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Head of Story - Features

Los Angeles, California, United States

The Head of Story works closely with the Directors and Producers to translate the story from the script to a visual representation of the narrative. 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:

+ Act as the Director's story curator, clearly and concisely understanding the narrative the Director wants to tell, finding creative ways to support that vision, and bringing that vision to the screen.

+ Work with the Director and Writer in story development to brainstorm and foster story concepts from the outline or script to be assigned to Storyboard Artists.

+ Hire, train, and develop the story department

+ Lead Storyboard Artists and the storyboarding process.

+ Serve as the creative story lead, planning out the action, staging and identifying the camera choices in each frame.

+ Deliver storyboard assignments on time and on budget which includes developing schedules and standards for the department.

+ Identify and resolve problems of clarity and quality of drawings in preparation for pitches to the Director.

+ Be vigilant and aware of story problems, bringing opinions and pitching solutions to the Directors.

+ Collaborate with Editors, and provide assistance when needed to fix, trim, and cut storyboards into a story reel.

+ Collaborate with the Art Director and Production Coordinator to ensure that Story Artists are working with the latest designs.

+ Collaborate with the Production Designer and Layout Supervisor as they translate the boards into 3D space.

Qualifications:

+ Minimum 3 years of experience working as Head of Story on animated feature films.

+ Excellent written & verbal communication skills.

+ Proficiency using a Mac and/or Cintiq.

+ Sound knowledge of story structure, character development, staging, and pacing.

+ A comprehensive understanding of both cinematic storytelling and how a story department functions.

+ Able to create action and humor expressed through drawing.

+ Outstanding ability to create story ideas, to recognize and address story problems, and to suggest alternate story ideas.

+ Must be detail oriented with outstanding organizational skills.

+ Ability to multitask and prioritize, ensuring all assignments are completed in an accurate and timely manner.

+ Must be flexible with the ability to work in an environment where needs and priorities are subject to constant revision.

+ Must be self-motivated and excited to work with a team.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $2,000/week to $4,230/week. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

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.

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.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.