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

Swaybox Studios is seeking a skilled Flash Animation Artist (Digital Puppet Pipeline) to support the execution of our Digi-Pup (Digital Puppetry) pipeline. Working under the Flash Animation Supervisor, you will utilize our proprietary Digital Puppetry techniques, to blend multiple MoMo performances together, creating one cohesive animated character. The focus of this process is strongly rooted in the principles of animation and maintaining the fluidity, weight, and grounded motion of our performances.

This role requires both artistic sensitivity of animation and the technical precision of basic compositing. You will be responsible for stabilizing and manipulating puppet layers, maintaining performance integrity across varied shooting styles and scales, and executing shot work that aligns with the overall visual direction of the film.

You will collaborate closely with Supervisors, Technical Directors, and fellow artists to ensure shot continuity, technical accuracy, and consistent performance quality throughout production.

This is a studio-based role working onsite in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform 2D tracking (stabilization and match-moving) of live-action puppet layers to retain puppeteer performances, as well as, enhancing additional motion to help the character to feel grounded and natural.
• Blend and refine multiple layered performances into cohesive animated results using Digi-Pup tools and compositing workflows.
• Ensure the technical and artistic aspects of Digi-Pup performances align with the project's overall vision; maintaining consistency across the different shooting styles and scales of our puppets.
• Enhance motion where needed to ensure characters feel grounded, fluid, and consistent with the project's aesthetic.
• Maintain consistency across varying puppet scales, lensing setups, and shooting styles.
• Troubleshoot shot-level technical issues in collaboration with Supervisors and Technical Directors.
• Execute notes efficiently and communicate clearly regarding progress, challenges, and creative decisions with both Supervisors and Production.
• Support pipeline improvements by providing practical feedback based on hands-on production experience.
• Maintain organized files and adhere to established pipeline standards and naming conventions.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in 2D flash-like animation, compositing, or related hybrid animation workflows.
• Strong understanding and implementation of animation principles, including: physical motion, weight, timing, balance, and form.
• Experience working in compositing software such as Nuke, After Effects, Fusion, or similar tools.
• Solid grasp of anatomy and physical motion as it applies to realistic puppet or performance-based animation.
• Ability to execute precise tracking, warping, and layered animation adjustments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex layered shot work.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills with unique or proprietary workflows.
• Strong capacity to be flexible, adapt quickly, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving creative direction.
• An artistic mindset and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback, whether that's with draw-overs, over the shoulder adjustments, or team meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with Nuke, including warping tools, retiming, and layer management.
• Familiarity with After Effects tools such as Liquify, Puppet Pin, or similar animation-based distortion tools.
• Basic scripting knowledge or interest in working with TDs to provide feedback for workflow automation or pipeline enhancements.
• Background in puppetry, rotomation, or hybrid performance animation is a plus.

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.

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