Backend TA

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 we are only considering Australia based candidates, must be open to relocate to Sydney.

The Backend TA is responsible for providing technical support to the crew on the Project, with a focus on the Lighting, FX and Compositing teams, under the guidance of the supervising technical crew and Production.

About the role:

• The role involves providing daily technical support to the Lighting, FX and Compositing crews.
• This includes maintaining and updating backend asset and shot libraries such as lighting templates, FX caches and comp scripts.
• The Backend TA reviews, triages and resolves bug reports related to backend tools and workflows.
• The role includes quality control of shots delivered from Animation and FX and preparing them for Lighting and Compositing.
• It may also include quality control of lighting, FX and final composited shots prior to delivery.
• Backend TA will look at systems and processes to support the flow of FX assets through to Lighting and Composting from Houdini (Fran to elaborate if needed)
• The role involves assisting with look development, lighting setups and shader assignments when required.
• Support for FX simulations and troubleshooting scene performance or render issues is part of the role.
• The Backend TA assists with pipeline-related tasks across Houdini, Katana and Nuke.
• Building strong working relationships with key members of production and crew is essential.
• The role requires taking direction from a Supervisor and seeking guidance when unsure.
• The Backend TA must be adaptable, flexible and responsive to production changes.

About you:

• You demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn backend and pipeline workflows.
• You have strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• You are able to script using Python (Katana, Nuke, Houdini), Lua (Katana Opscripts) and or VEX (Houdini) (Vex and Lua, non essential, but a benefit) and possibly shell scripting.
• You have working knowledge of Houdini, Katana, Nuke and ideally Maya (ideally within a production-based environment).
• Understanding of shader networks and shader optimisation are a benefit.
• You understand rendering workflows and scene optimisation.
• You are able to consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced production setting.
• You have excellent communication skills and a willingness to share information in a team environment.
• You are flexible and responsive to change.
• You have a passion for animation, visual effects and storytelling.

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.