Character Modeling Supervisor - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix Animation Studios Australia Pty Ltd; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision plans

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios Australia Pty Ltd is seeking a Character Modeling Supervisor to lead the character modeling team for an upcoming feature film. You will ensure high-quality models align with the show's designs and are ready for Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, and Animation.

The role requires significant lead experience, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in Maya and ZBrush. This Sydney-based hybrid position offers NAS benefits and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Character Modeler in feature animation, VFX, or high-end series with lead/supervisory roles.
• Strong portfolio showing stylized or realistic character modeling in line with design intent.

Responsibilities

• Supervise creation of character models (hero, secondary, background) aligning with the vision and style.
• Collaborate with Art Director and Head of Characters to maintain proportion and appeal.
• Lead modeling reviews; provide clear feedback on form, topology, and quality.
• Ensure models meet technical requirements for Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, and Animation.
• Support tooling, workflows, and asset management with Technical Supervisors and TDs.
• Advise on asset complexity and progress with Production Management.
• Partner with Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, Environments, and Animation to resolve issues.
• Mentor modelers and support training and performance feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Character modeling

Communication

Artistic direction

Maya

ZBrush

Pipeline collaboration

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

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 Modeling Supervisor to support our upcoming feature film. The Character Modeling Supervisor works inside of NAS to lead the character modeling team on a specific film or series, focusing on the creation of high‑quality character assets that faithfully translate the show’s designs into 3D. This role helps ensure that all character models are both artistically compelling and technically ready for Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, and Animation, working within the direction and standards set by the Head of Characters and show leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise the creation of character models (hero, secondary, background) that align with the Director’s and Art Director’s vision and the show’s visual style
• Work closely with the Art Director (Characters), Character Designers, and Head of Characters to interpret design intent and maintain consistency of proportion, style, and appeal
• Lead character modeling reviews and provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on form, anatomy, silhouette, topology, and overall quality
• Ensure character models meet technical requirements and pipeline standards so they integrate smoothly with Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, and Animation
• Collaborate with Technical Supervisors, TDs, and Production Technology to support and refine modeling tools, workflows, and asset management processes
• Provide input to Production Management and department leadership on asset complexity and progress to support realistic planning and prioritization
• Partner with Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, Environments, and Animation to resolve design or technical issues and maintain alignment across departments
• Mentor and support character modelers, helping to identify training needs and contributing to performance feedback and skill development
• Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture where artists can do their best work

What You’ll Need

• Significant experience as a Character Modeler in feature animation, VFX, or high‑end series, including time in a Lead or Supervisory role
• A strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in character modeling (stylized and/or realistic), with clear understanding of anatomy, form, and appeal
• Proficiency in modeling and sculpting tools such as Maya and ZBrush (additional tools a plus)
• Strong understanding of how character models interact with Rigging, Surfacing, CFX, and Animation within a production pipeline
• Great communication and leadership skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback and collaborate effectively across departments
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills

This role is based out of Sydney, Australia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office). NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here.

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.

At Netflix, we want to entertain the world. Whatever your taste, and no matter where you live, we give you access to best‑in‑class TV series, documentaries, feature films and games. Our members control what they want to watch, when they want it, in one simple subscription. We’re streaming in more than 30 languages and 190 countries, because great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. We are the world’s biggest fans of entertainment, and we’re always looking to help you find your next favorite story.