Chief Technical Officer (Head of Virtual Production)

About the job

Role: Chief Technical Officer (CTO) – (Head of Virtual Production)

Reports to: CEO Studio Ulster Ltd

Location: Belfast Harbour Studios, Northern IrelandContract

Type: Permanent

Introduction and Background

Studio Ulster Ltd is a ground-breaking large-scale Virtual Production creative technology company established in early 2024 and launching to market in Q4 2024 in Northern Ireland.

This new company will provide world class In-Camera Visual Effects (ICVFX) in one of the most advanced LED Volume Stages, Motion Capture Stage and 3D/4D Scanning stages currently being built anywhere in the world. This scalable facility will support virtual production solutions and productions of any size located at Belfast Harbour Studios, only 10 minutes’ drive from Belfast City Centre. Anticipated clients include some of the biggest production companies globally as well as the local and national screen industry contracts across a range of sectors.

Studio Ulster is a £75m+, ($100m) 75,000ft² Virtual Production Studio complex and will also be home to one of the most advanced virtual production research facilities in this area. The CoSTAR Screen Labs an UKRI / AHRC funded creative technologies lab focussing on real-time production and, on its own, unlocks nearly £11m of research investment in the sector.

Studio Ulster Ltd now requires a visionary Chief Technical Officer– someone with significant virtual production experience at the very highest level; someone acutely technical. The CTO is an executive role and will lead the studio’s operational and technical teams in relation to the delivery of in-camera visual effects, motion capture, and 3D / 4D volumetric scanning among other supporting facilities.

Studio Ulster is a partnership with Belfast Harbour Studios and is supported by Northern Ireland Screen. Studio Ulster is levelling up the commercial studio capability in real-time visual effects in the UK and Ireland and is supported by significant R&D capability. We offer world class facilities in a custom-built building supported by world class crew, in a production environment that is well-established and world-famous for shows such as Games of Thrones all made in Northern Ireland.

The Ideal Candidate

Studio Ulster Ltd is looking for a Chief Technical Officer– someone who is experienced at the very highest level of the film industry to lead on the technical delivery of Virtual Production in all its forms at the studio. This is an Executive level role with strategic responsibilities for the technical services at Studio Ulster.

The CTO will oversee the technical teams and lead on all technical operations and production services delivery at Studio Ulster. This critical role will help steer the technical direction and strategy of the company and the CTO will be at the helm of the technical operations as over £20m worth of equipment is installed and commissioned at Studio Ulster later this year. This individual will have significant and demonstrable, with major film credits in their portfolio and leadership experience of teams that focus on the delivery of in-camera visual effects for film, HETV and board. They will hold credits on at least three major international level productions as HoD / Virtual Production Supervisor or above and have more than 5-10 years of large scale VFX and real-time production experience working with some of the largest production companies globally.

As the CTO and Head of Virtual Production, you will have oversight of all in-camera visual effects, 3D scanning, and the motion capture activity at Studio Ulster. You will help build and lead a team of talented high calibre professionals, ensuring that our projects meet the highest standards of quality assurance, and you will help drive innovation in the field. You will support and plan project delivery and deliver cost efficiencies where possible to clients and enable a lasting and sustainable business model at Studio Ulster. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the technological solutions and future direction of the services offered at Studio Ulster and of the industry internationally. You will build strategies working closely with your Executive Team colleagues to grow virtual production services in a nascent sector through your highly technical mind and industry experiences, driving forward to develop technical advancements, innovation and maintaining our position as a market leader in the industry.

Studio Ulster is one of the most advanced and modular complexes being built anywhere globally right now. We need someone who is capable of understanding and unlocking the full potential of this highly innovative technology stack. Significant experience of research, development and innovation in VFX product and service delivery is also welcomed in an environment that is all about pushing boundaries and placing the story at the heart of the technology solution.

Key Duties

Technical Leadership: Provide strategic direction and oversight for all technical aspects of virtual production, including in-camera visual effects, 3D scanning, and motion capture.Project Management: Oversee the technical delivery of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards in line with international client expectations.Innovation: Drive the development and implementation of new technologies and workflows that enhance the efficiency and quality of virtual production.Team Management: You will line manage, lead, mentor, and develop a team of high calibre technical professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence to the highest possible standards.Collaboration: You will work closely with other departments, including creatives, production, art departments, VFX leads and administrative teams, to ensure seamless integration of technical solutions.Technical Standards: You will establish and maintain new benchmarks for the technical standards and quality of virtual production services in studio and develop protocols for your team in best practices for virtual production, ensuring compliance with new and emerging industry standards.Resource Management: Manage technical resources, including equipment, software, and facilities, to ensure optimal performance and utilisation. Maximise investments in new equipment and fully exploit the commercial opportunity provided by this investment to date.R&D: Lead research and development initiatives to explore new technologies and techniques in virtual production that will support Studio Ulster’s ambition to remain world leading in the field.Client Liaison: Serve as the technical point of contact for clients, providing expert advice and solutions to meet their needs.Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for technical projects, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability. You will develop strategies for a cycle of renewal and on-going maintenance of equipment at Studio Ulster to ensure operational readiness at all times.Quality Assurance: As an Executive at Studio Ulster, you will implement robust quality assurance processes to ensure the highest standards of technical delivery at every stage ensuring a high-quality service to clients using the facility.Training: Develop and deliver training programs to continually enhance the technical skills and knowledge of your department at Studio Ulster.Advisor: Advise the CEO and senior team on technological advancements and industry trends that could promote new income streams for Studio Ulster.

Essential Criteria

Three or more demonstrable screen credits as Virtual Production Supervisor / Virtual Production project management / HoD level or similar on international film and High-End Television productions.5-10 years’ experience in the creative technologies field primarily in VFX for international level productions with demonstrable emphasis on real-time technologies. Hold at least three major virtual production credits at the very highest level on large scale international productions.Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex technical projects on time and within budget.Excellent leadership and team management abilities.In-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices in virtual production.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and strategically.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Proven ability to drive innovation and implement new technologies.Experience managing risk and understanding client needs.Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.5-10 years’ experience in the creative technologies field primarily in VFX for international level productions with demonstrable emphasis on real-time technologies.

Desirable Criteria

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.Experience in research and development within the creative technologies sector.Expert knowledge of real-time rendering engines (e.g. Unreal Engine).Experience working with high-profile international clients and managing client relationships.Published research or thought leadership in the field of virtual production.Membership in relevant professional organisations or networks.Familiarity with the latest trends and developments in the screen industry.

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.

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.