Previs Layout Lead

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 looking for a supportive and highly creative Previs/ Layout Lead to guide our previs/layout team on a premium streaming series for Marvel Animation.

You will act as the practical hands-on head of cinematography for our 3D world. Your job is to lead the team in taking storyboards and figuring out how to make them work in a 3D space in a way that truly supports the story. This role isnt just about reviewing camera placements; its about helping your artists make smart creative choices with framing and character blocking so the whole sequence feels right setting the animation team up for absolute success. If you are a team player who loves mentoring artists finding practical solutions to staging roadblocks and keeping your crew organized we want you at the helm.

In this role success looks like:

Cinematography & Staging Leadership:

• Oversee the layout and previs process ensuring all camera work and staging perfectly achieve the vision of the Director and Previs/ Layout Supervisor.
• Take a hands-on approach to lensing and blocking the most highly complex action-heavy or emotionally driven sequences.
• Ensure all character posing for compositional considerations is done to a level that allows for accurate sequence timing across the department.

Team Leadership & Mentorship:

• Organize manage and provide ongoing training and guidance to the camera and staging team.
• Act as a supportive approachable leader. Keep communication clear and focused on solutions ensuring your artists feel heard and respected even when production deadlines are tight.
• Act as a motivational force who can realistically balance the demands of the production schedule with the well-being and needs of the team.

Collaboration & Pipeline:

• Work closely with the editorial team to ensure sequences flow exactly as intended helping your team gracefully adapt to pacing or structural changes.
• Partner with the animation team to proactively respond to blocking and staging challenges as they arise in the pipeline.
• Continually review and approve work in Flow Production Tracking ensuring deadlines are met and notes are clearly communicated.

The Requirements

Must-Haves:

• Experience: 5 years of production experience in Previs Layout or Camera with at least 1-2 years in a Lead or supervisory role.
• Artistic Eye: A demonstrated expert-level understanding of the principles of cinematography (framing lenses depth of field camera movement) and character animation/posing.
• Core Tools: Extensive working experience within a Maya pipeline.
• Leadership Style: You lead with empathy and practical problem-solving balancing creative excellence with team support.
• Tracking Mastery: Production experience with Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid) for tracking task management and running reviews.
• 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.

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.