Job Summary

The Puppet Coordinator is responsible for organizing and facilitating all elements of Puppet Fabrication. Collaborating closely with the Puppet Fabrication management team, this role involves planning and scheduling specific tasks related to puppet production, tracking productivity, generating reports, and identifying potential challenges that may hinder project completion. In partnership with the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor, the Puppet Coordinator adapts plans to align with the broader scheduling and budgeting objectives of the production.

Key Responsibilities

• Task Planning and Scheduling: Collaborate with the management team to plan, estimate, and schedule various Puppet Fabrication tasks, including sculpting, armature construction, molding, casting, and painting
• Group Support and Evaluation: Assess and address the needs of each fabrication group within the Puppet Fabrication department to optimize workflow
• Artist and Group Scheduling: Develop schedules for artists and fabrication teams to ensure that departmental priorities are met in a timely manner
• Operational Coordination: Oversee the daily operations and build-out of Puppet Fabrication to ensure that equipment, materials, health and safety standards, storage, employee relations, and budget goals are maintained
• Production Awareness: Ensure that all Puppet Fabrication team members are informed about production priorities, deadlines, health and safety protocols, and relevant operational procedures
• Meeting Participation: Attend and/or lead pertinent production meetings with the Creative Supervisor and Puppet Fabrication Supervisor, ensuring accurate note-taking and distribution of essential information
• Weekly Progress Updates: Prepare and present weekly updates on project progress across all departments to the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor and Producer
• Budget Tracking Assistance: Support the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor in monitoring departmental budget expenditures and costs
• Training Support: Assist in onboarding new team members, providing guidance on production processes and best practices
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended hours as needed to meet production demands

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in film, art, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in a related role.
• Coordination Skills: Proven ability to coordinate and manage groups effectively.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Planning and Monitoring: Capable of planning, scheduling, and tracking progress across multiple, interrelated departments.
• Fabrication Knowledge: Understanding of materials and processes involved in character fabrication preferred.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in word processing, Excel, and scheduling software.
• Preferred Experience: More than one year of experience managing puppet-related fabrication teams on feature films, with specific knowledge of puppet fabrication techniques and methods.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Physical Demands:

• The role requires standing, sitting, walking, and operating standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move items up to 15 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close focus, distance vision, and adaptability.

Work Environment:

• The position involves working indoors, under typical office conditions, with exposure to fluctuating indoor temperatures.
• Noise levels are moderate.