Cinematic Production Supervisor at Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Video GamesIndustries

Requirements

Ability to work hybrid from Santa Monica, CA studio
8–15+ years leading narrative/virtual production or game cinematics in AAA games, animation, VFX, or film/TV; at least one shipped AAA title or equivalent series/feature credit
Narrative sense: understand scenes and collaborate on solutions to achieve narrative goals
Proven on-set or stage leadership for performance capture or virtual production, including prep, call sheets, rehearsals, day-of execution, and continuity oversight
Strong creative eye for blocking, composition, lenses, pacing, screen direction, and editorial rhythm; able to articulate and defend choices with empathy and clarity
Deep understanding of mocap/facial pipelines and downstream needs of animation, layout/cameras, lighting, VFX, audio, and editorial
Production fundamentals: building schedules and capacity plans, managing scope, de-risking dependencies, and driving outcomes

Responsibilities

Own the cinematic pipeline and schedule from script to final delivery; maintain shot inventories, asset dependencies, and milestone plans in partnership with Production, and be ultimately accountable for outcomes
Work closely with writers and translate story intent into actionable plans: shot lists, previs/techvis, blocking, camera language, and rehearsal plans; ensure every performance capture stage day is prepped and efficient
Lead on-set readiness for performance capture: stage bookings, actor and stunt needs, props/sets, continuity, and safety in collaboration with stage teams
Oversee post-capture throughput: ingest, solve/retarget, editorial assemblies, layout/cameras, animation polish, lighting, and final integration in engine; uphold continuity and quality
Ensure cross-department readiness and de-risk dependencies across characters, costumes, sets, props, rigs, facial, audio, and VFX; keep partners informed and unblocked
Establish efficient workflows and cadences: dailies, edit reviews, checklists, templates, and documentation; champion continuous improvement with Production and Engineering
Collaborate with editorial to build cuts, temp sound, and review packages; channel clear, timely feedback from creative leadership and stakeholders
Collaborate with internal outsourcing managers to ensure external animation/environment/lighting deliveries meet quality and schedule expectations
Mentor peers and foster a calm, solution-oriented culture under time pressure; model excellent communication and cross-discipline collaboration
Track and communicate status, risks, and tradeoffs with transparency; present options and recommendations to leadership

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Performance CapturePrevisTechvisAnimationLayoutCamerasLightingEditorialShot ListsBlockingContinuity ManagementStage PreparationIn-Engine IntegrationAsset Dependencies

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this a remote position or does it require office presence?

The role requires the ability to work hybrid from the Santa Monica, CA studio.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key responsibilities of the Cinematic Production Supervisor?

The role involves owning the cinematic pipeline from script to delivery, working with writers on shot lists and plans, leading on-set readiness for performance capture, overseeing post-capture processes, and ensuring cross-department readiness while mentoring peers.

What is the company culture like at Naughty Dog?

Naughty Dog fosters a collaborative environment focused on award-winning storytelling, cross-discipline execution, and a calm, solution-oriented culture under time pressure, with emphasis on excellent communication and continuous improvement.

What makes a strong candidate for this Cinematic Production Supervisor role?

Strong candidates should have experience owning end-to-end cinematic pipelines like a VFX Supervisor, partnering with creative directors and writers, driving cross-discipline execution, and demonstrating decision-making authority with a focus on efficiency, continuity, quality, and transparent communication.

Naughty Dog

Develops story-driven video games for PlayStation

About Naughty Dog

Naughty Dog develops video games, focusing on creating high-quality, story-driven experiences for players. Their games, such as Crash Bandicoot, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, are designed to engage players emotionally and are exclusive to PlayStation platforms. This exclusivity helps boost PlayStation console sales and builds a loyal fan base. Naughty Dog generates revenue primarily through game sales, downloadable content, and partnerships, including adaptations like the HBO series for The Last of Us. The company stands out from competitors by consistently delivering award-winning titles that emphasize character-driven storytelling and advanced technology, aiming to provide memorable gaming experiences.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1984Year Founded

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Entertainment, GamingIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Wellness Program

Remote Work Options

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

High development costs for AAA games could strain Naughty Dog's financial resources.

'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet' may not meet high expectations from fans.

Increased competition from major studios could overshadow Naughty Dog's new releases.

Differentiation

Naughty Dog is renowned for its emotionally engaging, story-driven video games.

The studio's exclusivity to PlayStation platforms enhances its brand loyalty and market position.

Naughty Dog's collaboration with HBO for 'The Last of Us' series expands its media presence.

Upsides

The new IP 'Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet' could attract sci-fi gaming enthusiasts.

PC remaster of 'The Last of Us Part 2' taps into the growing PC gaming market.

Hiring Raf Grassetti may enhance visual storytelling and artistic quality in future projects.

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