Facial Models Head of Department

2 weeks ago

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Weta Digital Full time

Management department


Our Facial Models Department here at Wētā FX is responsible for facial shape authoring, anatomical modelling, scan processing and rig elements used in the creation of facial puppets and rigs at the Company.

After Models publish a character the Facial Models team begins creating the facial puppet. Once they've built and published the facial puppet, Animation can begin working on the character's facial performance. Facial Models works closely with Animation and Models to determine what's required for each character.


This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in driving a team who delivers highest quality digital faces, in a company that continues to raise the bar by providing ground-breaking innovation for all type of faces.


  • Take ownership for development and execution of the department vision and setting and ensuring the highest quality standards are maintained, in line with the overall group and Organizational strategy.
  • Drive technical advancement with innovation and creativity, supporting investigation of new technologies and workflows for use in the vfx pipeline.
  • Collaborate extremely well with the Department Manager in providing Leadership to the Facial Models team
  • Ensure reuse of resources and technologies within and across departments.
  • Maintain good relationships with other department HODs, promoting crossdepartment communication and collaboration
  • Maintain professional currency on technical/industry advancements
  • Define department priorities for new technology and requirements of new tools/systems/workflows for developers.
  • Build and maintain a positive working environment with high morale
  • Ensure team member reviews are conducted and deal with any performance related issues promptly
  • Support the development of appropriate skills within the team including a focus on crossskilling and implementation of succession plans
  • Work with the Producer and Production Team on show planning, scheduling and artist and technical resources.
  • Manage and support leadership teams ensuring consistency of workflows and tool sharing across the teams
  • Ensure senior management are kept across relevant happenings in the department
  • Provide strategic planning by anticipating potential risks and opportunities that may arise, by being proactive and solution focused
  • Understand and manage financial/budget information as required
  • Develop and maintain an understanding of the wider studio beyond the department function, its goals and challenges to assist with successful delivery of operational and strategic outcomes

This role will be based in New Zealand. The ad will be up for 1 week, till the 4th of May.


At Wētā FX we celebrate our diversity and believe in creating an environment where all our crew feel welcomed, respected, supported and appreciated.

We define ourselves by the quality of our work, and we're striving to build a workplace experience that's second to none.

Here at Wētā FX we value open minds and encourage our crew to be themselves.

Location:
Wellington, New Zealand

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