Manager, Storyboard Department (SFD / Cinematics)

Blizzard Entertainment•Irvine, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Blizzard Entertainment’s Cinematics team is looking for an experienced Storyboards Department Manager to assist in creating engaging and compelling content across all our franchises. As a talented visual/narrative artist themselves, this person will lead a team of storyboard artists who support in-game and pre-render cinematic content. As a craft expert and mentor, they will successfully manage multiple projects while also balancing creative quality, budget, schedule, and business priorities. This role is a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.

Requirements

8+ years of experience managing a creative team of artists
Experience in TV or feature animation; film and gaming a plus
Professional examples of work that exhibit a strong visual storytelling sensibility
Possess expert skills in cinematic storytelling, with a strong understanding of composition, camera, cinematography, staging, lenses, pacing, and continuity
A deep understanding of the pre-production and story development process , with the ability to accurately gauge the time needed for sequences and to translate feedback into actionable milestones for the artist
Strong, communicative draftsmanship
Proven ability to deal with a wide range of personnel issues: recruitment, career development, salary administration, and conflict resolution
Highly organized with exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a very dynamic environment
A degree in Film, Animation, or Fine Arts
Advanced knowledge of hardware and software including Flix, Cintiq, Toon Boom Storyboard Pro, and Photoshop
Blender 3D a plus

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Blizzard Entertainment IPs and games
Experience working with franchise-driven or brand-based entertainment properties

Responsibilities

Manage all artistic and technical aspects of a storyboard department that works in a very fluid and fast-paced production environment
Oversee the direction, mentoring, and growth of the storyboard artists through constructive feedback as well as by setting short-term and long-term planning around career growth
Partner with cinematic directors and stakeholders to help clarify notes and ensure their creative vision is carried out effectively throughout the animatic process
Cast artists to projects based on skillset and level up artists as needed to work successfully across all IP’s
Handle day-to-day operational and administrative support, such as absence management, contract extensions, learning and development initiatives, and annual performance reviews
Hire and onboard new artists based on studio needs; proactively tracking resource planning, reviewing portfolios, and partnering with recruiting
Effectively collaborate and work through challenges with other department leaders in a respectful and professional manner
Provide effective communication and transparency with other pipeline departments (i.e., writing, editorial and previz) to mitigate production delays
Partner with the Tech team to ensure that artists have all the required software/hardware needs as well as research new tools that may increase efficiency
Plan activities to promote team engagement and bonding