Previs Layout Artist (Junior, mid, Senior)
Job Summary
At Stellar we aim to build a studio where people actually want to work. We face the inevitable ups and downs of production as a truly supportive and connected team prioritizing open communication over anyone working in isolation. We value honesty creativity and looking out for one another.
The Opportunity:
We are expanding our team and looking for talented Previs/ Layout Artists (Camera & Staging) at the Junior Mid and Senior levels to join us on a premium streaming series for Marvel Animation.
You will be acting as the practical hands-on cinematographer for our project. Your job is to take the storyboards and figure out how to make them work in a 3D space in a way that truly supports the story and the characters. This isnt just about placing cameras; its about making smart creative choices with framing and character blocking so the whole sequence feels right. If you are a team player who loves diving into the details of cinematography taking constructive direction and helping piece the story together shot by shot we want you on our team.
In this role success looks like:
Cinematography & Staging:
- Bring the script and storyboards to life in the 3D world perfectly achieving the vision of the Director and Layout Supervisor.
- Compose and lens each shot block character animation for precise timing and staging and animate all camera movements.
- Execute final camera work and polish after the animation phase is complete managing any necessary revisions.
Collaboration & Storytelling:
- Work closely with the editorial team to ensure sequences flow exactly as intended gracefully adapting to pacing or structural changes made by the editor.
- Partner with the animation team to proactively respond to blocking and staging challenges as they arise in the pipeline.
- Take creative direction positively and implement revisions in a timely organized manner.
Creative Problem Solving:
- Utilize a deep understanding of cinematography to find creative elegant solutions to complex staging or blocking challenges.
- Ensure character posing for compositional considerations is done to a level that allows for accurate sequence timing.
The Requirements
Must-Haves:
- Experience (Choose your level):
- Junior: 12 years of production experience in Previs Layout or Camera. You have a solid grasp of cinematic principles a strong reel and are eager to learn.
- Mid-Level: 35 years of production experience. You can hit the ground running independently block and lens complex sequences and require minimal supervision.
- Senior: 5 years of production experience. You are an expert at lensing highly complex shots finding creative solutions to staging roadblocks and are comfortable guiding or mentoring junior artists.
- Artistic Eye: A demonstrated keen understanding of the principles of cinematography (framing lenses depth of field camera movement) and character animation/posing.
- Core Tools: Working experience within a Maya pipeline.
- Eligibility: Legally eligible to work in British Columbia Canada.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Working experience with professional editing and graphics software such as Premiere DaVinci Resolve and/or Photoshop
Why Join Stellar
- Flexible Environment: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that will vary with project and team requirements.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health benefits.
- Growth: Professional development support to help you stay ahead of tech and creative trends.
Competitive salary range: $62000 CAD - $95000 CAD based on your experience and skills.
At Stellar Creative Lab we believe diversity and inclusion are key to creativity and collaboration. Were committed to building a supportive open and diverse community where everyone can thrive. Were always looking for ways to improve accessibility so feel free to share any feedback or suggestions with us.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply though priority will be given to BC Residents Canadians and Canadian Permanent Residents.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
We are a high-end CG animation studio founded by two industry veterans, Hasmi Ferguson and Bert Van Brande, who between them bring over 50 years of animation and VFX experience to the table.