Surfacing 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 Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

*Please note that you must be open to relocate to Sydney, no remote opportunities available.*

We're looking for a Surfacing Lead who will be responsible for the lead, support and delivery of the look and surface qualities for animated characters, props and environments. Through the use and development of textures and shaders; the Surfacing Lead will guide the production process to achieve the desired visual style and results. The Surfacing Lead works closely with the rest of the CG team to ensure the proper workflow and specifications are being adhered to and achieve the desired look on all textures & surfaces.

About the role:

• Active participation in overseeing the daily operations of the surfacing team as required.
• Mentoring, management, training, and evaluation of the surfacing team members.
• Follow guidance from the Program/s creative and technical leaders to realise the Client's vision.
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to reconcile the technical requirements of motion picture quality works.
• Briefing surfacing artists and providing them 2D design references to paint CG textures that are faithful to the style of the production.
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to develop workflows to increase productivity of the surfacing department while maintaining company standards.
• Have solid knowledge of digital sculpting in Z-brush and/or Mudbox and be self-sufficient in maintaining the workflows between Maya and these packages.
• Develop shaders for CG assets.
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to construct organic and hard surface textures which convey the intent of art department reference and are faithful to the style of the production.
• Create UV maps as required, that adhere to pipeline requirements and are suitable for the resolution and complexity of the assets.
• Ensure that weekly surfacing department milestones and production deadlines are met, and communication to production of any issues that may impact on this successful delivery.
• Collaborate with the CG modelling team in giving feedback of UV mapping that is suitable for the resolution and complexity of the assets.
• Collaborate with the CG and BG teams on all creative and technical issues, to ensure assets are delivered to the very highest standard and correctly for the subsequent departments.
• Ensure quality control across all asset outputs, including versioning and ongoing asset management.
• Work in partnership with lighters and compositors to ensure schedules and deadlines are met as established by the Producer and Directors.

About you:

• 5+ years of experience in animation.
• Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions.
• Establishing relationships with key members of production and artists.
• Take direction from a Supervisor as required as well as an ability to work autonomously.
• Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes.
• Complete tasks within production deadlines for yourself and your team.
• Regular catch ups with the asset and CG and Design teams to ensure deliveries are optimal.
• In-depth knowledge of Maya and Zbrush and high proficiency in painting software like Substance Painter or Mari.
• Experience in Katana and a good knowledge of photoreal and non photoreal renderers.

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:
• 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.