Netflix Animation | Character Animator , Sydney, Australia

Job Overview

• Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios
• Job Title: Character Animator
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Location: Sydney
• Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week in-office)
• Salary Range: $110,000 – $175,000 AUD (Estimated market range for Sydney Feature Animators)
• Experience Level: 2+ Years in Feature Film, VFX, TV, or Games
• Core Software: Autodesk Maya

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a global mission to redefine the landscape of feature animation by producing bold, immersive, and timeless films. As we launch production on our next major animated feature, our Sydney studio is seeking a highly skilled Character Animator to join our world-class creative team.

This role is for an artist who treats animation as a performance art. We are looking for individuals who can move beyond technical movement to create “soul”—animators who have a profound command of acting, appeal, weight, and dialogue.

You will be a central figure in bringing our stories to life, working under the guidance of industry-leading Directors to craft performances that resonate with global audiences. At NAS, we celebrate personal style and unique perspectives, providing a platform where your creative imagination can solve complex narrative challenges.

What You’ll Do: The Art of Performance

The Character Animator at Netflix is the primary storyteller within the production pipeline. Your work is the bridge between a static rig and an emotional connection with the viewer.

• Character Crafting: Create vivid, compelling, and believable character performances. You will be responsible for ensuring that every gesture, blink, and step effectively conveys the intended narrative and emotional subtext.

• Creative Collaboration: Work in close partnership with Directors and Animation Leadership. You will translate high-level creative visions into high-quality feature animation, ensuring the style is consistent with the film’s unique aesthetic.

• Brain Trust Participation: Engage in team reviews and “dailies.” We value animators who are not just “executors” but active contributors to creative discussions, helping to problem-solve sequences and elevate the team’s collective output.

• Production Excellence: Manage your time with precision. Working alongside the production department, you will ensure that your shots are delivered to the highest standard within the project’s established milestones.

Required Qualifications & Skills

We are seeking “Performance First” artists. Your technical skills must be high, but your ability to entertain and connect with an audience is what will set you apart.

1. Artistic Principles

• Mastery of Fundamentals: A thorough understanding of the 12 principles of animation, with a particular focus on appeal, pacing, and staging.

• Anatomy and Physics: An excellent sense of body mechanics, weight, and movement. Whether animating a human or a creature, the movement must feel grounded in physical reality.

• Acting and Dialogue: The ability to handle complex dialogue shots, focusing on believable expressions, clear phonemes, and emotional sincerity.

2. Experience and Technical Skill

• Industry Background: A minimum of 2 years of experience in a high-pressure production environment, such as animated feature films, VFX, or AAA games.

• Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya. You should be comfortable with complex rigs and open to adopting new internal tools and proprietary workflows.

• The Reel: You must provide a showreel no longer than 2 minutes. We are looking for your strongest performances—shots that showcase emotional depth, entertainment value, and a mastery of weight and physics.

3. Professional Mindset

• Collaboration: You are a proven team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.

• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for articulating creative ideas and responding to feedback.

• Adaptability: You must be open to constructive criticism. The feature film process is iterative; we need artists who can pivot quickly and maintain a positive attitude through multiple versions of a shot.

Compensation and World-Class Benefits

Netflix Animation Studios provides a comprehensive “Total Rewards” package designed to support our artists’ health, wealth, and future.

• Competitive Salary: While the specific offer is determined by experience, skills, and background, our Sydney compensation is highly competitive with top-tier global market rates.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family, along with dedicated mental health support.

• Future Planning: Robust retirement programs and family-forming benefits (including support for various paths to parenthood).

• Time Away: Generous paid time off programs for vacation and sick leave, as well as paid leave of absence programs.

• Inclusive Environment: Inclusion is a core Netflix value. We provide a meaningful interview experience and offer accommodations or adjustments for disabilities throughout the hiring process.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NAS, we celebrate diversity because we know it builds stronger, more innovative teams. We approach inclusion thoughtfully, ensuring that our studio is a safe and welcoming space for all, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or military service. We are an equal-opportunity employer and invite all qualified artists to bring their unique voices to our Sydney studio.

How to Apply

To join the journey in Sydney, please prepare:

1. Updated Resume: Highlighting your specific role in feature or episodic productions.

2. Portfolio/Reel Link: Ensure your reel is under 2 minutes and includes your best performance work.

3. Breakdown Sheet: A document detailing exactly what you animated in each shot of your reel.