Puppet Prop Coordinator

Swayboxstudios; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking a Puppet Coordinator to organize Puppet Fabrication task planning, scheduling, and progress tracking. You will work with the management team to align production plans with budgets and deadlines.

Key responsibilities include coordinating groups, developing artist schedules, and ensuring safety and process standards throughout the fabrication workflow. This role requires strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in film or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong coordination and multitask planning abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating puppet fabrication or similar departments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and track puppet fabrication tasks across departments.
• Coordinate with fabrication groups to optimize workflow and output.
• Develop schedules for artists and teams to meet priorities.
• Oversee daily operations, safety, storage, and budget alignment.
• Prepare weekly progress updates and assist in budget tracking.
• Assist onboarding and training for new team members.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

Scheduling

Excel

Fabrication knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in film or related field

Tools

Excel

Scheduling software

Job description

Why join Swaybox Studios?

Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/ Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.

Job Summary

The Puppet Coordinator is responsible for organizing and facilitating all elements of Puppet Fabrication. Collaborating closely with the Puppet Fabrication management team, this role involves planning and scheduling specific tasks related to puppet production, tracking productivity, generating reports, and identifying potential challenges that may hinder project completion. In partnership with the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor, the Puppet Coordinator adapts plans to align with the broader scheduling and budgeting objectives of the production.

Key Responsibilities

• Task Planning and Scheduling: Collaborate with the management team to plan, estimate, and schedule various Puppet Fabrication tasks, including sculpting, armature construction, molding, casting, and painting
• Group Support and Evaluation: Assess and address the needs of each fabrication group within the Puppet Fabrication department to optimize workflow
• Artist and Group Scheduling: Develop schedules for artists and fabrication teams to ensure that departmental priorities are met in a timely manner
• Operational Coordination: Oversee the daily operations and build-out of Puppet Fabrication to ensure that equipment, materials, health and safety standards, storage, employee relations, and budget goals are maintained
• Production Awareness: Ensure that all Puppet Fabrication team members are informed about production priorities, deadlines, health and safety protocols, and relevant operational procedures
• Meeting Participation: Attend and/or lead pertinent production meetings with the Creative Supervisor and Puppet Fabrication Supervisor, ensuring accurate note-taking and distribution of essential information
• Weekly Progress Updates: Prepare and present weekly updates on project progress across all departments to the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor and Producer
• Budget Tracking Assistance: Support the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor in monitoring departmental budget expenditures and costs
• Training Support: Assist in onboarding new team members, providing guidance on production processes and best practices
• Flexibility: Willingness to work extended hours as needed to meet production demands

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in film, art, or a related field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in a related role.
• Coordination Skills: Proven ability to coordinate and manage groups effectively.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Planning and Monitoring: Capable of planning, scheduling, and tracking progress across multiple, interrelated departments.
• Fabrication Knowledge: Understanding of materials and processes involved in character fabrication preferred.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in word processing, Excel, and scheduling software.
• Preferred Experience: More than one year of experience managing puppet-related fabrication teams on feature films, with specific knowledge of puppet fabrication techniques and methods.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Physical Demands:

• The role requires standing, sitting, walking, and operating standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move items up to 15 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close focus, distance vision, and adaptability.

Work Environment:

• The position involves working indoors, under typical office conditions, with exposure to fluctuating indoor temperatures.
• Noise levels are moderate.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.

We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.