Senior Lookdev Artist

1 Week ago • 5 Years + • Animation

About the job

Summary

Flying Bark Productions seeks a Senior Lookdev Artist with 5+ years of high-end VFX/animation experience to contribute to projects like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Stranger Things. Responsibilities include developing the look of environments and characters, collaborating with other departments (modeling, surfacing, lighting, compositing), implementing stylized art direction, and troubleshooting pipeline workflows. The role demands strong software fluency (Katana, Nuke, Houdini a plus), shader knowledge, scripting skills (Python), and experience with rendering technologies like Arnold. The artist will also take initiative on R&D tasks, oversee picture tests, and mentor team members.
Must have:
  • 5+ years high-end VFX/animation experience
  • Proficiency in Katana & Nuke
  • Strong shader & scripting skills (Python)
  • Experience with Arnold or similar renderers
  • Excellent communication & collaboration skills
Good to have:
  • Houdini experience
  • Knowledge of Shotgrid API and Toolkit
Perks:
  • Hybrid work model
  • Daily breakfast
  • Social events (movie nights, wrap parties)
  • Mental health resources
  • Discounted health insurance
  • Financial wellbeing initiatives
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Flying Bark Productions is working on exciting projects such as the highly anticipated Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, Marvel Studios’ What If…?, Disney Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 


Please note: this is an expression of interest for upcoming roles set to start early-mid 2025, so we will likely get in touch to organise interviews early next year.


We are looking for a dynamic generalist with a great eye for design, shape, and colour to help us flesh out the look and methodologies for interdepartmental shots and assets. This artist will take initiative on RnD tasks, have ownership overlook of picture tests, communicate well with the departmental heads and show leadership, and manage time well. Ideal candidates have a multifaceted software fluency and are able to take shots and assets from inception to final proof of concept.


About the role:

  • Work closely with your team, the asset supervisors and production to develop the look of the environments and characters for the show.
  • Collaborate closely with other departments, such as modeling, surfacing, texturing, lighting, and compositing, to ensure seamless integration of assets into the production pipeline.
  • Taking highly stylised art direction (whether a verbal or visual) and implementing as such.
  • Working within a team and maintain good team dynamics.
  • Problem solving and predict potential problems with assigned tasks.
  • Self-managing and complete tasks within production deadlines.
  • Communicate and seek information when necessary.
  • And all other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required by the Production Company.


About you:

  • Minimum 5 years of high-end feature film VFX and/or Animation experience.
  • 5+ years experience in Environment and/or Character Look Development.
  • High level understanding and use of the software packages Katana and Nuke (experience in Houdini is considered a bonus).
  • Knowledge and experience in Python.
  • In-depth knowledge of rendering technologies such as Arnold or similar renderers.
  • A high level knowledge of shaders, shading networks and scripting
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills, particularly in asset pipeline workflows.
  • Familiarity with Shotgrid API and Shotgrid Toolkit is a plus.
  • Ability to support, assist, and mentor other team members.
  • A thorough knowledge of the animation pipeline from modeling, surfacing, grooming, rendering through to compositing.


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.

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About The Company

Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd is internationally recognized as Australia’s leading producer of quality children’s animated entertainment, known for its high quality film and television properties ranging from pre-school to young adult.


The mission of Flying Bark Productions is to create great animated entertainment for children. We employ Australia’s top talents in animation, the visual arts, screen writing and composing to produce a diverse and enchanted range of feature films, television programs and new media products.

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