3D Animation Lead

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 

*Must be open to relocate to Sydney, no remote opportunities available.*

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.

About the role:

Lead a team of animators on a show

Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling

Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor 

Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved

Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary

Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary 

Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show 

Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows 

May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested 

Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement

Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly 

Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work 

Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team

Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard

Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date

About you:

Previous experience mentoring or leading a team

Thorough knowledge of Maya

An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form

An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools

The proven ability to work under pressure

Being open to direction and able to embrace change

Attention to detail

Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines

Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills

A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments

Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills

Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting

Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills

What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility has created award-winning feature films and TV series.

Why work with us?

We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/

We have an industry leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state of the art animation facilities.

Breakfast is served daily - on us!

We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar!

The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA and the Cancer Council.

We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.

We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.

Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.

Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!

You'll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider, Support Act.

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.