Flying Bark Productions is seeking an experienced and technically skilled CFX Lead to join its growing animation team in Sydney. This hybrid contractor opportunity offers the chance to work on globally recognized animated productions including the Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, the Ghostbusters animated series, Stranger Things, and Tales From Outer Suburbia.
The studio is looking for a talented professional with strong expertise in character effects simulations, cloth dynamics, hair systems, and procedural workflows. As a CFX Lead, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality simulations that enhance character realism and cinematic storytelling across major animation productions.
This position is ideal for candidates who enjoy solving technical simulation challenges while collaborating closely with animation, VFX, and pipeline teams in a creative production environment.
Job Overview: CFX Lead
Company Name Flying Bark Productions
Position CFX Lead
Department CFX
Industry Animation / Film & Television
Employment Type Contractor
Work Model Hybrid
Location Sydney
Production Type 2D & 3D Animation
Software Requirements Maya, Houdini
Programming Skills Python, MEL, VEX, C++
Experience Level Senior / Lead
Project Types Feature Films & Animated Series
Estimated Salary Range
Experience Level
Senior CFX Artist AUD $110,000 – AUD $135,000 per year
Lead CFX Artist AUD $135,000 – AUD $165,000+ per year
Contract Day Rate AUD $550 – AUD $850 per day
Compensation may vary depending on experience, project duration, technical expertise, and leadership background.
About the Role
The CFX Lead is responsible for developing and supervising character-related simulations and dynamic effects used throughout animated productions. This includes cloth simulations, hair systems, rigid body dynamics, muscle systems, crowd simulations, and secondary animation enhancements.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with VFX Supervisors, animation teams, technical artists, and pipeline developers to create realistic and visually engaging effects that support storytelling and character performance.
The ideal candidate combines artistic understanding with strong technical problem-solving abilities and has extensive experience using Maya and Houdini in professional production environments.
Key Responsibilities
Character FX & Simulation Development
* Create and manage character-related simulations including:
o Cloth dynamics
o Hair simulations
o Rigid body simulations
o Crowd systems
o Muscle simulations
* Use tools such as:
o nCloth in Maya
o Vellum in Houdini
* Develop realistic and production-ready simulation setups for animated characters.
Shot Production & Simulation Execution
* Run simulations for production shots while maintaining quality and efficiency.
* Troubleshoot technical simulation issues and optimize workflows.
* Implement revisions based on feedback from supervisors and leads.
* Ensure simulations integrate seamlessly into final animation shots.
Shot Sculpting & Cleanup
* Refine and clean simulation caches for improved visual quality.
* Correct issues related to cloth intersections, collisions, and unstable simulations.
* Polish character movement and simulation behavior to meet cinematic standards.
Secondary Motion & Additional Effects
* Add secondary animation and dynamic motion where needed.
* Apply simulations to:
o Geometry hair clumps
o Feathers
o Muscle systems
o Additional character assets
* Improve realism and movement detail across sequences.
Technical Collaboration & Pipeline Support
* Work closely with:
o VFX Supervisors
o Technical Directors
o Animation Leads
o Pipeline Teams
* Develop efficient workflows and simulation techniques.
* Support production pipelines and interdepartmental dependencies.
* Help improve tools, processes, and simulation systems.
Productivity & Deadline Management
* Maintain a high level of productivity while meeting production deadlines.
* Ensure simulations meet both technical and artistic requirements.
* Balance quality standards with fast-paced production schedules.
* Communicate progress updates and technical challenges clearly to leadership teams.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
Candidates should possess advanced expertise in:
* Autodesk Maya
* Houdini
* nCloth workflows
* Vellum simulations
* Character FX systems
Strong programming or scripting knowledge is also required, including experience with:
* Python
* MEL
* VEX
* C++
Artistic & Simulation Knowledge
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
* Strong understanding of animation principles and timing
* Knowledge of realistic cloth and hair behavior
* Experience with cinematic shot development
* Understanding of production-ready simulation workflows
* Ability to create believable secondary motion and effects
Leadership & Communication Skills
The ideal candidate should also have:
* Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
* Experience leading or mentoring artists
* Strong problem-solving capabilities
* Ability to provide technical direction and feedback
* Efficient time-management and organizational skills
* Ability to adapt in fast-paced production environments
Projects You May Work On
At Flying Bark Productions, artists contribute to internationally recognized productions, including:
* Avatar: The Last Airbender
* Stranger Things
* Tales From Outer Suburbia
These projects provide artists with opportunities to work on high-profile productions with global audiences.
Why Join Flying Bark Productions?
Flying Bark Productions is one of Australia's most respected animation studios with more than 50 years of industry experience producing award-winning animated films and television series.
The studio offers a creative, inclusive, and artist-focused environment designed to support professional growth and collaboration.
Employees and contractors may enjoy access to:
* Hybrid work flexibility
* Industry-leading animation facilities
* Private cinema and creative studio spaces
* Zen Garden and quiet rooms
* Games room and social spaces
* Daily breakfast provided by the studio
* Movie nights, wrap parties, and studio events
* Career development and training opportunities
* Mental health support and counseling services
* Pet-friendly workplace environment
* Charity and fundraising initiatives through "Paws for a Cause"
The studio is also committed to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming culture where all employees are valued and celebrated.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role is ideal for professionals who:
* Are passionate about character simulation and animation technology
* Enjoy solving technical and artistic challenges
* Thrive in collaborative production environments
* Have experience working on animated films or series
* Can balance technical precision with creative storytelling
* Want to contribute to globally recognized productions
Application Process
Interested candidates should prepare:
* Updated CV or resume
* Demo reel showcasing CFX and simulation work
* Portfolio demonstrating cloth, hair, or dynamics simulations
* Details of pipeline or scripting experience
Relevant production credits: Applicants with experience in feature animation, television series, or large-scale VFX productions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Flying Bark Productions Hiring CFX Lead – Sydney
The CFX Lead role at Flying Bark Productions offers a unique opportunity to work on internationally recognized animated productions while collaborating with talented artists and technical teams in Sydney.
For professionals passionate about simulation technology, animation, and cinematic storytelling, this position provides an exciting platform to contribute to cutting‐edge animation projects while advancing your career in the global animation industry.
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