Senior Houdini Generalist (Assets)

The Senior Houdini Generalist (Environment Modelling) will be responsible for executing CG/3D procedural modelling for props and environments, matching the desired visual style. This role involves constructing organic and hard surface models, defining 3D forms, creating UV maps, and maintaining digital assets. Candidates need at least 6 years of experience, strong Houdini skills, and an understanding of procedural modelling, surfacing, and rigging workflows. The role requires collaboration with various teams and adherence to production deadlines.

Must Have

• Proficiency in Houdini and procedural modelling
• Construct organic and hard surface models
• Define 3D form and 2D silhouette of models
• Create UV maps or modelling adjustments
• Follow guidance from creative and technical leaders
• Reconcile technical and creative requirements
• Create, revise and maintain digital assets
• Support and maintain dialogue with other crew members
• Work in partnership with Asset, Background, CG Layout and Lighting/Compositing teams
• Ensure Director’s vision is successfully realised
• Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions
• Establish relationships with key production members and artists
• Take direction and work autonomously
• Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes
• Complete tasks within production deadlines
• At least 6+ years of work experience
• Strong understanding of Houdini
• Interest and understanding of procedural modelling
• Solid knowledge of modelling, surfacing and rigging workflows
• Ability to flag issues impacting asset delivery
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritise
• Ability to work independently and under supervision
• Maintain consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment

Good to Have

• Ideally some Z Brush experience
• Experience in Katana and/or Arnold

Perks & Benefits

• Industry leading studio space (cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, state of the art animation facilities)
• Daily breakfast provided
• Cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & culture club
• Paws for a Cause fundraising arm
• Dog-friendly studio
• Hybrid work approach with flexible work from home days
• Career development, training and support opportunities
• Inclusive and welcoming culture
• Access to mental health resources and free counselling via Employee Assistance Provider (Support Act)

Flying Bark Productions is working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

*Proficiency in Houdini and an interest in procedural modelling is required. Candidates without experience in Houdini will not be considered at this time.*

The Senior Houdini Generalist (Environment Modelling) will be responsible for executing the CG/3D procedural modelling for props and environments. The artist will focus on environment models and set pieces that will match the desired visual style, according to the Director’s vision.

About the role:

• Construct organic and hard surface models which convey the intent of art department reference and are faithful to the style of the production.
• Define the three-dimensional form and two dimensional silhouette of all models as briefed and resolve unspecified details as required;
• Create some UV maps or modelling adjusts as required, that adhere to pipeline requirements and are suitable for the resolution and complexity of the assets;
• Follow guidance from the Program/s creative and technical leaders to realise the Director's vision.
• Reconcile the technical and creative requirements of motion picture quality works including efficient use of geometry; an appropriate level of geometric, surfaced and shading detail; topology suitable for deformation, UV layout and rendering.
• Create, revise and maintain digital character, prop and environment assets and support end users (as required), responding to guidance and review notes from the Director as well as creative and technical supervisors.
• Support and maintain dialogue with other crew members, including Technical Directors, Modelers, Riggers, Surfacers, Background artists, Animators and lighters, who make use of the digital assets as required.
• Work in partnership with the Asset, Background, CG Layout and Lighting/Compositing teams to ensure schedules and deadlines are met as established by the Producer and Directors.
• Director’s vision for the characters, props and environment as required, is successfully realised.
• Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions.
• Establishing relationships with key members of production and artists.
• Take direction from a lead or a supervisor as required as well as an ability to work autonomously.
• Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes.
• Complete tasks within production deadlines.

About you:

• At least 6+ years of work experience.
• Strong understanding of Houdini, and ideally some Z Brush.
• Interest and understanding of procedural modelling.
• Solid knowledge of modelling, surfacing and rigging workflows.
• Experience in Katana and/or Arnold would be ideal.
• Ability to flag issues that may impact on the successful delivery of assets within the production schedule.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to share information in a team environment.
• Ability to multitask, prioritise as required, take direction and be flexible and responsive to change.
• Ability to work independently as well as under direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain a consistent level of productivity in a fast-paced work environment while producing high quality work;

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.

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