Scene Assembly Artist hiring at Sony Pictures Imageworks 2026

Job Overview

• Company: Sony Pictures Imageworks (Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada Inc.)
• Job Title: Scene Assembly Artist
• Job Type: Project-Based, Full-Time
• Location: 658 Homer Street, Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2R4, Canada
• Work Model: On-Site / Hybrid (Per production requirements)
• Seniority Level: Associate to Intermediate
• Required Experience: Shot-based CG production experience (Feature, Episodic, or VFX)
• Salary Range: Associate: $26.44 – $36.32/hr // Intermediate: $32.02 – $43.99/hr
• Reporting Structure: Layout Lead / CG Supervisor
• Industry: Visual Effects (VFX) & Feature Animation

Company Overview: Innovation in Visual Storytelling

Sony Pictures Imageworks (SPI) is a globally recognized leader in the visual effects and animation industry. With a legacy spanning over three decades, we have been instrumental in creating some of the most technologically advanced and artistically compelling films in cinematic history. Our studio is a hub of creativity, where cutting-edge technology meets world-class artistry to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.

Headquartered in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Sony Pictures Imageworks acknowledges that we are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. We are deeply committed to respecting these traditional lands and working alongside these communities toward a future of reconciliation and shared growth.

At SPI, we foster a collaborative environment where artists and technologists are empowered to innovate. Our culture is built on excellence, diversity, and a collective passion for storytelling. By joining our team, you contribute to a storied history of Academy Award®-winning projects and join a community dedicated to mentorship, professional development, and the pursuit of the “impossible” image.

Role Overview: The Architectural Bridge of Production

The Scene Assembly Artist is a pivotal technical and creative role that functions as the primary bridge between the Camera/Previsualization department and the Animation department. In the complex ecosystem of feature animation, this role ensures that the creative vision established during the camera phase is successfully translated into a technically sound, production-ready environment for animators.

Operating immediately following the conform process, the Scene Assembly Artist acts as a critical quality-control (QC) checkpoint. You are responsible for the integrity of the digital “set,” ensuring that every character, prop, environment, and camera move is correctly versioned, published, and optimized.

This role requires a unique blend of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and an artistic eye for composition and continuity. It is an ideal entry point for individuals looking to transition into Layout or Visualization roles, offering direct exposure to the studio’s high-end pipeline and mentorship from seasoned industry veterans.

Key Responsibilities and Functional Duties

As a Scene Assembly Artist, your day-to-day operations are essential to maintaining the momentum of the production pipeline. Your core responsibilities include:

1. Shot Preparation and Technical Validation

• Pipeline Integration: Ingest and prepare shot files for the Animation department (primarily in Maya) based on scene files received from the Camera department (primarily in Unreal Engine).

• Asset Verification: Validate and update all shot-based assets, including characters, environments, and props, ensuring they match the current production requirements and versioning.

• Data Integrity: Verify that camera data, focal lengths, and transforms are correctly carried over from Previs/Layout into the animation-ready scene.

2. Publishing and Troubleshooting

• Publishing Workflows: Execute shot publishes within the proprietary SPI pipeline, ensuring all metadata and naming conventions strictly adhere to studio standards.

• Technical QC: Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to scene structure, broken references, or asset mismatches before they reach downstream departments.

• Problem Solving: Proactively address publishing errors and collaborate with Pipeline Engineers to refine workflows when technical bottlenecks occur.

3. Creative Consistency and Continuity

• Visual QC: Maintain a keen eye for continuity across sequences, ensuring that asset variations, lighting cues, and camera language remain consistent from shot to shot.

• Compositional Alignment: Ensure that the creative intent of the Layout department is preserved while making the scene functionally efficient for the Animation team.

4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Communication: Act as a liaison between Camera, Animation, and Asset departments to resolve discrepancies in shot builds.

• Documentation: Maintain clear notes and tracking data regarding shot status, ensuring production management is aware of any hurdles or delays.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Sony Pictures Imageworks is seeking candidates who possess a robust technical foundation and a passion for the mechanics of high-end CG production.

Required Qualifications:

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience working with Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine within a professional or high-level academic setting.

• Pipeline Knowledge: A solid understanding of shot-based workflows, including publishing processes, conforming, and digital asset management.

• Production Experience: Previous experience in a shot-based CG environment (Feature Animation, Episodic, or high-end VFX) is highly valued.

• Organizational Excellence: Exceptional attention to detail regarding metadata, naming conventions, and version control.

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

• Compositional Eye: A strong understanding of camera language, cinematography, and creative composition.

• USD Familiarity: Working knowledge of Universal Scene Description (USD) workflows and structured scene builds is a significant advantage.

• Adaptability: The ability to remain focused and maintain high quality in a fast-paced, evolving production environment with tight deadlines.

• Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills in English.

Technical Skills Landscape

The Scene Assembly Artist must navigate a sophisticated technical stack. Success in this role is often defined by mastery of:

• Digital Content Creation (DCC) Tools: Maya (Animation/Tech-Anim focus) and Unreal Engine (Sequencer/Scene Assembly).

• Asset Tracking: Familiarity with ShotGrid (formerly Shotgun) or similar production tracking software.

• Operating Systems: Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments, which are standard for our production pipeline.

• Scripting (Bonus): Basic knowledge of Python or Mel to assist in automating repetitive scene assembly tasks is a plus.

Benefits and Perks: Supporting Our Talent

At Sony Pictures Imageworks, we believe that our artists do their best work when they are supported in all aspects of their lives. We offer a comprehensive benefits package per company policy, including:

• Health and Wellness: Extensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Financial Security: RRSP matching programs to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Sick and Vacation leave, ensuring you have the time to recharge.

• Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement programs and opportunities for internal movement and promotion.

• Inclusive Environment: A culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages candidates from all identities to apply.

Application and Portfolio Requirements

To apply, please submit your application through the Sony Pictures Imageworks career portal.

Mandatory Demo Reel: All applicants must provide a demo reel that illustrates relevant artistic and technical experience. We are specifically looking for:

• Examples of scene organization or “before and after” shot setups.

• Demonstrations of your understanding of camera movement and composition.

• A clear breakdown of your contributions to any group projects (technical vs. creative).

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