Character Effects (CFX) Supervisor

Netflix Animation Studios; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios is seeking a Character Effects Supervisor to lead the CFX team on an upcoming feature film. This role oversees hair, fur, cloth, garments, and other character-related simulations, ensuring performance and storytelling alignment with the Director’s vision.

You will collaborate with modeling, rigging, animation, and VFX teams to ensure assets are ready for stable simulation and rendering. Hybrid role in Sydney with in-office presence three days a week.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Character Effects/CFX for feature animation or VFX.
• Time in a Lead or Supervisory role with strong reel showcasing hair, fur, cloth.
• Proficiency with Houdini and/or Maya; understanding CFX pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Supervise CFX to support character performance and storytelling.
• Collaborate with Heads, art directors, and departments to interpret requirements.
• Lead CFX dailies and provide clear feedback on simulations.
• Refine CFX assets and setups for hero scenes and reference work.
• Mentor CFX artists and contribute to training and performance feedback.

Skills

CFX leadership

Houdini/Maya

Character motion

Leadership

Communication

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary

We are seeking a Character Effects Supervisor to support our upcoming feature film. The Character Effects Supervisor works inside of NAS to lead the CFX team on a specific film, overseeing hair, fur, cloth, garments, and other character-related simulations. This role ensures that character effects enhance performance and storytelling, align with the Director’s vision, and are technically robust for downstream departments, working within the direction and standards set by the Head of Character Effects and show leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise character effects (hair, fur, cloth, garments, and other secondary motion) to ensure they support character performance, clarity, and appeal.
• Work closely with the Head of Character Effects, Art Director (Characters), Character Designers, Animation, and Rigging leadership to interpret design and performance requirements and translate them into CFX approaches.
• Lead CFX dailies and reviews, providing clear, specific, and constructive feedback on simulations and their integration with character animation and staging.
• Create or refine selected CFX assets, setups, and/or shots as needed—particularly complex, hero, or reference‑setting work—to help establish the quality bar, style, and technical approach for the team.
• Collaborate with Modeling, Rigging, Surfacing, Animation, FX, Lighting, and Technical teams to ensure assets and rigs are prepared for stable, efficient simulation and rendering.
• Help define and refine CFX tools, workflows, and presets in partnership with Technical Supervisors, CFX/FX TDs, and Production Technology.
• Provide input to Production Management and department leadership on CFX complexity and progress to support realistic planning and prioritization.
• Mentor and support CFX artists, helping to identify training needs and contributing to performance feedback and career development.
• Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture where artists can do their best work.

What You’ll Need

• Extensive experience in Character Effects/CFX within feature animation, VFX, or high‑end series, including time in a Lead or Supervisory role.
• A strong reel demonstrating advanced hair, fur, cloth, and garment simulations and how they support character performance.
• Proficiency with simulation tools such as Houdini and/or Maya, and solid understanding of CFX pipelines and caching strategies.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, tailoring, and how clothing and hair/fur move to convey weight and emotion.
• Great communication and leadership skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.

This role is based in Sydney, New South Whales. Hybrid Role (Minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office).

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.