Virtual Production Supervisor

Role:                       Virtual Production Supervisor

Reports to:             Chief Technical Officer

Location:                Belfast Harbour Studios, Northern Ireland 

Contract Type:       Permanent

Job Reference:      VPS/11/24

Introduction and Background

Studio Ulster Ltd is a ground-breaking large-scale Virtual Production creative technology company, established in early 2024 and set to launch in Q1, 2025 at Belfast Harbour Studios, just 10 minutes from Belfast City Centre. This £75 m, 75,000 ft² facility will house some of the most advanced virtual production facilities worldwide, including cutting-edge In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) stages, alongside world class Motion Capture stages, 3D/4D Volumetric Scanning stages, and other supporting facilities. This combination of technologies under one roof at this scale is globally unique and provides one of the most advanced virtual production facilities available globally.

Studio Ulster is a strategic partnership with Belfast Harbour Studios, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, and is designed to elevate the commercial studio capability in the UK, Ireland and Europe for real-time visual effects. The complex is also home to the UKRI/AHRC-funded CoSTAR Screen Lab, a creative technologies lab focusing on real-time production, which alone unlocks nearly £11m in research investment.

This world-class facility, housed in a custom-built BREEAM Excellent facility, powered by renewal energy and supported by a highly skilled crew, is in a region renowned for its production excellence, with iconic shows like Game of Thrones made in Northern Ireland. The infrastructure needed for productions of any scale is available on our doorstep drawing productions and companies back to shoot in NI time and time again. 

Aligned with the recent government initiatives under the Creative Industries Sector Vision to grow the UK’s GDP by £50 billion and create one million jobs by 2030, Studio Ulster is poised to attract some of the largest production companies globally, as well as local and national screen industry contracts.

To support the growth and operational excellence of Studio Ulster, we are seeking to recruit a Virtual Production Supervisor.

Job Summary

As a Virtual Production Supervisor, you will oversee the technical and creative aspects of virtual production on set, ensuring the successful integration of real-time visual effects, motion capture, and digital assets into the live-action filmmaking process.

This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and collaboration with various departments, including VFX, cinematography, and production teams. You will manage the virtual production team and ensure that all elements align with the project’s creative vision and technical requirements.

Key Duties

●       Collaborate with Ulster Virtual Production Producers and Managers to create a detailed estimate for stage or on-set labour, based on comprehensive project planning. Provide recommendations for sourcing the right talent to successfully execute Ulster Virtual Production projects.

●       Maintain close communication with Ulster Engineering and Development teams to stay informed on relevant developments. Serve as a key product owner/stakeholder, helping to prioritise tasks for Ulster stage teams.

●       Oversee the stage team on-site to ensure smooth execution of Ulster Virtual Production projects.

●       Supervise the Engine team, Motion Capture Supervisor and Video Systems Supervisor in day-to-day operations of both real-time and pre-rendered playback.

●       Work alongside the Ulster Engineering and Development teams to plan and execute technology projects, ensuring alignment with project or show requirements.

●       Lead demonstrations and camera tests to showcase the capabilities and potential of Virtual Production methods.

●       Offer guidance to directors and cinematographers on optimal use of Ulster Virtual Production systems.

●       Manage the Virtual Production stage crew by offering training, mentorship, and leadership, enabling them to run shoots and projects independently.

●       Assess and maintain virtual production standards for both upcoming and ongoing projects, ensuring documentation is updated according to Ulster best practices.

●       Provide training to location crews on Ulster’s best practices for on-set virtual production.

●       Build and maintain relationships with various vendors and stay informed about the latest hardware and software solutions related to LED displays, projection, video engineering, and networking.

●       Ensure the capture of high-quality data that integrates seamlessly with the client’s pipeline and collaborate closely with show leadership to establish and manage the color pipeline.

●       Direct the Engine Supervisor and their team in preparing for virtual production shoots, including scene setup and asset preparation, while ensuring proper configuration of asset and delivery pipelines for each show.

●       Collaborate with the Technical Director and their team to maintain and integrate stage technology infrastructure, including video acquisition and distribution. Plan and oversee improvements to stage infrastructure.

●       Partner with Ulster’s Virtual Production Producers and Managers to assess space, staffing, equipment, and budget needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

●       Attend trade shows and travel to vendors for technology evaluations and related tasks.

●       Lead in-house bluescreen shoots as required.

●       Occasionally travel to sets or client meetings.

●       Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Essential Criteria

●       Must have strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

●       5+ years of experience working with Motion Capture technology, VFX, and Physical Production.

●       Experience in successfully engaging with clients on set and collaborating with key creative teams.

●       Proven ability to deliver high-quality data in fast-paced and evolving environments.

●       Expert-level understanding of on-set digital acquisition hardware.

●       Advanced expertise in motion capture, camera tracking hardware, and on-set pipeline workflows.

●       Extensive knowledge of LED and projection display systems.

●       Capable of handling technically challenging work while maintaining a positive and productive mindset during live action productions.

●       Demonstrated leadership and mentorship experience with stage production crews.

●       Strong understanding of game engines and related technologies.

●       Solid grasp of the principles, processes, and practices used in visual effects and film production.

●       Familiarity with visual effects asset and shot production pipelines.

●       Extensive knowledge in still photography, film, and video production.

●       Deep understanding of movie lighting and stage rigging systems.

●       Experience working with video hardware and signal systems.

●       Some background in broadcast video systems is preferred.

●       Must be highly proficient with both MAC and Windows operating systems, along with GSuite.

●       Must excel at troubleshooting and resolving issues within complex systems involving computers, video recording equipment, software, and other sensor-based systems.

●       Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomatic skills are essential.

Working at Studio Ulster

Studio Ulster offers a competitive salary package that is commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. This package includes a comprehensive benefits suite and bonuses which aligns with the industry standards and reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of our team.

Studio Ulster Ltd is committed to developing all employees and operates a Developmental Appraisal Review (DAR) which is mandatory. You will be required to meet with your line manager at least every year as part of the DAR process. If you have line management responsibility for other staff, you will be required to conduct DAR meetings with your staff at least once every two years.

All staff in Studio Ulster Ltd have a responsibility to comply with the company’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Health and Safety Policy. Line Managers have responsibility for ensuring compliance with these Policies within their own area.

We welcome applications from all members of society, irrespective of age, disability, sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, or belief. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

How to apply                               

Apply now if you’re interested in being a part of an innovative new enterprise in the heart of motion picture and television.

Send your CV and a Cover Letter to our team at careers@studioulster.com

Deadline for submissions is Friday 6th December 2024

We look forward to receiving your application