Art Director - Features

The Art Director (AD) works closely with directors, producers, and visual development team to visually explore, create and design all aspects of feature animated film, which may include: sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color and overall style. This position is covered by The Animation Guild.

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Culver City, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with directors to help realize their ideas from concept to finished presentation through the use of drawings including rough sketches, clean-up renderings, and tonals, paintings and digital imagery.
• Supervision of Artists, including conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, and providing guidance to Artists throughout the production.
• Develop and communicate a clear design vision (including Characters, Locations, Props, Backgrounds, FX, Lighting, and Color) that will support the overall creative vision for the story and style of the project.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years as an Art Director in feature film, TV animation or game design experience required.
• Must exhibit a mastery of drawing, design, and digital media, as it pertains to feature film design.
• Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.
• Knowledge of color theory, lighting, staging and perspective.
• Expert problem solver that is resourceful and adaptable.
• Ability to plan, schedule and monitor team progress across all areas of the project.
• Experience presenting art and materials to executives and producers for approval.
• Accomplished at supervising a design team including delegating, giving feedback, and providing constructive critique.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• Proven track record to meet target dates and keep a team on schedule.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Great teammate, who genuinely enjoys working with others.

To apply, please submit a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords needed to review your work in your resume or cover letter.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $2,000/week to $4,000week. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.