3D Modelling 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.

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

About the role:

• Active participation in overseeing the daily operations of the modelling team as required;
• Mentoring, management, development, training, and evaluation of the modelling team members;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to create, review, maintain and support of the various assets, responding to guidance and review notes from the Client as well as creative and technical supervisors;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to construct organic and hard surface models which convey the intent of art department reference and are faithful to the style of the production;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to define the three-dimensional form and two-dimensional silhouette of all models as briefed and resolve unspecified details as required;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to reconcile the technical requirements of motion picture quality works including efficient use of geometry; an appropriate level of geometric detail; topology suitable for deformation, UV layout and rendering;
• Create, revise and maintain digital character, prop and environment assets and support end users (as required), responding to guidance and review notes from the Asset Supe, Client as well as creative and technical supervisors;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to construct the shapes of 3D digital character, prop and environment models in Maya, with a strong working knowledge of UV layout techniques;
• 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.
• Ensure that digital assets meet the studio standards, specifications and conventions with respect to appearance and aesthetics, user friendliness, performance, data integrity, and robustness;
• Support and maintain dialogue with other crew members, including Surfacing Lead, Technical Directors, Riggers and Animators, who make use of the digital assets as required;
• Ensure that weekly modelling department milestones and production deadlines are met, and communication to production of any issues that may impact on this successful delivery;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to develop workflows to increase productivity of the modelling department while maintaining company standards.

About you:

• 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 surfacing and rigging team to ensure deliveries are optimal.
• The Client's vision for the characters, environments and props as required, is successfully realised;
• Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions.
• Establishing relationships with key members of production and artists.

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.
• Enjoy holistic wellbeing support through discounted health insurance with Bupa, financial wellbeing initiatives from our superannuation partner Media Super, and access to staff qualified in Mental Health First Aid.

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