Crowd TD

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 upcoming feature film, Zac Power.

The Crowd TD is responsible for creating the motion of crowds, in high-end animated series including simulation for planning and layout purposes. Additionally, working to, and maintaining, the creative and technical requirements for animation for the project as required by the VFX Supervisor and Animation Director; and to the production and shot schedule provided by the Production Company.

About the role:

• Creates digital crowd behaviours and simulations to achieve the look, movement, and style envisioned by the Animation Director and the VFX Supervisor
• Collaborates and communicates with VFX/CG Supervisors and Producers in order to implement efficient and effective ways to integrate crowd pipeline tools and techniques
• Works with Animation teams to identify and breakdown behaviours into cycles for artists to use
• Establishes ongoing communication with artists, leads, production and supervisors regarding schedules, deadlines and shot/sequence feedback
• Attends all relevant meetings
• Proposes creative approaches and solutions for any specific shots
• Gives feedback to the department TD’s to continue the development of tools and workflows associated with crowd simulation
• Builds templates that are highly geared towards automation
• Be willing to assist/mentor junior team members with any technical/artistic challenges they may have

About you:

• Minimum requirement of 3+ years production experience in 3D animated films and/or animated episodic;

• Good sense of narrative storytelling, comic timing and emotive visual language;

• Solid experience and understanding of Maya in a production based environment;

• Solid knowledge of animation workflows, character rigs and storyboard interpretation;

• Able to collaborate with the animation team to achieve the Art Director & Show Director’s vision;

• Previous experience with Crowd (ATOM, Golaem, Massive, Houdini, etc)

• Experience with ATOM is a plus.

• Ability to take direction from a Supervisor and be team oriented;

• Ability to take and successfully interpret a verbal or visual creative brief;

• Excellent communication skills and willingness to share information in a team environment;

• Ability to consistently meet deadlines;

• Ability to take direction and be flexible and responsive to change;

• Ability to work independently as well as under direct supervision;

• Excellent in problem solving and balancing quick turnaround with long term quality and ability to meet deadlines with high quality output

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.
• 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.