Rigging Lead - Flying Bark Productions

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 our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 

*Please note that this is an Expression of Interest for roles starting early 2026 - must be open to relocate to Sydney, no remote opportunities available.*

About the role:

• Create animation control rigging systems for complex characters and props using Maya;
• Follow a brief and produce rigs to a high standard with a thorough understanding of controls and deformation;
• Manage and mentor rigging crew;
• Work with the CG Supervisor, Animation Leads and Modelling Department to ensure that all rigs meet the show’s requirements;
• Oversee the characters, set pieces and props rigging through the animation pipeline;
• Collaborate with Production to create a rigging schedule that complies with the schedule for the show;
• Have an excellent knowledge of Maya and rigging workflows through all departments to final delivery;
• Provide support to, troubleshoot for, users (other Technical Directors and Animators) who make use of the rigged assets;
• Creation, revision, maintenance and support of the rigged assets, responding to guidance and review notes from the Director/s as well as creative and technical supervisors;
• Ensure that rigged assets meet standards and specifications with respect to appearance and
• aesthetics, user interface, performance, robustness ; technical benchmarks;
• Maintain a consistent level of productivity while meeting deadlines and producing high quality work.

About you:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Up to date and in depth knowledge of Maya, and strong knowledge of Python and MEL.
• Ability to develop techniques and processes to solve rigging production
• Experience with Bifrost a plus 
• Great understanding of anatomy , deformations and complex behavior and automations 
• Experience with muscle sims a plus 

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 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.