Katana 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 our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

The Katana TD collaborates with the CG Supervisors and the Pipeline team to design, implement and create tools and systems and sustain continued pipeline support to the different teams and throughout production.

About the role:

• Liaise with the VFX supervisors to understand the visual goals of the project and identify how to reconcile the technical requirements of this within context of the tools and processes on each project
• Identify issues with work-flow, technology and development methodologies and communicate effectively any issues with Technical Team Supervisors;
• Liaise with the Technical Team Supervisors to deliver clear briefs and detailed documentation of workflows and technical solutions;
• Attend pipeline project meetings and internal pipeline meetings to gather department technical requirements, issues and priorities;
• Work with the department / Technical Team supervisors to prioritise the order of tool/pipeline development and support requests;
• Development of tools, procedures and interfaces to enhance and optimise the internal Flying Bark pipeline and department toolsets;
• Assist in the design, implementation and maintenance of a studio wide pipeline;
• Ensure company and pipeline conventions and processes are followed throughout productions;
• Provide consistent technical support to different Flying Bark departments;
• Maintain and communicate progress status of the development items to Technical Team Supervisors, IT and production teams to facilitate communication and expectations in both directions;
• Provide support and aid to partner and external studios as they interface with Flying Bark’s studio pipeline/toolsets;
• Assist with training and documentation of department tools and pipeline procedures, and mentoring of new Pipeline Technical Directors within the team;
• Gather technical requirements and troubleshoot technical issues for all Flying Bark departments;
• Development of scalable systems, procedures and tools that help the smooth and efficient running of the studio’s departments, including their inputs, internal workflows and outputs;
• Delivery of well structured and detailed briefs of the work required and/or developed to the Technical Team Supervisors;
• Accurate progress reporting of the development/support status to the Technical Team Supervisors and production teams;
• Maintain good communication between different studio departments and the technical departments;
• Effectively working both autonomously and under the direction from supervisors as required;
• Ability to flag issues that may impact on the successful delivery of the various productions;
• Ability to self-manage and complete tasks within production deadlines;
• Communicate and seek information when necessary;
• Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes.

About you:

• 5+ years of experience in Animated Feature Films, TV Series and VFX production;
• Experience with 2D, CG and 2.5D workflows and understanding the limitations of each pipeline
• Detailed knowledge of production pipeline processes;
• Detailed knowledge of digital asset management concepts;
• Detailed knowledge of Pixar Tractor API;
• Detailed knowledge of Autodesk Maya Python API;
• Detailed knowledge of Autodesk Shotgrid and Autodesk Shotgrid Toolkit and API;
• Detailed knowledge of Python and/or API/programming experience;
• Knowledge of Side FX Houdini API;
• Knowledge of The Foundry Katana API;
• Knowledge of The Foundry Nuke API;
• Knowledge of relational databases (MySQL, Postgres or equivalent);
• Experience with use of and development of plug-ins/scripts for production software applications (e.g. Toon Boom Harmony/Storyboard Pro, Maya, Katana, Nuke, RV, Houdini);
• Familiarity with different Cloud systems and APIs, ideally AWS S3, AWS Lambda, Boto Python API;
• Ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools;
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work successfully in a fast paced environment;
• Ability to communicate technical issues to the Production team in a clear manner;
• Must work well in a team, with strong communication skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to liaise with the various production and technology departments.

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.