Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We have a number of exciting productions underway, including a new 2D project with Disney, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series, as well as an upcoming feature film, Zac Power.

This is an Expression of Interest - this role won't officially open until later this year or early 2027, but we're scouting talent now so we can move quickly once schedules are confirmed.

Registering doesn't commit you to anything; it just means we already have your portfolio and availability on hand when the role opens up.

This role is specific to one upcoming show using predominantly a cut-out (rigged) 2D animation pipeline, with some traditional frame by frame hand-drawn animation.

About the role:

Supervise and lead a team of 2D animators working within the rigged and traditional animation pipelines, providing clear direction and daily support;
Review and give notes on shots and sequences, maintaining a consistent performance and quality bar across the whole team;
Understand the capabilities and limitations of the show's character rigs, and guide animators on how to achieve strong, expressive performance within those constraints;
Work closely with the Rigging team to flag rig issues, request improvements, and troubleshoot problems that affect animation quality or efficiency;
Partner with the Director and Assistant Director on creative intent, tone and performance for key characters and sequences;
Managing and reviewing work from our offshore partner animation studio.
Mentor animators who are new to rigged workflows, including those transitioning from a hand drawn animation background;
Assign scenes and manage workload across the team in line with the production schedule;
Ensure all animation aligns with the show's style guide and established performance benchmarks;
Liaise with Layout, Compositing and Editorial to ensure animation is delivered on time and to spec;
Ensure all work remains confidential per code of conduct and security forms.

About you:

Proven experience as a 2D Animation Supervisor, Lead Animator or similar senior role in a 2D animation production;
Strong hands on experience specifically with rigged or puppet based 2D animation, such as Toon Boom Harmony rigging, rather than hand drawn frame by frame animation alone;
Solid understanding of rig mechanics, including pegs, deformers and constraints, and how to work within them to produce natural weight, timing and appeal;
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback;
Experience mentoring or upskilling animators, including guiding hand drawn animators into a rigged pipeline;
A sharp eye for timing, staging, weight and character performance;
Good sense of narrative storytelling, comic timing and camera;
Comfortable working to broadcast schedules and managing competing priorities across a season;
Ability to be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes;
Passion for animation and storytelling.

How to register your interest

Please send through:

Your portfolio / demo reel (link preferred), ideally showing rigged animation work.
Your location, and whether you're after remote or in-studio work.
Your availability, including any current commitments.

We'll be in touch as timing and role details firm up over the coming months.

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:
https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
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.
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.
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.

Perks & Benefits:

We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
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.
Breakfast is served daily - on us!
Flare Benefits Platform:
Access to exclusive discounts, cashback, and premium deals at hundreds of major Australian retailers to help your pay go further.
Health Insurance Discounts:
Compare and save on private health cover with potential savings of up to $300.
Novated Leasing (Flare Cars):
Eligible employees can save an average of $10,000/year on car ownership through novated leasing.*

*Available to permanent employees and fixed-term contractors on contracts of 12 months or more.

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