The 3D Animation Lead is a vital operational and creative leadership role within the Flying Bark Productions studio ecosystem. If you are searching for competitive Sydney jobs that blend hands-on artistry with leadership, this 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.
Your core mission at Flying Bark Productions is to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution—ensuring that the clients’ and directors’ storytelling goals are beautifully realized and delivered to our elite technical and artistic standards.
This is a multi-faceted leadership position requiring a rare blend of top-tier character artistry, technical pipeline fluency, project management acumen, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Within the Flying Bark Productions team, you will act as the artistic anchor for the animation crew, a collaborative partner to other department heads, and a trusted liaison to our high-profile clients and VFX Supervisors.
Job Overview : 3D Animation Lead
| Category | Details |
| Company | Flying Bark Productions |
| Role Title | 3D Animation Lead |
| Industry Segment | Premium Sydney Jobs / Creative Tech |
| Location | Alexandria, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (Flexible work-from-home options) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Core Software | Autodesk Maya (Mel/Python scripting a plus) |
| Key Projects | Avatar: The Last Airbender (Film), Ghostbusters (Netflix), Stranger Things (Netflix), Zac Power (Film) |
Welcome to Flying Bark Productions
For over 50 years, Flying Bark Productions has stood as a premier independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. From our state-of-the-art 2D and 3D production facility, we offer some of the most sought-after Sydney jobs in the creative tech and media sectors. We have spent decades creating award-winning feature films and globally recognized television series, establishing a dynamic, passionate, and innovative studio environment dedicated to pushing the absolute boundaries of character performance.
When looking at high-impact Sydney jobs, few offer the artistic legacy and project scale found at Flying Bark Productions. Our current portfolio includes some of the most highly anticipated and prestigious projects in the global entertainment landscape. As a 3D Animation Lead here, you will have the unique opportunity to leave your creative mark on monumental titles, including:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (Upcoming Feature Film)
- Ghostbusters (Netflix Animated Series)
- Stranger Things (Netflix Animated Series)
- Zac Power (Upcoming Feature Film)
Detailed Responsibilities and Duties
Team Management & Leadership
- Lead the Crew: Manage, guide, and support a dedicated team of animators throughout the lifecycle of a production.
- Task Assignment: Collaborate with the Animation Supervisor to set, manage, and distribute shot assignments tailored to team strengths.
- Conflict Resolution: Effectively manage team dynamics to prevent and resolve potential conflicts or disagreements, maintaining a harmonious workplace.
- Mentorship & Coaching: Train, share knowledge, and actively support the professional growth and skill progression of junior team members.
Production & Supervisor Liaison
- Key Point of Contact: Act as the primary conduit between the animation crew, production tracking, and show supervisors.
- Dailies Presentation: Attend daily reviews to present your team’s work, and coach artists on how to best showcase their progress.
- Deputize for Supervisor: Stand in for the Animation Supervisor to lead reviews, briefs, or meetings whenever necessary.
- Adaptability: Proactively solve creative challenges, offer technical solutions, and seamlessly adapt the team to scheduling or script changes.
Technical & Pipeline Collaboration
- Workflow Optimization: Maintain deep familiarity with workflow templates, methodology, and pipeline documentation, ensuring the team is thoroughly briefed.
- Tool Management: Work alongside technology teams to ensure essential department tools are fully operational and properly optimized for the show.
- Cross-Project Innovation: Inform supervisors and the Head of Department (HOD) of technical or artistic breakthroughs so they can be integrated into other studio pipelines.
- Show Wikis: Partner with technical animators to keep documentation and show wikis up to date.
- Project Bidding: Assist the HOD and supervisors on project bids and estimations when requested.
Experience and Qualifications for Sydney jobs, Animation Lead
Technical & Artistic Requirements:
- Software Mastery: Thorough, comprehensive production knowledge of Autodesk Maya.
- Artistic Foundations: A deep understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form, backed by a strong knowledge of human/animal anatomy and life drawing skills.
- Pipeline & Rigging Fluency: A solid grasp of typical rigging setups, animation pipelines, and data transfer methodologies between production tools.
- Technical Extras: Working knowledge of modeling, rigging mechanics, and Mel/Python scripting is highly advantageous.
Leadership & Soft Skills:
- Proven Leadership: Previous experience mentoring, coaching, or leading a team of artists in a studio environment.
- Communication & Collaboration: Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven commitment to cross-departmental collaboration.
- Thrive Under Pressure: A proven track record of delivering high-quality work to deadline while working under tight production schedules.
- Openness to Change: An open mindset that embraces feedback, direction, and evolution in the creative process.
Why Join the Flying Bark Family?
When evaluating top-tier Sydney jobs, workplace culture is just as critical as the work itself. At Flying Bark, we genuinely believe that a studio is only as good as its culture. Our employees frequently report that our workplace culture is the best they have ever experienced. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are.
An Unmatched Studio Environment:
Located in the vibrant creative hub of Alexandria, Sydney, our industry-leading studio space is custom-designed to foster creativity, relaxation, and community. When you are on-site, you will have full access to:
- A state-of-the-art in-house cinema for screenings and reviews.
- A dedicated Quiet Room and a peaceful, beautifully landscaped Zen Garden for moments of reflection and decompression.
- A fully-stocked games room to unwind with colleagues.
- A vibrant social calendar curated by our dedicated Culture Club, featuring regular cake days, catered movie nights, legendary wrap parties, and studio events.
- A dog-friendly workplace! We love our four-legged friends, and you will frequently see regular, fluffy companions roaming the office.
Community, Health, and Wellbeing:
- Paws for a Cause: We believe in giving back. Our fundraising arm raises crucial funds for deeply impactful charities, including Beyond Blue, the RSPCA, and the Cancer Council.
- Mental Health Infrastructure: We prioritize your peace of mind. All employees have access to robust mental health resources, including free, confidential counseling via our specialized Employee Assistance Provider, Support Act, alongside multiple on-staff members fully qualified in Mental Health First Aid.
- Complimentary Daily Breakfast: Start your mornings right with a fully provided breakfast served daily at the studio—on us!
- Holistic Wellbeing Benefits: Enjoy discounted private health insurance options through our partnership with Bupa, as well as tailored financial wellbeing initiatives provided by Media Super.
Premium Perks & Flare Benefits (For Eligible Employees):
- Flare Benefits Platform: Gain immediate access to exclusive digital discounts, cashback offers, and premium deals at hundreds of major Australian retailers to help your everyday pay stretch further.
- Health Insurance Savings: Compare and save significantly on private health cover, with potential annual savings of up to $300.
- Novated Leasing (Flare Cars): Save an average of $10,000 per year on vehicle ownership and operating costs through tax-effective novated leasing.(Note: Flare Platform, Health Discounts, and Novated Leasing are available to permanent employees and fixed-term contractors on contracts of 12 months or more).
Equal Opportunity Employer
Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable environment for all employees looking for impactful Sydney jobs. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by local laws.
How to Apply
If you want to secure one of the premier creative Sydney jobs available today, have the leadership experience, the technical mastery of Maya, and a profound passion for bringing legendary characters to life, we want to hear from you. Please submit your current resume, a cover letter outlining your leadership philosophy, and a link to your latest reel demonstrating your character animation and leading experience.
