Cinematic Production Supervisor at Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, California, United States

Naughty Dog Logo
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

Performance Capture
Previs
Techvis
Animation
Layout
Cameras
Lighting
Editorial
Shot Lists
Blocking
Continuity Management
Stage Preparation
In-Engine Integration
Asset Dependencies

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.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI