Flying Bark Productions is not just an animation studio; it is a cornerstone of global storytelling. For over 50 years, we have been a premier independent producer of family-focused animation, evolving from a local powerhouse into a global titan of both 2D and 3D production. Today, we stand at the forefront of a new golden age of animation, working on some of the most anticipated titles in the world.
From the sweeping epic of the Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film to the highly stylized worlds of Netflix’s Ghostbusters and Stranger Things animated series, our “Barkers” are redefining what is possible in the medium. We are looking for Mid and Senior 3D Animators who don’t just move pixels, but breathe life into characters that will be cherished by audiences for generations.
Job Overview: Mid & Senior 3D Animators
| Category | Details |
| Studio Name | Flying Bark Productions |
| Project Slate | Avatar, Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, Shaun Tan’s Tales |
| Experience Level | Mid to Senior (4+ Years Minimum) |
| Primary Tool | Autodesk Maya |
| Stylistic Focus | Mature, Stylized, Anime-inspired (Arcane/Spiderverse style) |
| Work Model | Hybrid (Studio in Alexandria, Sydney + WFH flexibility) |
| Department | 3D Animation |
Quest Profile: The Role
The 3D Animator is a vital architect of the project’s emotional core. You are responsible for the physical and emotional performance of the characters, ensuring that every frame enhances the narrative and deepens the audience’s connection.
Working under the guidance of the Animation Director, you will navigate the balance between creative flair and technical precision, delivering high-level performances within the rigorous timelines of a world-class production pipeline. Whether it’s high-octane action or subtle, emotive character beats, your work will set the standard for modern animation.
Estimated Salary Structure (AUD)
Calculated based on current 2026 Australian industry standards for premium feature/episodic production.
| Role Tier | Annual Base Salary (Est.) | Monthly Net (Approx.) |
| Mid-Level 3D Animator | $95,000 – $115,000 | $6,200 – $7,300 |
| Senior 3D Animator | $120,000 – $155,000+ | $7,500 – $9,400 |
Final offer is subject to portfolio review, specific technical mastery, and years of relevant production experience.
Your Toolkit: Requirements
We are seeking artists who possess a “mature” sensibility toward animation—those who understand that weight, timing, and internal character motivation are as important as the final render.
1. Professional Background
- Experience: A minimum of 4+ years of professional production experience in 3D animated feature films or high-end episodic content.
- Portfolio/Reel: A demo reel that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in facial performance and body mechanics. We are specifically looking for work in the vein of Spider-Verse, Arcane, Entergalactic, or The Witness.
- Stylistic Versatility: A strong preference for stylized, anime-inspired, or “painterly” animation styles. 2D experience is a significant “bonus” power-up.
2. Technical & Artistic Skills
- Software: Mastery of Maya within a heavy production environment.
- Fundamentals: A profound understanding of the principles of animation (Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, etc.).
- Narrative Sense: A keen eye for comic timing, narrative storytelling, and emotive visual language.
- Lip Sync: Exceptional experience with character performance, including nuanced lip-sync and dynamic key-posing.
3. Soft Skills & Mentality
- Collaboration: The ability to take a verbal or visual brief and translate it into a polished performance that aligns with the EP’s vision.
- Resilience: A solution-oriented mindset with the ability to troubleshoot technical rig issues or workflow bottlenecks.
- Growth: Openness to feedback from Supervisors and Directors, with the agility to apply changes quickly to maintain the shot schedule.
The Bark Culture: Why Join Us?
At Flying Bark, we believe that the best work comes from a team that feels celebrated and supported. Our culture is often cited by our employees as the best they have ever experienced.
The Workspace
Our state-of-the-art studio in Alexandria, Sydney is designed for creativity and comfort:
- Facilities: A private cinema for screenings, a quiet room for focus, a Zen Garden for reflection, and a fully-equipped games room.
- Social Life: We have a dedicated “Culture Club” that organizes movie nights, wrap parties, cake days, and more.
- Dog Friendly: We love our four-legged friends! You will often see well-behaved dogs roaming the studio.
The Perks (Power-Ups)
- Hybrid Work: We offer a balanced hybrid model with flexible work-from-home days.
- Daily Breakfast: Start your morning right with breakfast provided daily at the studio—on us!
- Mental Health: Access to free counseling and mental health resources via the Support Act Employee Assistance Provider.
- Career Development: We prioritize internal growth, offering training and support to help you move into Lead or Directing roles.
- Social Impact: Join our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm to support charities like the RSPCA and Beyond Blue.
Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity in all its forms. We know that creating worlds for a global audience requires a team that reflects that audience. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Situated in the vibrant hub of Sydney, our studio offers the perfect mix of high-end professional challenge and Australian lifestyle. For those working remotely within the hybrid model, you’ll stay connected through our robust communication infrastructure, ensuring you are a vital part of the team regardless of where your desk is located.
How to Apply
To join our pack, please submit your Resume along with a link to your Demo Reel and Portfolio. Please highlight any experience you have with stylized or anime-inspired projects, as this is a core focus for our upcoming slate.
Fly with us. Create with us. Bark with us. Flying Bark Productions: Where stories take flight.
Flying Bark Productions need 3D Animators (Mid & Senior)
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