VP VFX

Who are we hiring?  

Sphere is looking for a seasoned Visual Effects executive to lead the internal studio Visual Effects department at Sphere Studios in Burbank. As the creative content shop for Sphere projects, we strive for the best content creation, delivering content that has never been witnessed before on displays that have never been seen in this scale. The Vice President of Visual Effects is responsible for ensuring that all productions commissioned by Sphere are fully supported through VFX: creatively, operationally, and financially. This senior management role covers all VFX within the studio, including but not limited to attractions, immersive shows, residencies, and corporate events. It encompasses Pre-Viz, Shot Production and Virtual Production for both Exosphere and Media Plane environments. 

Reporting to the SVP Post Production and working closely with the heads of Creative Development, Physical Production Management, Capture, and Post Production Technology, candidates must demonstrate real world Visual Effects leadership experience. The ideal candidate has a unique blend of experience in live action feature film and television, large format cinema, immersive and interactive experiences, and emerging technologies. This role requires a deep understanding of the economics, business and process of Visual Effects, including shot production, immersive content, realtime rendering, and live event playback systems.  

What will you do?  

• VP Visual Effects runs the business that is Sphere Studios Visual Effects, a center of excellence for the media plane and exosphere environment.  

• VP Visual Effects provides leadership and guidance to ensure every production is best designed and delivered to the media plane, exosphere and atrium environments, from concept through delivery. 

• The right candidate will over see the following business units and be responsible for their success: 

• • Visual Effects (Media Plane) 

• • Visual Effects (ExoBrands) 

• • Pre-Visualization 

• Act as a key executive in operating Sphere Studios in Los Angeles.  

• Guide the economics of Sphere VFX production to maintain the ideal balance between internal and external resources for the best quality, efficiency and fiscal outcome. 

• Assign resources, project staffing needs, and stay ahead of recruiting and training needs to keep work moving 

• Collaborate regularly with creative, production and technical teammates, and NY senior management. 

• Drive efficiency and improve quality by implementing tools, best practices, internal frameworks, components and standards 

• Maintain relationships with external vendors ensuring all deliverables are met and Sphere partners are happy. 

What do you need to succeed?  

• What will it take?  A unicorn of unicorns with a diversified portfolio of experience in both live action production, animation, and a deep passion to explore the new medium of Sphere, while advancing VFX processes, with subject matter expertise across the board.  

• Previous experience in the cinema industry as Head of Visual Effects, Studio VFX Executive, VFX Executive Producer, or Executive leader at a large VFX facility 

• 15+ years of experience working in Visual Effects pipelines 

• 10+ years of experience in leading artist teams, including involvement with recruiting, staffing, 
  scheduling and training 

• Experience with large format/CG/360/VR/realtime content creation 

• Superb organizational skills with ability to create executive presentations, budget summaries, production plans, multi-project timelines, etc. 

• A confident, professional, and persuasive communication style with senior leaders and team 
  members 

• A passion for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking 

• Ability to remain flexible and calm in high-pressure situations and adjust as multiple moving 
  parts consistently change 

• Experience using production management programs a must.  

• Work in a production environment with ability to work off hours and weekends as necessary. 

• Oversees the VFX business unit, with direct reports at Director level who oversee each department. Ability to lead, mentor, coach and develop staff is a must have 

Special Requirements  

• Role will require some travel to/ from LA to NY and Las Vegas for business meetings.  

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