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Netflix Animation Studios seeks a Head of Environments to lead all digital environments, sets, and props for animated film production. This role bridges artistic vision and 3D technical execution, overseeing environment asset teams including Modeling, Surfacing, and Matte Painting through asset development, look development, and shot production.
You will partner closely with the Director, Production Designer, VFX Supervisor, Art Director, Head of Assets, and Technical Supervisor to ensure environmental designs are artistically compelling and technically robust. Key responsibilities include defining technical and artistic approaches for environment construction, reviewing and providing notes on all set and prop builds, translating 2D concepts into 3D space, guiding camera projections and matte painting integration, and solving complex technical pipeline challenges.
You'll lead and supervise environment asset creation, providing creative and technical guidance for digital environments. You'll drive team reviews with detailed, actionable feedback to Modeling, Surfacing, and Digital Matte Painting departments. Collaboration is essential—working with creative leadership to translate 2D designs into 3D production-ready sets, and partnering with Technical Supervisors and pipeline teams to define and optimize asset-creation workflows.
Production management is a core part of this role: you'll work on bids, schedules, and resource priorities to deliver high-quality environments on time and within budget. You'll mentor Modeling, Surfacing, and DMP Supervisors and artists, fostering professional growth and positive team culture. Strong communication across disciplines is critical, translating complex technical concepts for creative partners and vice versa.
Required qualifications include at least 10 years of experience in environment asset creation within film, TV, or games, with 5–7 years in a leadership or supervisory role on large-scale animated features or VFX films. Expert knowledge of Modeling and Surfacing workflows, 3D environment layout, asset builds, volume, form, and camera projections is essential. Production-level proficiency in Maya, ZBrush/Mudbox, texturing packages (Substance, Mari, Photoshop), and matte painting/projection workflows is required. You'll need expert understanding of digital film pipelines including Katana, RenderMan, and real-time pipelines, plus strong 2D skills for concept iteration. Experience with Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid) and excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills round out the profile.
