About The Role
This role requires the hired candidate to be based in the UK, outside of London (outside the M25).
Our character animators are fantastic storytellers. Their day-to-day focuses on punchy comedic timing, charming acting choices, and production deadlines, whilst meeting that all important brief from our Directors and Clients. How we animate is an essential part of what makes us Blue Zoo, so we’re looking for animators who can work productively, take direction and feedback, and join us in pushing the boundaries of what TV animation is capable of.
We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies.
Day to day:
1. Working as part of a team of animators, and regularly communicating with your Team Lead and Animation Director.
2. Managing your time efficiently to meet the deadlines of your assigned shots.
3. Making sure your work is communicating the story, ideas and acting choices clearly from blocking through to the final animation.
4. Responding positively to, and acting on, notes and feedback from your Director and Animation Director.
5. Supporting the Team Lead when under pressure or the Lead is absent.
6. Mentoring and coaching less experienced members of the team.
7. Achieving the highest quality work in the time given, as well as responding well to fixes.
About You
Must Have:
8. Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance possible out of a character
9. An advanced understanding of Maya or similar software
10. Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction
11. Excellent time management and prioritising skills
12. Ability and drive to share your knowledge and skills with other team members
13. Demonstrable experience of being a team player and great collaborator
14. Excellent creative problem solving skills
Bonus Points:
15. Python or Mel script knowledge
16. Good at drawing/additional creative skills (acting/dance)
17. Shotgun or FTrack
About Us
Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, with a world-class reputation as the go-to place for creating bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way!
We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it.
We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this.
We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other's differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives.
What we’ve got for you:
18. Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
19. Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
20. Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
21. Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
22. Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
23. Online wellbeing programme.
24. Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).