EVP, Visual Effects

Sonypictures; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 475,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Sony Pictures Entertainment seeks an Executive Vice President of Visual Effects to lead the VFX department across live-action features. You will guide production budgeting, vendor selection, and the creative and technical VFX teams to deliver premier visual storytelling.

The role demands a visionary leader with 15+ years in VFX, strong communication, and a track record of delivering on tight schedules while driving innovation and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of VFX leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of VFX process from budgeting to final delivery.
• Proven management of studio VFX personnel and film crews.
• Strong communication with directors, producers and executives.
• Experience with new technologies in VFX.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Visual Effects department, managing staff and feature film projects.
• Oversee all aspects of VFX production from pre-visualization to post-production.
• Develop and maintain VFX budgets, breakdowns and methodologies.
• Collaborate with directors, producers and executives to tailor productions and budgets.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and manage vendor selection.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic vision

Communication

Problem solving

Organization

Deadlines

Tools

Shotgrid

Filemaker

Pix

Job description

Embrace a leading role in the evolution of cinematic artistry as the Executive Vice President of Visual Effects at Sony Pictures Entertainment. You will be presented with the unique opportunity to oversee and guide the Visual Effects department. Your leadership will be instrumental in the production of breathtaking visual experiences that enchant and engage audiences globally. This critical position transcends traditional management, as it demands a visionary approach to elevate and define the standard of visual storytelling within our live-action feature films throughout the Sony Pictures portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Visual Effects department, managing both the staff and feature film projects, ensuring high-quality execution and adherence to budgets.
• Oversee all aspects of VFX production, from pre-visualization to post-production, offering guidance and training to VFX producers, supervisors, and crew.
• Develop and maintain detailed VFX breakdowns, budgets, and production methodologies by evaluating scripts, storyboards, and other materials.
• Collaborate with directors, producers, production executives and creative executives to tailor production methodologies and budgets to evolving project needs throughout all production phases.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, regularly exploring new vendors, technologies, and innovative methods to maintain and enhance the company's competitive edge in visual effects.
• Facilitate the distribution of materials to VFX companies for bidding and oversee the selection and approval of VFX vendors and their creative and technical teams.
• Recruit and hire key VFX personnel in consultation with the President of Production Administration, ensuring proper onboarding and contract management.
• Monitor and confirm the accuracy of financial reporting, status reports, and shot summaries, ensuring consistent reflection of rebate and tax incentive data.
• Negotiate and monitor VFX vendor contracts to guarantee on‑time delivery and adherence to contractual obligations.
• Maintain and analyze weekly VFX cost reports, budget summaries, and manage overage requests for each project.
• Ensure compliance with VFX policies regarding asset retention and credit guidelines.
• Personally manage VFX on projects without designated staff, acting as the liaison between production, marketing, editorial, and vendors.
• Laisse with marketing to facilitate VFX for all materials.
• Responsibilities include driving innovation in new and emerging technologies.

Qualifications:

• Requires at least 15+ years of VFX leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the VFX process from methodology and budgeting to final film delivery.
• Proven management experience, with the ability to lead studio VFX personnel and film crews effectively.
• Comprehensive understanding of the creative execution of VFX shots.
• Experience in new technologies.
• Proficiency in database programs such as Shotgrid, Filemaker, and Pix.
• Demonstrated expertise in estimating and production management of visual effects.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with a keen ability to address challenges creatively and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize and schedule work effectively.
• Capacity to work under tight deadlines and adapt to the dynamic demands of the department.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive issues and confidential matters are crucial.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $475,000 to $550,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at [e-mail].