A graphics coordinator (GC) or font assist is an individual who works, usually on a television show, as a producer of on-air still and motion graphics. The graphics coordinator decides what content should be displayed on-air — such as on a fullpage (a full-screen graphic) or a lower third (a bar graphic appearing in the lower third of the screen). The GC should not be confused with the Operator, who usually operates a character generator (CG) and is part of a television crew, or a broadcast designer who physically creates the graphics.1
A CG (3D computer graphics) coordinator or supervisor plays an important role in film and television productions. Their role is to supervise, manage, and administer the computer-generated imagery (CGI) digital production computer animation workflow for the film or television show and attend client meetings and conference calls.2
The CG supervisor generally is in charge or has a senior input regarding artist management and resource planning, and also plays a senior role in digital productions. While it is a creative role, most supervisors possess a strong technical background and are capable of making informed decisions about the most efficient and effective techniques to employ in order to solve the problem at hand. Often, a supervisor will work in tandem with a visual effects producer, VFX creative director and visual effects supervisor.3
Specific responsibilities vary somewhat, depending on the nature of the production; however, most supervisors:
- Handle a CG project from conception through to completion;
- Manage and direct the technical, artistic, and production staff;
- Possess a knowledge of various computer graphic techniques, with emphasis on technical aspects, pipelines, and general film knowledge;
- Constantly improve workflow and artist training, with an eye on efficiency;
- Collaborate on the bidding and negotiation processes.
There is no union for CG supervisors;4 however, the Visual Effects Society is a prominent trade organization representing the interests of visual effects professionals.5
References
References
- study.com Graphics Coordinator: Job & Career Info
- mymajors.com Graphics Coordinator: Career
- "CG Supervisor". VFX Vancouver Job Board. 2017-01-25. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
- National Labor Relations Board. Basic Guide to the National Labor Relations Act (PDF) (Report). U.S. Government Printing Office. p. 35. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
Supervisors are excluded from the definition of "employee" and, therefore, not covered by the Act.
- Plaisance, Guillaume (March 2023). "Governing a union's external stakeholders: A prioritization method based on relationship quality and perceived impact". Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics. 94 (1): 75–108. doi:10.1111/apce.12375. ISSN 1370-4788.