Job Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist to help bridge the gap between live-action footage and CG integration. In this role, you’ll be responsible for extracting motion data from filmed plates, tracking both environments and facial performance, and aligning CG elements with precise real-world movement—whether using lidar scans, measurements, or solving without them.

You’ll play a critical role in our highly stylized yet technically demanding productions, including our groundbreaking collaboration with DC Comics, a project that’s set to redefine industry standards in performance-driven storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform accurate 3D camera and object tracking in live-action plates with or without on-set measurements and lidar scans.
• Extract camera motion, object tracking, and character movement (including facial performance) using a variety of matchmove techniques.
• Create rotoanim of CG character rigs to match puppet movement—including subtle facial expressions.
• Hand-key and solve complex motion where automated solutions fall short.
• Deliver clean, usable matchmove data to layout, animation, and compositing departments.
• Collaborate with the VFX and CG teams to troubleshoot tracking challenges and maintain alignment with production needs.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years experience as a matchmove or tracking artist in film, episodic, or high-end VFX.
• Expert knowledge of matchmoving principles: camera focal lengths, lens distortion, film backs, rolling shutter, parallax, and real-world camera behavior.
• Proficiency in tracking software such as PFTrack, Syntheyes, 3DEqualizer, MMSolver, and Maya.
• Solid understanding of cinematic language, camera operation, and on-set data acquisition practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rotoanim, facial tracking, and performance capture.
• Familiarity with MoCap data, KeenTools, and Nuke for projection and compositing integration.
• Working knowledge of layout, animation principles, and basic compositing.
• Scripting skills in Python, PySide, PyQT, or MEL to improve workflow or develop internal tools.
• Understanding of stylized performance-driven animation pipelines.

Job Summary

As a Senior Storyboard Artist, you will be responsible for both originating new storyboard sequences and refining boards coming out of the animatic process. Working with rough boards and reference materials, you will bring polish, clarity, and cinematic energy to sequences, ensuring that every panel communicates clear movement, compelling performance, and strong camera language. This role demands a seasoned artist who can work at a fast pace without sacrificing quality, and who brings deep knowledge of visual storytelling to every sequence they touch.

Key Responsibilities

• Take rough storyboards and animatic-stage boards and refine them into clean, polished sequences ready for production — preserving intent while significantly elevating execution.
• Originate storyboard sequences from script, director thumbnail, or verbal brief — developing staging, camera, and action from scratch when needed.
• Deliver expressive, nuanced character acting with clear emotional reads, strong poses, and fluid movement from panel to panel.
• Apply expert knowledge of perspective, staging, and camera language to ensure every sequence is cinematically compelling and spatially coherent.
• Interpret and build upon quick sketches and rough gesture drawings, extracting the core idea and elevating it to production quality.
• Maintain consistent character appeal and on-model accuracy. 
• Collaborate closely with the director and art and story team to understand sequence intent and deliver boards that serve the story.
• Adapt quickly to feedback and revisions, maintaining a high output pace within the demands of a feature film production schedule.
• Mentor and support junior board artists, providing guidance on technique, story sense, and production standards.
• Organize and prepare finalized boards for presentation, editorial, and pipeline handoff.

Required Qualifications

• Exceptional drawing skills with a commanding sense of gesture, expression, action, perspective, and appeal — evident in both refined work and quick sketches.
• Demonstrated ability to develop sequences from scratch — translating a script page, thumbnail, or verbal direction into clear, story-ready boards independently.
• Deep understanding of emotional performance and character acting; able to convey nuance, subtlety, and clear story beats through poses and expressions.
• Proven ability to sustain high-quality output at a high pace.
• Strong command of cinematic principles: camera placement, lens choice, framing, staging, and shot-to-shot continuity.
• Expert level of gestural and figurative drawing both with finesse and loose short hand, to apply across various character design proportions, staying on- model with consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret rough or gestural input and produce clean, story-ready boards that honor the original intent.
• Expert grasp of perspective, spatial reasoning, and environment staging across a range of camera angles.
• Fluency with digital tools including Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, or equivalent; comfortable working efficiently in a digital pipeline.
• Strong collaborative skills with a professional approach to feedback, revision cycles, and cross-department communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in animation (2D or 3D/CG), with a strong understanding of timing, arcs, and movement principles that inform great boarding.
• Experience working within or alongside animatic and editorial workflows.
• Knowledge of CG/3D production pipelines and how boards interface with layout and animation.
• The ability and comfort to draw live in front of a director/ team with ease.

Job Summary: We are looking for a skilled Set Carpenter / wood shop Fabricator to join our production team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for constructing, shaping, and assembling sets using a variety of materials—primarily wood and production-grade cardboard. This role requires precision, creativity, and the ability to collaborate closely with designers, model makers, and the broader fabrication team. You will support the build of both full-scale and scaled sets by cutting, forming, and finishing elements that contribute directly to our visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Read, interpret, and execute design blueprints, sketches, digital drafts, and fabrication drawings.
• Construct set walls, floors, ceilings, props, and support structures using wood and cardboard materials.
• Safely and accurately cut, score, laminate, and sculpt cardboard for use in structural and decorative set elements.
• Select appropriate construction materials and techniques based on design requirements.
• Construct, erect, and dismantle sets and props efficiently and safely.
• Ensure all set pieces meet safety standards for cast and crew.
• Collaborate closely with production designers, layout teams, and fabricators to ensure design fidelity and build feasibility.
• Perform maintenance, reinforcement, and repair work on existing sets and props.
• Assist with quick-turn set modifications during active production cycles.
• Organize and maintain inventory of wood, cardboard, adhesives, fasteners, and consumables.
• Maintain shop cleanliness, tool upkeep, and safe working habits.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Set Builder, Carpenter, Fabricator, or similar role in construction, theater, film, or production.
• Ability to read and interpret design blueprints, sketches, and measured drawings.
• Strong knowledge of woodworking tools, joinery, and fabrication techniques.
• Experience working with cardboard fabrication—cutting, laminating, reinforcing, bending, and pattern layout.
• Proficient with basic and advanced hand and power tools.
• Use of safety gear: goggles, ear protection, masks, gloves.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Woodshop tools: Table Saw, Chop Saw/Miter Saw, Nail Gun, Sanders, Grinders, Power Drills, Bandsaw, Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Oscillating Multi-Tool, Router.
• Experience with cardboard-specific tools: utility knives, scoring tools, straightedges, hot-wire cutters, and shop-safe adhesives.
• Familiarity with theater set construction, miniature fabrication, or hybrid fabrication workflows.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to solve problems creatively.

Job Summary

Swaybox Studios is looking for an Unreal Supervisor to lead our real-time pipeline and elevate the visual quality of work produced in Unreal Engine.

This role sits at the intersection of look development, lighting, and technical execution. You’ll guide a team of artists in building and refining assets, materials, environments, and lighting shots inside Unreal, while also diving deep into the engine yourself to solve problems, optimize workflows, and push visual fidelity.

You should be equally comfortable directing the creative look of a scene and understanding the underlying systems that make it work. You will foster a collaborative and efficient team environment that supports artists, while raising the bar. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone fluent in Unreal who can translate artistic intent into real-time results with efficiency, scalability, and innovation in mind.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all Unreal Engine-based workflows across production.
• Define and drive the visual look of scenes through lighting, shading, and real-time rendering techniques, ensuring a smooth replication of lighting from live action plates onto our CG environments.
• Contribute to the execution of CG environments, set extensions, and DMP projections, while utilizing different techniques and cheats to save on render time and budget.
• Guide artists in achieving high-quality results, while maintaining performance and pipeline integrity.
• Partner closely with the VFX Supervisor to translate creative direction into real-time implementation.
• Troubleshoot scenes, assets, and technical issues directly in Unreal alongside the Unreal TD.
• Optimize scenes for efficiency without sacrificing visual quality.
• Collaborate with TDs and Pipeline teams to improve tools, workflows, and scalability.
• Contribute to early R&D and look development inside Unreal.
• Support production needs including reviews, planning, bidding, recruiting, and team mentorship.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in VFX, animation, or game development, with 3–5 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Expert-level fluency in Unreal Engine, including real-time rendering, lighting, materials, and scene optimization.
• Deep understanding of shading/material systems and how they impact final visual output.
• Extremely knowledgeable in environment building.
• Strong artistic eye for lighting, composition, and cinematic presentation.
• Proven ability to lead teams and provide clear, actionable creative and technical direction.
• Experience working in real-time pipelines for film, episodic, or games.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work hands-on in production.
• Understanding of performance optimization for real-time environments.
• In-depth knowledge of texture mapping techniques.
• Deep understanding of visual language- texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, motion blur, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with virtual production workflows, including LED volumes and in-camera VFX.
• Familiarity with asset pipelines between DCC tools (Maya, Houdini, etc.) and Unreal Engine.
• Understanding of CG modelling and rigging workflows.
• Experience with photogrammetry, shooting your own HDRIs, and scanning.
• Scripting or technical experience (Blueprints, Python, C++) to support workflow improvements.
• Experience working in hybrid pipelines that blend real-time and offline rendering.
• Background in both stylized and photorealistic rendering approaches.
• Working knowledge of on-set camera work, including understanding of lenses, lighting setups, and performance tracking.
• Familiarity with digital matte painting and the compositing process.
• Traditional art background or fine arts education.

Role Overview

Set Designer Draftsman translates designs into actionable technical drawings and blueprints for set construction. They use Rhino or Vectorworks software to create floor plans, elevations, and 3D models, ensuring all designs meet safety standards, budget constraints, and the production designer's artistic vision. 

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Drawing: Create detailed working drawings, blueprints, and orthographic projections (ground plans, elevations, sections) for construction teams.
• Design Development: Translate sketches, mood boards, and concepts from the production designer or director into accurate, scaled, and buildable plans.
• Modeling: Vectorworks or Rhino to draft and model 3D structures.
• Construction Coordination: Collaborate with construction managers, art directors, and painters to ensure technical details are understood and adhered to.
• Site Surveys: Survey locations to take accurate measurements for designing sets that integrate into existing structures.
• Detailing: Incorporate precise measurements of materials, safety, and regulatory compliance into technical plans.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in Rhino and Vectorworks
• Drafting & Technical Drawing: Strong understanding of technical drawing techniques, geometry, and spatial design.
• Knowledge of Construction: Deep understanding of building techniques, materials, and scenic construction.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to create precise, clear, and accurate drawings that convey textures and finishes.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to translate artistic visions into technical specs and work with different departments.

Job Summary:

Swaybox Studios is seeking a highly skilled Lead CG Environment Modeler to help craft immersive worlds through meticulously designed environments. Working from concept art, reference materials, or the Director’s brief, you'll be responsible for overseeing and building assets that not only support the narrative, but also elevate the visual language of the production. This role is the bridge between practical fabrication and our digital world.

As a Lead CG Environment Modeler, you will be supporting the modeling needs between the Practical Set Fabrication team and the VFX team. This role is hands- on, collaborative, and provides support in early R&D. You will be responsible for ensuring the team adheres to the modeling standards and procedures throughout pre-production and production of the film. Your expertise will help shape and refine the pipeline and handoff, while fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.

Work Location: New Orleans, LA

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and refine digital models for sets, props, and vehicles based on provided references, concept art, or directorial feedback.
• Ensure models meet both aesthetic and technical requirements for layout and lighting & rendering pipelines. 
• Work closely with the art and production teams to maintain visual consistency across practical and CG environment extensions.
• Lead team in determining LOD and complexity; taking model builds from Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) into Maya, and adjusting, where necessary, for CG needs with organized, efficient, polygonal topology that maintain the stylistic shapes.
• Independently translate designs with minimal oversight: while maintaining fidelity and consistent shape language to proportion, style, and silhouette.
• Collaborate with the VFX Supervisor, Art Director, and Production Designer to determine the best split lines, to fit the needs for each of the environments and departments.
• Participate in scheduling and bidding needs for the modelling aspect of the department.
• Stay up to date with emerging tools, technologies, and modeling methods to enhance efficiency and output.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience as a set or environment modeler on high-end film, television, or cinematics with a strong emphasis on realism. 
• Previous leadership experience.
• Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, Blender, or other 3D, industry-standard, modeling softwares.
• Ability to translate 2D artwork into 3D models.
• Thorough understanding of holding edge needs, when smoothing or not smoothing models, and ability to determine when each is best used.
• Solid understanding of scale, composition, and modular design for environments.
• Ability to model both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative pipeline with evolving creative direction.
• Ability to revise work based on feedback in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new toolsets and willing to expand knowledge of toolsets.
• Knowledge of the modeling needs to hand off to VFX for accurate texturing and look development workflows.
• Deep understanding of dimension, scale, perspective, and overall spatial awareness.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.
• 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:

• Solid understanding of modelling in Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D), or other architectural/industrial modelling programs is a plus.
• Layout and UV experience is a plus.
• Basic experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering tools.
• Familiarity with scripting or tool development (e.g. Python, MEL, etc.) to support pipeline enhancements.
• Background in architecture, industrial design, or scenic/set design.
• Familiarity with hybrid workflows.

Overview

The Apparel Graphic Designer serves as a vital creative and technical leader within the production, responsible for the preparation, dyeing, printing, and maintenance of fabrics used for costumes, puppets, and other materials in feature films. This role requires expert knowledge of fabric treatment techniques, including dyeing, printing, and color-matching.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply techniques (dye-sublimation printing, screen printing, embroidery, vinyl cutting, etc.) to enhance fabric textures and patterns
• Conduct tests on fabrics to ensure colorfastness, durability, and performance under production conditions
• Collaborate with the costume and puppet teams by providing prepared fabrics, contributing to both creative and technical solutions
• Maintain detailed records of processes and printing techniques to ensure accurate replication throughout production
• Inspect fabrics and prints to ensure they meet performance and aesthetic standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to printing and fabric preparation
• Code and maintain organized folders and files of artwork created
• Work closely with Costume Lead, Fabricators, and other departments to ensure all fabrics meet creative and practical requirements
• Interpret creative concepts and translate them into functional designs.
• Guide and mentor junior team members to develop their skills in fabric treatment and printing techniques
• Be available for extended hours as required by the production timeline

Qualifications

• At least 4+ years of experience in fabric printing, or textile art 
• Bachelor’s degree in fine art, textile design, graphic design, or related experience
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with textile design software is a plus
• Experience with screen printing, digital printing, and other print applications
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges under tight deadlines
• In-depth understanding of fabric properties, and color theory
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation for processes and formulas
• Strong time management skills and the ability to meet production deadlines
• Preferred experience in a variety of dyeing techniques, including natural and synthetic dyes
• Preferred experience with fabric dyeing & treatment: being able to manage the dyeing, and color-matching of fabrics to align with the creative vision and production needs

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.

Job Summary

We are seeking a talented Set Painter to join our production team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for painting and finishing props and miniature models used in film and television. This role requires a keen eye for detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with designers and other team members.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret design specifications and color palettes.
• Paint and finish set props and miniature models to achieve desired effects.
• Mix paints and create custom colors as needed.
• Apply various painting techniques, including airbrushing, hand-painting, and weathering.
• Ensure high quality and consistency in all painted pieces.
• Collaborate with production and design teams to meet project specifications.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Document work through photography and maintain records of paint formulas.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues during the painting process.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a set painter or prop or model painter or in a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of painting techniques and materials.
• Attention to detail and a keen eye for color and texture.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to work in-office (not remotely).

Preferred Skills

• Creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with film, television, or theater production.

Job Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Compositor to help guide the seamless integration of our VFX elements. In this role, you will support the compositing team in maintaining visual consistency across practical and CG environment extensions, props, vehicles, and other FX elements to achieve both photorealistic and stylized composites.

Working closely with the Compositing Supervisor, artists, and Technical Directors, you will lead shot execution, mentor compositors, and help maintain efficient workflows while ensuring the creative vision and technical quality of the film are upheld.

This position requires strong on-the-box compositing skills, experience guiding artists within a production environment, and advanced knowledge of Nuke within a live-action VFX pipeline.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the compositing of complex shots, ensuring seamless integration of elements while maintaining the visual language and aesthetic of the film.
• Support the Compositing Supervisor in guiding artists and maintaining consistent artistic and technical standards across assigned sequences.
• Work closely with CG, Character Comp, Tracking, and other departments to ensure smooth handoffs and proper integration of elements.
• Contribute significant on-the-box compositing work, solving complex compositing challenges and setting examples of best practices for the team.
• Provide feedback, mentorship, and guidance to compositors to support growth and maintain a collaborative working environment.
• Help track shot progress and support the team in meeting deadlines, while maintaining high-quality output.
• Troubleshoot technical issues within artist scripts and assist with workflow solutions.
• Collaborate with the Compositing Supervisor and TDs to help identify pipeline improvements, tool needs, and workflow optimizations.
• Translate creative and technical notes from the Director, VFX Supervisor, Compositing Supervisor, and stakeholders into clear shot direction.
• Participate in dailies, reviews, and team syncs, providing constructive feedback and helping ensure notes are applied efficiently.
• Create clean, efficient Nuke scripts, templates, and reusable setups that support scalable workflows.
• Maintain organized files while adhering to pipeline standards, naming conventions, and documentation practices.
• Contribute to early visual development, look development, and R&D when needed.
• Stay informed on emerging compositing tools, technologies, and industry techniques.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of high-end, live-action film or episodic compositing experience, with a strong emphasis on environments and realism.
• Proven experience leading shots or mentoring artists within a compositing team environment.
• Strong on-the-box compositing skills involving live-action and CG integration.
• Expert-level knowledge of Nuke, including Gizmos, Groups, projections, depth workflows, and advanced compositing techniques.
• Experience compositing both stylized and photorealistic environments with strong attention to cinematography and storytelling detail.
• Solid understanding of DMP and CG pipelines within a VFX production environment.
• Experience working with OCIO/ACES color workflows.
• Working knowledge of vector-based compositing tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of visual language, including texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, motion blur, depth of field, and spatial awareness.
• Experience working with LiDAR scans, HDRIs, and photogrammetry.
• Strong understanding of cinematography, photography, and color science, including lenses, lighting setups, and camera workflows.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Nuke particles.
• Familiarity with KeenTools.
• Understanding of lighting workflows within a CG pipeline.
• Experience with Python scripting for Nuke or batch automation.
• Previous collaboration with Technical Directors on pipeline tools or workflow improvements.
• Familiarity with performance-tracking pipelines, rotomation, or hybrid workflows.
• Basic experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering tools.

Job Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced and hands-on Compositing Supervisor to oversee the seamless integration of our VFX elements. In this key leadership role, you will be managing the overall visual consistency across practical and CG environment extensions, props, and vehicles, and other FX elements to achieve photorealistic and stylized composites.

This position requires a deep understanding of compositing for film, strong leadership with mentoring abilities, and technical proficiency in Nuke. You will work closely with artists and Technical Directors to refine and develop tools that support a smooth, scalable, and artist-friendly workflow, while also managing team morale, quality control, and creative vision.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the seamless compositing of multiple elements from different departments to maintain their visual integrity per shot and in the overall aesthetic of the film.
• Work closely with the CG, Character Comp, Tracking, and other team Supervisors and Leads to ensure a smooth handoff of elements to the compositing team.
• Maintain high artistic and technical standards/methodology, while ensuring efficient and timely delivery of shots; balancing quality with schedule requirements.
• Delegate and manage shot progress, with a sharp awareness of deadlines, as well as contribute to on-the-box work as needed.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot artist files.
• Guide the compositing team, offering regular feedback, mentorship, and support to foster a productive and collaborative working environment.
• Collaborate with the Supervisors and TDs to determine best practices, diagnose technical problems, identify technical needs, and recommend new tools or workflow improvements.
• Recognize knowledge gaps and actively collaborate with the team to find solutions; taking a proactive approach to challenges.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging tools, technologies, and compositing methods to enhance efficiency and output.
• Collaborate in R&D and early visual development before full production rollout.
• Participate in reviews and team syncs, clearly communicating creative and technical goals and giving constructive feedback.
• Communicate with vendors, when needed.
• Independently translate and refine notes from VFX Supervisor/Director/Stakeholders with minimal oversight, while maintaining the fidelity and visual language of the film.
• Ensure the team interprets and applies feedback effectively and in a timely manner.
• Participate in recruitment, scheduling, bidding needs, and progress reviews with the VFX Supervisor and Production.
• Create clean, efficient, and well-structured scripts and templates that can be shared throughout the team to speed up workflows.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for internal tools and compositing processes, helping ensure consistency across the team.
• Adhere to organized files and established pipeline standards and naming conventions.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience high-end, live-action film or episodic compositing experience, with a strong emphasis on environments and realism.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a compositing team environment, including mentoring, feedback, and artist support.
• On-the-box compositing of complex shots (live action and CG); utilizing projections, warping, depth of field, and photographic optical effects.
• Ability to comp both stylized and realistic environments with attention to storytelling detail and cinematography.
• Great understanding of DMP and CG pipelines.
• Expert knowledge of Nuke, Gizmos & Group workflows, and advanced compositing techniques.
• OCIO/ACES Color config and management experience.
• Working knowledge of vector-based compositing tools and techniques.
• Strong capacity to be flexible, adapt quickly, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with evolving creative direction.
• Capability to revise work based on feedback in a timely manner.
• An artistic mindset and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback, whether that’s with draw-overs, over the shoulder adjustments, or team meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new toolsets and willing to expand knowledge of toolsets.
• Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills with unique or proprietary workflows.
• Deep understanding of visual language- texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, motion blur, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc.
• Solid experience using lidar scans, HDRI’s, and photogrammetry.
• Strong comprehension of cinematography, photography, and color science; including understanding of lenses, lighting setups, and performance tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nuke particles experience is great to have.
• Knowledge of KeenTools is a plus.
• Understanding of lighting workflows.
• Experience in Python scripting for Nuke or batch automation is a huge plus.
• Previous experience in developing or influencing pipeline tools in collaboration with Technical Directors.
• Familiarity performance-tracking pipelines, rotomation, or hybrid workflows.
• Basic experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering tools.

Location: New Orleans, LA 
Job Type: Full-Time | In House

*This is not a remote or hybrid position. It is in house in New Orleans*

Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled 3D Facial Animator with a proven background in film to join our creative team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience creating expressive and realistic facial and body animation that brings characters to life. This role requires strong keyframing abilities, with experience working with facial mocap data as part of a performance-driven pipeline.

You will collaborate closely with the animation team, character designers, and director to ensure that performances align with the storytelling vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Integrate and refine facial mocap data to achieve hyper-realistic performance when required
• Primarily to create high-quality keyframed 3D facial animations for characters in film, focusing on nuance and emotional expression
• Secondarily to create realistic biped body animation
• Work closely with the director and character designers to understand the intended performance and character aesthetic
• Utilize Maya to produce animations that meet project specifications and deadlines.
• Revise and refine animations based on feedback from the director and animation team to achieve the desired results
• Maintain organized files and documentation of animation processes for project consistency
• Stay current with the latest trends and techniques in facial animation and character performance.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a 3D Animator in film or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing your work
• Experience working with hyper-realistic facial mocap data and refining captured performances
• Strong keyframe animation skills, particularly in facial performance and emotional storytelling
• Proficiency in Maya
• Strong knowledge of animation principles and an eye for detail in character expressions and movements
• Ability to interpret character emotions and storylines through animation
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Nice to Haves:

• Understanding of anatomy and how it influences facial and body movement.
• Experience in creating acting reference for animation performances

Overview

We are looking for versatile and talented Fabricators to join our creative team. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in model making, set building and decoration, sculpting prop making, and some woodworking. You will play a key role in bringing our projects to life through innovative designs and effective prototyping.

Responsibilities:

• Create highly detailed models, sets, and prop assets, ensuring high quality and adherence to project specifications
• Utilize traditional model making and light woodworking that adheres to 2D concept art
• Work with 3D printed parts and laser-cut assets to create accurate models and integrate them into projects
• Texture and sculpt models to achieve realistic and visually appealing results
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to ensure models meet design specifications
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during the fabrication process

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Generalist or in a similar role, with a strong portfolio showcasing your work
• Proficiency in prop making, woodworking, model making, sculpting, fabric, and upholstery along with experience in other arts and crafts
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, creative environment
• Experience with metal work, 3D printing, vacu-forming, as well as industrial design principles

Preferred Skills:

• Woodshop tools: Table Saw, Chop Saw/Miter Saw, Nail Gun, Sanders, Grinders Power drills, bandsaw, Circular Saw, Jigsaw, Oscillating Multi-Tool, Router, Dremels, Hand tools
• Experience with laser-cutting, theater sets and other fabrication methods
• Artificial Greenery Specialist
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities
• We are looking for all skill levels from junior to team lead

Job Summary:

Swaybox Studios is seeking a creatively driven and technically adept Senior CG Lookdev and Lighting Artist to integrate CG facial performances into our cross-department workflows. This role is central to maintaining the emotional fidelity and character consistency of our hybrid puppetry performances, ensuring the final output meets the high artistic standards of the studio.

The Senior CG Lookdev and Lighting Artist will focus on facial performance replacement with a handoff to the compositing team. This person will play a hands-on role in bringing our characters to life, improving workflows, resolving creative challenges, and collaborating with Supervisors and Technical Directors to evolve tools that enhance production efficiency. This is a perfect position for a VFX artist who understands the subtle art of expression, character performance, and hybrid storytelling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement best practices in our face replacement pipeline, ensuring poses and expressions are seamlessly matched to animation and puppet facial performances.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of surface characteristics to create, adjust, and match textures and shading to our fabricated puppets.
• Replicate lighting from live action plates onto our characters with an emphasis on fine details, performance nuances, and the overall aesthetic of our film.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisor, MoMo Art Supervisor, and TDs to identify areas of improvement in the pipeline, including tool and workflow development.
• Maintain output quality and momentum in a fast-paced environment.
• Preserve cohesive character consistency across facial replacements and ensure smooth integration of our internal puppet performances, animation, and live action plates.
• Communicate effectively with production and creative leads to align visual performance with narrative goals.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years experience in high-end, live action VFX films, with a strong emphasis on beauty lighting and lookdev.
• Proficient in UV, texture, shading, and lighting within all of the following programs: Substance, Mari, Photoshop, Houdini, and Maya.
• Expert knowledge of Houdini and rendering in Arnold.
• Basic knowledge of compositing in Nuke to create and refine slap comps for presentation and handoff to the compositing team.
• In-depth knowledge of texture mapping techniques.
• Deep understanding of visual language- texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, motion blur, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.
• Prior experience with photogrammetry, shooting your own HDRIs, and scanning.
• 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:

• Understanding of CG modelling and rigging workflows.
• Experience with ZBrush and other 3D software is advantageous.
• Familiarity with scripting or tool development (e.g. Python, MEL, etc.) to support pipeline enhancements.
• Background in traditional art.
• Working knowledge of on-set camera work, including understanding of lenses, lighting setups, and performance tracking.
• Prior experience in both stylized and realistic texture and shading creation of digital faces is great to have.
• Familiarity with hybrid workflows that span traditional VFX and digital puppetry.

Job Summary:

Swaybox Studios is seeking an On-Set Compositor (Stage Comp Tech) to work alongside the puppeteers to help visual their layered performances through slap comps. You will be responsible for retiming and tracking the different performance layers—across varying shooting styles and scales—into movements that align with the stylistic aesthetic of the project. This role is critical in ensuring a streamlined transition from our puppeteers on stage to our digital puppetry team.

This position is part of a very fast paced environment. Your ability to keep production speed alongside the puppeteers will be essential for this role and will help keep the production on schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

• 2D Tracking (stabilizing and matchmoving) the live-action puppet layers to retain puppeteer performances.
• Retime plates to match the desired performance for our puppeteers.
• Slap comp multiple puppet layer performances together with basic keying to assess timing and motion with the puppeteers.
• Preparing visual reference for puppeteers to match to.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience using Nuke Studio to do editing, retimes, basic compositing, and tracking.
• Experience using Nuke to do retimes, keying, compositing, warping, and tracking.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with Heiro is great to have.
• Strong understanding and implementation of animation principles.
• A solid grasp on human anatomy and physical movement, as it applies to realistic puppet animation.
• Live action experience using Nuke to do retimes, keying, compositing, warping, and tracking
• 3D tracking experience is a plus.
• Previous work in high-end film production is highly sought after.

Position Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Set Layout Designer with strong proficiency in Rhino 3D to join our dynamic production team. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in cinematic set design, spatial composition, and visual storytelling, with the ability to conceptualize and build immersive environments using Rhino as a primary modeling and drafting tool.

You will be instrumental in translating storyboards and scripts into tangible set blueprints, 3D layouts, and visual guides that directly inform the fabrication and animation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with directors, production designers, and storyboard artists to create set layouts that align with the visual and narrative goals of each project.
• Translate concept art, storyboards, and production notes into Rhino-based technical layouts, blocking, and spatial arrangements.
• Develop detailed 3D models, set drawings, floor plans, and elevation designs in Rhino 3D, maintaining accuracy for fabrication and animation workflows.
• Generate scale-accurate models, set pieces, and scene geometry in Rhino for use by Fabrication, Stage/Camera, and Performance teams.
• Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation scale in mind.
• Integrate story and visual language to craft environments that enhance character performance and narrative intent.
• Adjust and revise layouts based on creative feedback, technical constraints, and fabrication requirements.
• Work closely with model makers, set fabricators, and CG teams to ensure layout feasibility, build accuracy, and production efficiency.
• Maintain consistency of design style and quality across sequences and shots.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Film, Illustration, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of experience in layout or set design for animation, film, or television.
• Strong proficiency in Rhino 3D, including modeling, drafting, and preparing files for fabrication.
• Strong understanding of scale, spatial reasoning, and set geometry, with the ability to accurately translate designs into Rhino-based technical models.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize Rhino files for fabrication, 3D printing, or stage use.
• Familiarity with additional design or visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Blender, or Maya).
• Ability to interpret scripts and storyboards into visually dynamic and practical set designs.
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Passion for storytelling and world-building.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing Rhino models for CNC, laser cutting, or other digital fabrication methods.
• Experience using Rhino alongside other pipelines (e.g., Blender, Maya, Unreal, CAD) and exporting files in compatible formats.
• Experience with practical set builds or puppetry-based productions.
• Familiarity with stop-motion or hybrid puppet-animation pipelines.
• Knowledge of lighting and camera placement for physical or digital sets.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative creative environment.

Overview

The Junior Puppet Painter supports the painting team by helping to bring puppet and character elements to life with precise color, detail, and texture that align with the film’s visual palette. This role involves applying painting techniques, such as airbrushing and brushwork, to meet the high standards of detail required for on-camera appearance. Working under the guidance of Lead Puppet Painter and Creative Leadership, the Junior Puppet Painter assists in maintaining quality across puppet replicas and helps manage materials and workspace organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Surface Painting: Apply painting techniques to surfaces including silicone, fabric, and models, assisting in the creation of detailed textures and colors that fit with the established look
• Detail-Oriented Painting: Use tools such as airbrushes and brushes to achieve realistic details on puppets
• Color Matching: Help match colors and achieve consistency across multiple replicas of the same puppet
• Workspace Maintenance: Maintain a clean and organized workspace, assisting with tracking and restocking paint and supply inventory
• Documentation: Assist with maintaining records of paint colors, formulas, and application processes
• On-Set Touch-Ups: Provide basic touch-ups and repairs to keep painted elements production-ready as directed by senior team members
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Puppet and Costume departments to ensure all elements meet visual and practical needs
• Learning & Skill Development: Actively engage in learning new painting techniques and skills, following guidance from more experienced painters
• Flexible Scheduling: Be available for extended hours as needed during production

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in painting models, puppets, or miniatures, ideally within the film or television industry
• Basic proficiency in painting techniques such as airbrushing, brushwork, and fabric painting
• Ability to accurately replicate colors and assist with fine detail work
• Good time management skills to help meet production schedules
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and develop documentation skills for processes and materials
• Ability to work well in a collaborative environment, with an eagerness to support senior team members