Unreal Previs and Layout Supervisor

Atomic is seeking an experienced Previs and Layout Supervisor with prior experience on animated Unreal productions to lead our team on a new Unreal project!

Atomic Cartoons, a Blue Ant Studios company, is an award-winning, internationally renowned animation studio with teams in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Los Angeles. Known for an artist-driven culture that attracts, retains and promotes the best talent in the business, Atomic develops and produces high-end animated content that spans preschool, comedy, action-adventure, adult and commercial genres, and everything in between. The animation studio has developed a stellar global reputation for its ability to translate big brands like LEGO, Star Wars, My Little Pony, CoComelon, and many more into top-notch animation, while also developing high-quality original Atomic productions like The Last Kids on Earth,Rocket Saves the Day, and Mermicorno: Starfall. Atomic is B Corp certified and a BC Benefit Company.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Oversee all aspects of the production’s Previs and Layout processes, including leading and managing a team of artists.
• Work closely with the Animation Supervisor, Director(s), Production team, and CG Supervisor to guide, motivate, and develop team members while supporting artists in expanding their skill sets.
• Collaborate with other Supervisors, Directors, and Production team to align with creative requirements and to ensure the production hits the required quality standards on schedule and within deadlines.
• Create 3D animated sequences and animatics to visualize scenes for our animated content, focusing on bringing the Director and Client’s vision to life.
• Determine camera placement, camera movement, lens choices, staging and composition to build dynamic sequences, establish the visual style, and deliver high-quality results.
• Create basic assets as needed.
• Compile sequence animatics with integrated sound that convey the story through the application of traditional filmmaking principles into Unreal Engine’s 3D environment.
• Provide technical details for downstream departments within the production.
• Transform storyboards or scripts into animated sequences using Unreal Engine to set up virtual cameras.
• Collaborate effectively with other department Directors (Lighting, Assets, etc.) to define and maintain the cinematographic style of the production.
• Work with Clients and in-house Director(s), CG Supervisor and Production team to turn notes and feedback into actionable revisions and assignments for the team(s).
• Perform live reviews in Unreal with creatives, leaders and Client to fine tune camera angles, movement, and composition to align with and enhance the narrative.
• Develop creative solutions to address and resolve technical challenges.
• Maintain open communication with Production team on daily expectations and project requirements.
• Ensure Previs and Layout artists are up to date on production expectations and assignments, and provide regular 1:1 feedback.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Prior Previs/Layout experience in an animation production setting (series or feature), with proven ability to supervise and lead a team of artists.
• Strong proficiency and experience with Unreal Engine is required.
• Knowledge of and experience with Maya is required.
• Strong working knowledge of 3D software packages and pipelines including Unreal, Maya, Katana, Houdini, Nuke.
• Excellent verbal, written, and e-social communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work under pressure.
• Able to problem solve and communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas.
• A keen eye for staging, composition and overall visual style, with a strong grasp of cinematography principles and aspect ratios.
• Demonstrated ability to translate script plots into compelling 3D filmmaking.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to learn new tools and technologies and implement creative changes.
• Proven team leadership abilities, strong motivational skills and willingness to share knowledge and provide feedback to team members on work under development and mentor lesser experienced team members.
• Knowledge of various ray-based rendering engines, such as Renderman and Arnold, is an asset.
• Ability to write/understand code and assist in tool/pipeline R&D development is an asset.
• Experience using Flow (FKA Shotgrid) for production tracking, submitting and publishing is an asset.
• Currently legally eligible and able to work in Canada.
• BC residents are preferred for this role, however all candidates will be considered regardless of location.
  

START DATE: November 2026

- Applicants must have resided within BC as of December 31, 2025 and be able to provide the appropriate supporting documents.
- All Atomic employees in this role have the opportunity to work remotely within BC, artists within Vancouver and the Lower Mainland can also choose hybrid and in-studio options.