About the role
Role Summary
Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. The studio creates long-form and short-form content spanning traditional 2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion. This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Producer, Production Designer (if applicable), and Vendor Studio to execute the creative vision of the show while working within the schedule and budget for the series.
The Art Director will oversee and work directly with the design team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series, from the opening title, body of episode to end credits. They must be experienced in the creation of detailed style guides, comfortable dealing with internal and external departments, and possess strong management skills to oversee and give feedback to the artistic crew.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Executive Producer and Director(s) on all aspects of the episodic look and mood.
- Oversee assembly & approval of 199 main model pack to be sent to the assigned vendor animation studio and for internal reference.
- Partner in setting the visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork. This includes the Art Review, Black and White Line Art Review, and Color Art Review for Executive approval.
- Oversee the entire design team including Designers, BG Painters, and Color Designers, assigning work and monitoring schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project.
- Approve all color backgrounds and color created by the Color Designers for the characters, props, and effects.
- Read Outlines/Scripts, attend Storyboard pitches, and Animatic reviews, flagging potential complexity or design count issues.
- Maintain production schedule provided by Producer to ensure cost-effective, timely production.
- Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studios. Work with the Production team and the Digital department to create tools and documentation to help the vendor studio achieve the required look within budget and schedule constraints.
- Partner with the Producer, Line Producer, and Production Supervisor to create schedules and casting assignments.
- Work with the TDs to ensure color-correct and technically accurate deliveries are achieved.
- Regularly communicate with Partner Studios and lead episodic design and asset launches.
- May oversee Assistant Art Director if applicable.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.
- Experience leading a team preferred.
- Experience working with vendor animation studios preferred.
- Knowledge of drawing software including Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony, and 3D technology, where applicable.
- A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology, and film is essential.
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.
- Ability to oversee multiple projects and solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
- Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.
- Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen.
- Ability to travel outside of the country.
Education
- Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience.
Location and Compensation
- Location: Fully on-site in Glendale, CA.
- Pay Rate: $3,016.5 - $3,921.45 per week, following the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Base Pay Factors: The base pay offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.
- Benefits: Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Employment Policy
Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.