The role of Layout Artist exists within some areas of CGI and not in others. In features, the Layout Department plays an important and creative role which can be related to that of the Cinematographer's team in Live Action.
A mid-level Layout Artist could be equivalent to a Camera Operator. In television, where roles may not be as specialised, the size and structure of the production dictates whether there will be dedicated Layout Artists; when the job does exist, the requirements are similar to those on features.
In either case, Layout Artists are responsible for staging every shot and plotting the action that will take place within each scene.
Depending on the individual project, it is likely they will work most closely with the Director and Storyboard Artists but may also have involvement with various other departments.
In post production facility houses, if the job exists at all, Layout Artists may be called Layout TDs or Set Up TDs (Technical Directors) and perform a more technical role. It is more likely that CG Animators will pick up whatever information they need about camera moves and proposed action from previs (Pre-Visualisation) than from layouts.
What is the job?
In most cases, Layout Artists break down 2D storyboards into 3D shots. Using production designs and models as reference, they build locations, including major props, block in the position of characters, select camera angles and plot camera moves.
They ensure that everything that is going to be animated is set up appropriately, including not only characters, but also any props or parts of the background that need to move (e.g. an opening door).
Layout Artists may also be responsible for establishing the lengths of shots within a scene. It is likely that the Director and, possibly, Editor will view and make comments on a low resolution first pass of a layout reel so Layout Artists can make any necessary changes before the scene is passed on to the animators.
There is a later stage of Final Layout, after the animation is complete, when set dressing is added, background models are built in high resolution and final adjustments are made to camera moves and shot lengths.
Depending on the size of the project, Final Layout can become the responsibility of Lighters/Compositors.
In facility houses, the need for Layouts usually occurs only when there is either a need to apply motion capture to CG models; or when there is a big FX shot which needs to be prepared for Effects Animators; or if a background needs tracking or rigging.
Typical career routes
There is no typical career route but, as traditional artistic skills and a good knowledge of the appropriate software are both required, it is likely that Layout Artists will have gained some professional experience, often as designers, illustrators, sculptors, storyboard artists or in another relevant role.
With an impressive portfolio and showreel demonstrating their talent, it is sometimes possible for recent graduates or self-taught individuals to find a job in the Layout Department.
Layout Artists can go on to become Layout Supervisors or Layout TDs and it can also be a good route in to Animation.
Essential knowledge and skills
As Layout Artists in CGI are undertaking a role similar to that of a Camera Person, it is essential that they are extremely film literate and able to meet the filmic needs of a production.
Key Skills include:
- demonstrable artistic skills including a strong sense of composition and perspective, good use of light, shadow and colour; the ability to create atmosphere and good understanding of editing;
- thorough knowledge of whatever software applies to the production;
- good understanding of the principles of cinematography including use of lenses, positioning and moving the camera, etc;
- for facility house work, sufficient technical skills to be able to apply motion capture to CG models;
- ability to take direction and a willingness to address comments and make changes;
- ability to communicate with colleagues and work as part of a team;
- ability to work with a minimum of supervision and ability to problem solve;
- ability to deliver on schedule, working under pressure if required;
- respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio, production or pipeline;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
It is likely that CG Layout Artists will have gained a degree in an art related subject such as Illustration, Fine Art, Sculpture, Computer Animation, Graphic Design or in one of a variety of film or computer subjects.
However, the quality of their work will be of more value than an academic qualification.
Experienced Layout Artists will be expected to have showreels of previous work; new entrants should have a portfolio that demonstrates their skills together with a showreel of any relevant personal work.
In addition to artistic talent and film literacy, Layout Artists will need to have trained in at least one of the 3D software packages currently in use by the industry; these include Maya, XSI, 3D Studio Max and Lightwave.
A good understanding of maths and physics can be useful.
