Robert Smith Resume

Highlights

Emmy Winning CG Professional, eager to leverage 20 years of 3D animation and VFX experience.
Quality oriented and attentive to detail.
Demonstrated success in leading and managing teams of 3D artists, fostering a collaborative environment.
Proven ability to develop and execute CG strategies that align with studio goals, resulting in an efficient production pipeline and a high-quality visual output.
Over 2 decades of hands-on experience in the field, having a deep understanding of processes, emerging technologies, and best practices.
Successful track record working in a fast-paced, challenging environment
Proficient in providing creative direction to achieve the desired visual aesthetics, balancing creative vision with technical feasibility, show budget and client requirements.
Proven ability to train, mentor and develop CG professionals.
Known for resolving technical challenges efficiently by understanding both the artistic and technical aspects of CG production.
Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
Led teams on multiple projects that received industry recognition.
Proficient in working with Maya, 3ds Max, Mudbox, ZBrush, Mari, Substance Painter, Photoshop, Nuke, VRay, Renderman, Arnold, Unreal Engine
Fast learner, self-motivated person, committed to continuous improvement

Employment History

Head of CG

Mavericks VFX, Toronto, May 2022 - August 2023

Leading the CG department and providing guidance to CG supervisors, leads and artists to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Overseeing the development and implementation of efficient production workflows and tools, as well as technical and creative strategies, to meet the project's goals and requirements.
Collaborating closely with producers and VFX Supervisors to ensure clear communication and effective management of expectations throughout the project.
Ensuring the quality of CG work meets the standards of the project and the studio, and implementing quality control measures to ensure that work is delivered at a consistently high level.
Managing and mentoring the CG team, providing training and development opportunities as needed to ensure their continued growth and success.
Ensuring compliance with industry standards, best practices, and protocols, as well as overseeing the implementation of new technology and software into the CG pipeline.
Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the latest advancements in CG technology and techniques, and making recommendations for their incorporation into projects to improve their overall quality and efficiency.

CG Supervisor

Zoic Studios, Vancouver, Jun 2021 - May 2022

CG Lead

Atmosphere VFX, Vancouver, Jan 2021 - Jun 2021

CG Supervisor

Double Negative, Vancouver, Nov 2018 - Dec 2020

Responsible for the supervision of an entire show-based 3D team
Responsible with providing creative feedback that’s matching or enhancing the client’s vision for the show
Worked closely with the VFX Supervisor and department supervisors to plan the production based on time and budget constraints
Tasked with solving technical issues and coming up with solutions to deliver a show in an efficient and timely manner
Participated and assisted in client meetings
Worked on the following TV shows:
- The Hot Zone
- Altered Carbon, Season 2
- Star Trek, Season 2 and 3
- Locke and Key, Season 1

Part Time Instructor

Langara College, Vancouver, Oct 2019 - Oct 2021

Helped students develop their skills by teaching them new software
Taught students a variety of industry concepts through lectures and practical demos
Responsible for helping the students develop their graduation Demo Reel by providing guidance, technical knowledge and extensive feedback from concept to final rendering and compositing

Part Time Instructor

Art Institute of Vancouver / LaSalle College Vancouver, Jul 2011 - Sept 2019

Taught a variety of courses ranging from 3d Basics to Lighting and Rendering
Supervised their schedule and milestones throughout the course, making sure they stay on track
Helped students develop their modeling, texturing, shading and lighting skills to deliver a high quality, employable demo-reel.

Asset Lead

Method Studios, Vancouver, Jul 2016 – Nov 2018

Managed the asset team tasked with modeling, sculpting and texturing all show-based 3D assets
Worked with the layout, animation and lighting department to find efficient ways of building assets that fulfill the creative and technical requirements of the show
Provided creative and technical feedback during asset build
QC all asset deliverables before passing them to downstream departments
Sourced relevant materials and references required for asset build
Worked on the following feature films:

Senior CG Generalist, Modeling Supervisor, Sept 2015 – Jul 2016

Fuse FX, Vancouver

Assisted production with the bidding process for assets
Worked closely with CG and VFX Supervisors to make sure the assets were built according to the concept art, creative briefs or practical reference
Tasked with setting up an efficient modeling workflow for TV
Helped set-up and develop a 3D pipeline for a starting studio
Worked on the TV series:

Senior CG Generalist, Apr 2014 – Jul 2014

Prime Focus World, Vancouver

Worked on the following feature films: The Interview, Mordecai, The Expendables 3

Senior CG Generalist, Aug 2012 – Sept 2015

Zoic Studios, Vancouver

CG Generalist, May 2009 – Jul 2012

Rainmaker Entertainment, Vancouver

Fully developed assets according to art direction or toy reference
Used photographic reference and hand painted textures to bring either realism or a cartoony feel to the models
Integrated all CG elements and matte paintings to render a final composition, keeping track of color and shading consistency of all shots in a sequence

CG Generalist, Graphic Designer, Owner, 2002 – 2006

Edge Studio, Romania

Worked with clients from a variety of industries such as printing, architecture, product design, furniture manufacturing, education and TV broadcast
Managed and guided a growing team of artists to achieve the desired results in a timely manner and on budget
Grew from a very small client base to over 50 in 4 years
Built realistic 3D models according to exact specifications and conferred with client about their needs and expectations
Used on site photography to create realistic models and textures that were accurate to historical reference and specifications

Education

The Art institute of Vancouver, Jul 2007- Mar 2009

Diploma in 3D Modeling for Media Arts

Merit Award

University of Bucharest, Romania, Oct 1996 - Jun 2000

Bachelor's Degree in Law