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

We're looking for a Surfacing TD who will be responsible for establishing the look and surface qualities for animated characters, props and environments. Through the use and development of textures and shaders; the Surfacing TD will guide the production process to achieve the desired visual style. The Surfacing TD collaborates with or aids the rest of the CG team to ensure the proper workflow and specifications are being developed to achieve the desired look on all textures.

About the role:

• Taking and interpreting a creative brief, whether a verbal or visual brief;
• Working within a brief and using 2D design reference to paint CG textures that are faithful to the style of the production;
• Develop shaders for all CG assets;
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to reconcile the technical requirements of motion picture quality works
• Work closely with the Asset Supe to develop workflows to increase productivity of the surfacing department while maintaining company standards.
• Have solid knowledge of Substance suite, Renderman and be self-sufficient in maintaining the workflows between Maya and these packages.
• 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;
• Ability in assisting with the creation of documentation for texture, surfacing and lighting guidelines and techniques;
• Submit CG assets for review, rendering in a way that best indicates their use within the show;
• 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;
• 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;
• Work in partnership with lighters and compositors to ensure schedules and deadlines are met as established by the Producer and Directors.
• And all other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required by the Production Company

About you:

• 5+ years of experience in animation.
• Fast problem solving and implementation of solutions.
• Take direction from a Supervisor as required as well as an ability to work autonomously.
• Ability to work in close partnership with the CG Layout and Design teams;
• Working within a team environment and follow guidance from creative and technical supervisors while demonstrating the ability to work independently as well as under direct supervision;
• Be adaptable, flexible and responsive to changes.
• Complete tasks within production deadlines for yourself and your team.
• In-depth knowledge of Maya and Photoshop and high proficiency in painting softwares like Substance Painter or Mari;
• Experience in Katana and/or Renderman with good knowledge of photoreal and non photoreal renderers
• 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 Madrid.
• Breakfast is served daily - on us!
• We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar!
• 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!

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