Senior Layout Artist

The Mill is a global creative partner for agencies, production companies and brands, working across all media channels and platforms. We are trusted specialists in visual effects, creative technologies, and content production. Our projects include the creation of digital products and virtual experiences, as well as world class visual effects and video production. We are a vibrant network of talented artists, producers, directors, and creative technologists from multinational backgrounds. We nurture innovation, flexibility, and diverse ideas across our studios in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Seoul and India. We are all united by one single ambition: To create extraordinary and memorable work that captivates and excites audiences.

This role can be remote in France, UK or Poland, but we cannot accept any applications from outside of these regions.

The Role

The Digital Cinematographer will be responsible for creating camera composition, staging, and blocking, and shot layouts for Game Cinematics and other full CG projects. They will collaborate closely with Directors, Clients, and other creatives to achieve and enhance their creative vision. Candidates must demonstrate the fundamentals of visual storytelling through movement, framing, and composition. This role involves hands-on work using traditional VFX workflows, Realtime DCCs, and Virtual Production, depending on the project's requirements. The Cinematographer will collaborate closely with the Mill’s Directors, Animators, Previz, and Layout artists but should also be capable of working independently. This role directly reports to the Heads of CG at the Mill LA. Additionally, they will work closely with the Mill’s India office when handling large projects.

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of cameras, lenses, and cinematography both in practical applications and within CG contexts. They will assume the role of lead artist and/or supervisor based on the project's scale. Comfort with using a VFX Production Pipeline, providing constructive notes, and receiving internal and external feedback is crucial. Experience with real-time engines is highly desirable, specifically in Unreal Engine, Unity, and Frostbite.

Responsibilities:

• Create and supervise shot framing, blocking, and layout for full CG projects.
• Work within a VFX or Realtime Pipeline using both hand animation and virtual production/mocap.
• Exceptional understanding of various cameras, lenses, and composition.
• Work efficiently and navigate a fast-paced environment.
• Work with CG and Realtime artists to achieve high quality final images.
• Participate in meetings with teams in LA and India.
• Collaborate with Directors, Creative Directors, CG Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and HODs to ensure that all work being delivered meets high level expectations and specific project needs.

Qualifications:

• 8+ year experience working in production.
• 5+ year experience working with CG camera animation.
• Must be a proactive and self-driven creative problem solver.
• Experience working in Virtual Production.
• Experience working in practical Cinematography a bonus.
• Proficient in Maya and other 3D tools.
• Experience or Familiarity working in Realtime projects.
• Ability to work within a new pipeline and continually look for ways to improve it.
• Proven ability to work with clients and achieve different visual styles.