Locations Adelaide, South Australia
Employment Type Hybrid / Remote Options
Primary Toolset Autodesk Maya & Python
Salary Range Competitive Industry Rates (Detailed breakdown below)
The RSP Legacy: Three Decades of Visual Excellence
For over thirty years, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) has been a global leader in the visual effects industry, delighting and inspiring audiences worldwide. Based in Australia, RSP has evolved from a boutique studio into a trusted creative powerhouse for major Hollywood motion picture studios. Our reputation is built on a foundation of innovation and a relentless pursuit of cinematic perfection.
At RSP, you aren't just a technician; you are a key architect of Hollywood's most memorable screen moments. Our recent portfolio reflects our status as a premier VFX partner, featuring high-profile projects such as:
* Marvel & Action Epics: Deadpool & Wolverine, Thunderbolts*, The Fall Guy.
* Immersive Universes: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Star Wars: The Acolyte, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
* Iconic Characters: Sonic The Hedgehog 3, Knuckles, Mickey 17.
Joining RSP means joining a legacy of award-winning artistry where your work on characters, creatures, and complex assets will be seen by millions across the globe.
The Role: Rigging Artist (Junior to Senior)
We are looking for talented Rigging Artists across all levels of experience to join our world-class VFX team. The Rigging Artist serves as the vital link between a static model and a living, breathing performance. Your primary objective will be to create robust, animator-friendly rigs for a wide array of characters, creatures, and props.
In this role, you must balance technical precision with artistic requirements, ensuring that every rig you build is not only stable and performant but also intuitive for the animation team. Whether you are a Junior artist looking to build a foundation on high-end features or a Senior Lead capable of architecting complex deformation systems, RSP offers a collaborative environment designed for technical growth and creative fulfillment.
Estimated Salary Table (2026 AUD Industry Benchmarks)
While specific offers depend on an artist's portfolio, technical test results, and unique experience, the following table represents the estimated compensation for Rigging Artists in the Australian VFX market:
Seniority Level Estimated Annual Salary (AUD) Estimated Hourly Rate
Junior Rigging Artist $82,000 – $98,000 $41 – $49
Mid-Level Rigging Artist $100,000 – $120,000 $51 – $61
Senior Rigging Artist $125,000 – $155,000+ $64 – $79+
Rigging Lead / Supervisor $160,000 – $190,000+ $82 – $97+
Note: These figures are benchmarks based on 2026 industry trends and include standard Australian superannuation. Final salary is subject to negotiation based on demonstrated skill set.
Key Responsibilities & Performance Goals
* System Building: Construct and maintain production-ready rigs for a diverse range of assets, from hero characters to background props.
* Deformation Mastery: Develop high-quality deformation systems, including complex skinning, blendshapes, and corrective workflows to ensure realistic movement.
* Stability: Ensure all rigs are robust enough to withstand the rigors of a fast-paced production environment without breaking or slowing down the pipeline.
2. Technical Integration & Optimization
* Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Modeling team to ensure geometry is "rig-ready" and with the Animation team to guarantee rigs meet performance requirements.
* Troubleshooting: Actively identify and resolve rigging issues that arise during production, optimizing setups for maximum efficiency.
* Pipeline Support: Collaborate with the pipeline and CG teams to ensure smooth integration of rigged assets into the broader VFX workflow.
3. Tool Development & Standards
* Scripting: Use Python to develop tools and scripts that automate repetitive tasks and improve the efficiency of the rigging department.
* Documentation: Maintain clear, concise documentation for rigs and tools to ensure team members can easily understand and use your systems.
* Quality Control: Uphold RSP's rigorous rigging standards, ensuring consistency across shots and sequences.
Required Skills & Experience
We are seeking artists who are as comfortable with anatomy as they are with code. The ideal candidate will possess:
* Technical Proficiency: A strong mastery of Autodesk Maya, specifically node-based rigging workflows and standard rigging tools.
* Anatomical Knowledge: A deep understanding of skeletal structures, muscle systems, and human/animal anatomy to create believable deformations.
* Coding Skills: Proficiency in Python scripting for tool and pipeline development is highly advantageous for applicants at all levels.
* Animation Insight: A solid understanding of animation workflows; you should know what an animator needs to deliver a world-class performance.
* Problem Solving: Strong attention to detail and an innate ability to troubleshoot complex technical hurdles under deadline pressure.
* Collaboration: A professional, team-oriented approach to work in a fast-paced, high-stakes production environment.
RSP is committed to fostering a culture where talent can thrive. We understand that the best work comes from artists who are supported and challenged.
* Work Flexibility: We offer Hybrid working arrangements for those near our Adelaide or Brisbane hubs, as well as Remote options for artists based within Australia.
* Innovation-Driven: Innovation is a key component of our success; we encourage our artists to contribute to workflow improvements and tool development.
* Professional Growth: With a 30-year history, we provide a stable yet exciting environment where you can work alongside some of the industry's brightest minds.
How to Apply
At Rising Sun Pictures, we review applications on a rolling basis, and early submissions are highly encouraged to secure a place on our upcoming productions.
Required Application Materials:
1. Updated Resume: Highlighting your experience with specific rigging tools and projects.
2. Showreel: A link to your latest reel, featuring breakdowns of your rigging systems and deformation work.
3. Statement of Interest: A brief note on why you want to join RSP and your preferred work location (Adelaide, Brisbane, or Remote).
Join us in creating the next generation of cinematic icons. Apply now to become a part of the RSP legacy.
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