At Flying Bark Productions, the Layout department is where the conceptual becomes cinematic. For over half a century, our studio has bridged the gap between traditional storytelling and cutting‐edge digital artistry. We are a community of creators who believe that the lens is just as much a character as the protagonists on screen.
As our Layout Supervisor, you are the master of the digital lens. You will lead the charge on an unprecedented slate of global projects, including the highly anticipated Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, and the stylized, high‐stakes worlds of Netflix's Ghostbusters and Stranger Things animated series. Your mission is to translate the Director's vision into a 3D space, ensuring that every frame is composed with purpose, every camera move is motivated by story, and every sequence flows with flawless continuity.
Job Overview : Layout Supervisor
Category Details
Company Name Flying Bark Productions
Department Layout Supervisor & Previs
Employment Type Contractor (Manager/Supervisor)
Location Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Work Model Hybrid (Mix of Studio & WFH)
Relocation Mandatory (Candidates must be open to relocating to Sydney)
Estimated Compensation Structure (AUD)
The figures below represent current 2026 market benchmarks for Supervisor‐level roles in the Australian animation and post‐production hub.
Layout Supervisor (Standard) $155,000 – $180,000 $3,000 – $3,500
Senior Layout Supervisor / Tech Lead $180,000 – $210,000+ $3,500 – $4,100
Contractual rates are negotiable based on the complexity of the project slate and prior leadership history in major studios.
The Layout Supervisor serves as the bridge between Story and Animation. You are responsible for the technical and creative integrity of the digital cinematography.
You will direct, inspire, and mentor the entire CG Layout crew. This isn't just about oversight; it's about assigning work that plays to an artist's strengths while pushing the collective quality of the department. You will provide constructive, regular feedback to ensure the team hits the highest cinematic standards.
Visual Storytelling & Continuity
Under your guidance, the team will execute character blocking, set dressing, and camera framing. You are the final arbiter of visual continuity—ensuring that the "flow" between shots is seamless and that the animation timing established in layout provides a rock‐solid foundation for the final animation team.
Strategic Collaboration
You will work at the intersection of several key departments:
* Director of Photography: To ensure the lighting and composition align with the cinematic language of the film.
* CG Supervisor: To develop and refine the department pipeline, testing workflows for maximum efficiency.
* 2D/Background Teams: In our unique 2.5D workflows, you will provide the essential data needed for 2D background artists to create assets that integrate perfectly with 3D elements.
* Production: Assisting in bidding on shots and ensuring all internal deadlines are met without compromising the artistic vision.
Technical Innovation
You will champion the development of layout workflows. This includes overseeing advanced camera rigs, lens data (matching live‐action physics in a CG environment), and ensuring that all assets are utilized as intended by the asset department supervisors.
Your Toolkit: Requirements
We are looking for a veteran of the industry who understands that a camera is a storytelling tool, not just a technical viewpoint.
Requirements:
* Leadership Pedigree: Proven experience as a Layout Supervisor within the VFX or animated feature film industry.
* Cinematic Mastery: A profound understanding of composition, lens information (focal lengths, depth of field), and the physics of real‐world camera movement.
* Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of Maya‐based layout workflows and experience managing complex digital environments.
* Communication: Exceptional ability to interpret verbal or visual briefs and flag technical or creative issues long before they impact the schedule.
* Portfolio: A demo reel that showcases a sophisticated sense of pacing, staging, and narrative flow.
Bonus Qualifications (Extra XP):
* Previous experience with 2.5D workflows (integrating 2D painted assets with 3D movement).
* Experience with Previs (pre‐visualization) for complex action sequences.
* Familiarity with ShotGrid for production tracking and review cycles.
At Flying Bark, we know that creativity thrives in an environment of support, inclusivity, and occasional canine companionship.
The Alexandria Studio
Our industry‐leading studio space in Alexandria, Sydney, is designed to be a second home:
* Amenities: A private cinema for dailies and screenings, a quiet room for deep focus, and a Zen Garden.
* Social Culture: Breakfast is on the house every morning! We also host movie nights, wrap parties, and have a dedicated "Culture Club" to keep things fun.
* Dog Friendly: We are a dog‐loving studio—you'll regularly find fluffy companions wandering the halls.
Holistic Support
* Hybrid Model: While this role requires being Sydney‐based, we offer a hybrid approach with flexible work‐from‐home days.
* Health & Well‐being: Free access to Support Act (counseling), discounted health insurance via Bupa, and financial wellness initiatives from Media Super.
* Community: Our Paws for a Cause initiative allows us to give back to charities like the RSPCA and Beyond Blue.
* Career Growth: We invest in our leads, providing a yearly learning and development budget to keep your skills at the cutting edge.
Flying Bark Productions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that diverse teams create the most resonant stories. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Our culture is built on the idea that everyone is welcome and everyone is celebrated.
How to Apply
If you have the cinematic eye and the leadership experience to guide our layout team on some of the biggest projects in the world, we want to hear from you. Please submit your Resume and a link to your Demo Reel/Portfolio.
Reminder: This position is based in Sydney, Australia. Relocation to this beautiful harbor city is required, as we believe the best collaboration happens when we can share a space (and a coffee) together.
Join Flying Bark and help us frame the future of animation. Flying Bark Productions: Where stories take flight.
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