Surfacing Lead

3 Weeks ago • 5 Years + • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

The Surfacing Lead at Flying Bark Productions will oversee the surfacing team's daily operations, mentor team members, and ensure high-quality surface textures and shaders for characters, props, and environments across projects like the Avatar: The Last Airbender film and Stranger Things animated series. This role requires close collaboration with other CG teams, developing workflows, creating UV maps, and meeting production deadlines. The ideal candidate possesses 5+ years of animation experience, proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Mari, and a strong understanding of photoreal and non-photoreal renderers.
Must have:
  • 5+ years animation experience
  • Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Mari proficiency
  • Shader development
  • UV mapping expertise
  • Team leadership and mentorship
  • Meeting production deadlines
Good to have:
  • Katana experience
  • Knowledge of photoreal and non-photoreal renderers
Perks:
  • Hybrid work model
  • State-of-the-art studio
  • Daily breakfast
  • Social events
  • Mental health resources

Job Details

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 Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 


We’re looking for a Surfacing Lead who will be responsible for the lead, support and delivery of the look and surface qualities for animated characters, props and environments. Through the use and development of textures and shaders; the Surfacing Lead will guide the production process to achieve the desired visual style and results. The Surfacing Lead works closely with the rest of the CG team to ensure the proper workflow and specifications are being adhered to and achieve the desired look on all textures & surfaces.


About the role:

  • Active participation in overseeing the daily operations of the surfacing team as required.
  • Mentoring, management, training, and evaluation of the surfacing team members.
  • Follow guidance from the Program/s creative and technical leaders to realise the Client's vision.
  • Work closely with the Asset Supe to reconcile the technical requirements of motion picture quality works.
  • Briefing surfacing artists and providing them 2D design references to paint CG textures that are faithful to the style of the production.
  • Work closely with the Asset Supe to develop workflows to increase productivity of the surfacing department while maintaining company standards.
  • Have solid knowledge of digital sculpting in Z-brush and/or Mudbox and be self-sufficient in maintaining the workflows between Maya and these packages.
  • Develop shaders for CG assets.
  • Work closely with the Asset Supe to construct organic and hard surface textures which convey the intent of art department reference and are faithful to the style of the production.
  • Create UV maps as required, that adhere to pipeline requirements and are suitable for the resolution and complexity of the assets.
  • Ensure that weekly surfacing department milestones and production deadlines are met, and communication to production of any issues that may impact on this successful delivery. 
  • Collaborate with the CG modelling team in giving feedback of UV mapping that is suitable for the resolution and complexity of the assets.
  • Collaborate with the CG and BG teams on all creative and technical issues, to ensure assets are delivered to the very highest standard and correctly for the subsequent departments.
  • Ensure quality control across all asset outputs, including versioning and ongoing asset management.
  • Work in partnership with lighters and compositors to ensure schedules and deadlines are met as established by the Producer and Directors. 


About you:

  • 5+ years of experience in animation.
  • Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions.
  • Establishing relationships with key members of production and artists.
  • Take direction from a Supervisor as required as well as an ability to work autonomously.
  • Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes.
  • Complete tasks within production deadlines for yourself and your team.
  • Regular catch ups with the asset and CG and Design teams to ensure deliveries are optimal.
  • In-depth knowledge of Maya and Zbrush and high proficiency in painting software like Substance Painter or Mari.
  • Experience in Katana and a good knowledge of photoreal and non photoreal renderers.


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.

Similar Jobs

Streamline Media Group  Inc  - Videographer and Graphic Designer

Streamline Media Group Inc

Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Warner Bros Games - Advanced Animator, Cinematics

Warner Bros Games

Chicago, Illinois, United States (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Werplay - 3D Modeller

Werplay

Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Ubisoft - Lead FX Artist

Ubisoft

Montpellier, Occitanie, France (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Light Speed Studios - 3D Artist

Light Speed Studios

Osaka, Osaka, Japan (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Ubisoft - Technical Director, Animation (W/M/NB) [Assassin's Creed Franchise]

Ubisoft

Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (On-Site)
9 Months ago
Amber - 3D Animator (Project Based)

Amber

(Remote)
1 Month ago
Visual Concepts - Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay)

Visual Concepts

Agoura Hills, California, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Bethesda - Senior Animator (Creatures)

Bethesda

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
Guru Studio - 3D Animator: Paw Patrol

Guru Studio

Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

Riot Games - Staff Software Engineer, Rendering - League of Legends

Riot Games

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
CD PROJEKT RED - Senior Technical Artist

CD PROJEKT RED

(Remote)
2 Days ago
Ubisoft - Senior Technical Artist (MOSAIC)

Ubisoft

Singapore, Singapore (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
IMU Studios - Technical Artist

IMU Studios

(Remote)
3 Years ago
Wargaming - Level Artist

Wargaming

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
2 Months ago
DNEG - FX Lead

DNEG

Karnataka, India (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Ubisoft - Environment Artist

Ubisoft

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
1 Week ago
Ubisoft - Lead FX Artist

Ubisoft

Montpellier, Occitanie, France (On-Site)
1 Month ago
IO Interactive - Senior Gameplay Animator

IO Interactive

İstanbul, İstanbul, Türkiye (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago
Global Step - Creature Processing Artist – Nighshift

Global Step

Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania (Hybrid)
6 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in New South Wales, Australia

Milestone - Solutions Engineer

Milestone

New South Wales, Australia (Remote)
3 Days ago
Easygo - Software Development Engineer - Front-End Full Stack

Easygo

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Nine - Platform Engineer

Nine

North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Telastra - Constructor Repairer

Telastra

Australia (On-Site)
1 Day ago
Canva - Frontend Software Engineer

Canva

Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia (Remote)
1 Month ago
DNEG - Head of Creature

DNEG

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Nine - Senior Sales Executive

Nine

Docklands, Victoria, Australia (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Veeam Software - Executive Assistant

Veeam Software

North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
6 Hours ago
WongDoody - Sr. Designer, Experience Design Consultant

WongDoody

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
23 Hours ago
Big Ant Studios - 3D Environmental Artist

Big Ant Studios

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (On-Site)
6 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Animation Jobs

Activision - Expert Animation Engineer

Activision

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Rockstar Games - Senior Animation R&D Programmer

Rockstar Games

New York, New York, United States (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Rockstar Games - AI/Gameplay Programmer

Rockstar Games

Oakville, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Playground Games - Senior Gameplay Animator

Playground Games

Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
5 Months ago
Flying Bark Productions - Lookdev Artist

Flying Bark Productions

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)
1 Week ago
Epic Games - Animation Lead

Epic Games

(On-Site)
10 Months ago
Visual Concepts - Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay)

Visual Concepts

Agoura Hills, California, United States (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Epic Games - Technical Animation Artist

Epic Games

(On-Site)
1 Week ago
DNEG - Animation TD (DNEG Animation)

DNEG

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
6 Months ago
Netflix - Software Engineer - Procedural Geometry & Simulation

Netflix

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
2 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

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.

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

Madrid, Community Of Madrid, Spain (On-Site)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by Flying Bark Productions

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug