Tips for Modeling Production Coordinators
Here are the things I learned as a Production Coordinator for the Modeling Department!
Watch a video about it here.
Tip #1: Watch out for Design Notes that could affect modeling.
- Sometimes, there are design changes or kickbacks on assets after modeling has already begun or even completed.
- It’s good practice to have the modeling supervisor/lead be aware of the Design note and assess how the change impacts modeling. Gathering bid days on how long it would take modeling to update the asset is also good info to pass to PMs.
Tip #2: Flag Prod on Modeling notes that could affect rigging and animation.
- Likewise, once in a while there could be modeling changes or kickback notes on assets that have already been passed to rigging or anim.
- Before proceeding with the change, confirm with Production if Modeling is approved to make the change. Sometimes, depending on the scope change (how long it would take departments to revise the asset, or how much it impacts shots in progress), the note could be denied.
BONUS TIP:
For episodics, sometimes, some asset changes are denied for earlier episodes or episodes already in progress, but approved for future episodes. This usually means using a variant or a different version of the asset for later use.
Tip #3: Asset Management is the game. Get good.
- Asset Management is key to excelling as a Production Coordinator in modeling.
- The more familiar you are of an asset’s start/end date, the more efficient all departments are able to schedule.
- The better you are at communicating which versions of the assets are the correct version for departments to pick up, and the more timely you are in communicating this, the easier and smoother the production will run ensuring that time is not lost in incorrect assets making it downstream, or tasks sitting idle pending model updates (that were actually already done).
Tip #4: Get to know basic modeling terms. (Helpful when taking notes in dailies).
- Supervisors can drop modeling-specific terminologies during reviews to better and more accurately communicate changes required for an asset. Being familiar with these terms and what they mean makes note-taking easier as you’ll have more context on the needs requested.
BONUS TIP:
Be familiar with the terminology!
The more you understand the jargon of the industry, the better your notes will be. The goal is to NOT confuse artists when we send notes out. The more you understand the words used in the pipeline, the more your notes will make sense.
For a FREE glossary of the common terms used in the industry,
check out the downloadable pdf HERE!
Tip #5: Work closely with Design, Rigging, Texture/Surfacing, Animation.
- Upstream: SCRIPTS, DESIGN, STORYBOARDS
- Important upstream info to know: new asset list, design sheets, approved animatics, story needs, asset functionality, budget
- Downstream: RIGGING, TEXTURE/SURFACING/LOOK DEV, ANIMATION
- Important downstream info to pass down: pipeline limitations, budget, any approved deviations from design
- Sometimes, communication can be back and forth and not just linear. Animation may require some functionality based on story needs that will require rigging changes, which then will require modeling changes. So, keep comms consistent even through production.
Tip #6: Make sure you're working on the approved design.
- Keeping assets modeled according to the approved design not only ensures the asset is on-model, but it also helps keep the modeling days within budget. It’s good practice to confirm with design if a design sheet is approved before modeling begins work.
Tip #7: Know your upstream ETAs and your downstream's Need-By-Dates.
- No department works in isolation. Even though your focus may be just one or a select few departments, all departments are connected.
- So, when scheduling, it’s important to consider when the departments ahead of you will likely complete their tasks so you know when modeling can more realistically begin work, and conversely, know when the departments after modeling need the assets by so that you can schedule tasks accordingly and flag to supervisors and PMs if a task is unlikely to make it in time for a department’s need-by-date.
Tip #8: Watch storyboard animatics for any assets unaccounted for.
- What takes very little time to draw in storyboards may require days in assets. It’s a good idea to review the latest boards to check if any new assets are introduced (accidentally or not) and gather bid information from asset supervisors on how long it would take to create the new asset. Production needs to approve any new asset request before it’s created in CG.
BONUS TIP:
Make sure to take a look at other depts tips too. Some tips are applicable across multiple departments.
Work with supervisors when assigning and bidding tasks.
Tip #9: Keep an eye out for rogue notes and redirect to proper departments.
- Not everyone downstream will be aware if a note sent to their respective departments are for modeling to address.
- Likewise, you may not always sure if a note mentioned in later departments require changes in modeling, so it’s a good idea to skim through asset notes and check in with your modeling supe if a note could be a potential kickback to modeling.
- Similarly, because downstream coordinators may not be so sure if an asset note is for modeling to address, sometimes, some modeling notes are actually meant for design or rigging or texture/look dev to address. So, be sure to redirect if needed.
Tip #10: Keep CG Supervisors in the loop.
- CG Supervisors have a broader scope of responsibilities and expertise. Their role spans across multiple departments to ensure that assets/shots are able to be passed down from one department to another within the constraints of the project and as efficient as possible technically through the pipeline.
- This means that it’s important for CG Supes to be in the loop of any asset change and especially kickback notes that may affect multiple departments.
- CG Supes are also a great resource for methodology discussions (how an asset/shot can be produced technically) and an ally in problem solving how a note could be addressed in the most non-destructive and cost-efficient way.
BONUS TIP:
You, your modeling lead, and/or modeling supervisor are a team. So, make sure that you are on the same page when it comes to targets, show goals, schedule/resource projections, and notes.
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