Layout Lead

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 upcoming feature film, Zac Power.

*Please note that you must be open to relocate to Sydney, no remote opportunities available.*

The Layout Lead is responsible for ensuring all cinematographic aspects of the CG production are executed creatively according to the Director’s vision and to the required technical specifications of the production. This includes responsibility for visual and story continuity and flow within and between shots, composition, previsualization as required, leading CG layout crew, dialogue and interaction with related departments as required. 

About the role:

• Direct, inspire and mentor all crew in the CG Layout department.
• Oversee character blocking, set dressing, camera framing and movement, while maintaining a strong sense of composition, animation timing and storytelling.
• Working closely with the Layout Supervisor to ensure the composition and cinematic standards of the project are maintained throughout the layout process.
• Collaborating with the CG Supervisor to test creative and technical workflows for optimum efficiency and help develop the department pipeline.
• Collaborating with asset departments , ensuring assets are used as intended, with any adjustments requested.
• Ability to inspire and mentor their team, and appropriately assigning work to suit artists’ strengths, whilst also being able to give constructive and regular feedback.
• Developing and working within the constraints of the pipeline, and providing feedback about where workflows could be improved.
• Maintaining strong communication and the ability to work to a verbal or visual brief, flagging in advance any issues.

About you:

• Previous Layout Lead experience in previs or animated projects preferred
• A strong senior with experience leading sequences and mentoring artists would also be considered
• Demo reel focused on layout/previs.
• A strong sense of composition, cinematic camera work, animation timing and narrative storytelling.
• Advance knowledge of layout workflows, live action and CG camera lens information, camera rigs and cinematography.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiasm and passion for animation, cameras and cinematography.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Perks & Benefits:

• We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
• 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.
  Breakfast is served daily - on us!
• Flare Benefits Platform: Access to exclusive discounts, cashback, and premium deals at hundreds of major Australian retailers to help your pay go further.
• Health Insurance Discounts: Compare and save on private health cover with potential savings of up to $300.
• Novated Leasing (Flare Cars): Eligible employees can save an average of $10,000/year on car ownership through novated leasing.
• Available to permanent employees and fixed-term contractors on contracts of 12 months or more.

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