  • Demonstrate the application of new ways of thinking, ensuring you are at the cutting edge of creativity in the industry by leading the way and pushing boundaries on technical innovation
  • Assess work and evaluate if quality standards are met and how to resolve this if an issue is identified
  • Research and where required, develop new tools, techniques and methods to optimise workflows
  • Analyse and identify workflow operation and problems arising, using programming languages such as Python or C++ and providing solutions to the problems
  • Raises awareness of the wider application of VFX tools and technologies across the business and creative industries. Ensure that latest advancements align with the long-term strategy of the business
  • Supervise the delivery of assets, confirming these have been delivered securely and in accordance with client and organisational requirements
  • Be accountable for you and your team's adherence to agreed organisational policies, standards and procedures such as health & safety, confidentiality, security, asset storage, legal and regulatory requirements
  • Apply influencing and persuading skills to personal interactions with stakeholders

Full information on VFX supervisor (level 7) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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