Blue Zoo Animation Studio is seeking a visionary and technically masterful Regional 3D Animation Editor to join our award-winning team for an upcoming long‑form production. This is a rare opportunity to join the UK’s first major B Corp certified animation studio—a place where ethical practices, employee wellbeing, and creative excellence are not just goals, but independently verified standards.
As a 3D Editor at Blue Zoo, you are more than a technician; you are a cornerstone of the storytelling process. You will work at the very heart of the animation pipeline, collaborating directly with Directors to define the pace, humor, and emotional resonance of a world‑class CG show. This role is specifically designated as “Regional Only,” supporting our commitment to nurturing talent across the United Kingdom and outside the London metropolitan area.
Job Overview: Regional Editor (3D Animation)
EntityDetails
Company NameBlue Zoo Animation Studio
PositionRegional Editor (3D Animation)
LocationUK Regional (Strictly Outside M25)
Job TypeFixed‑Term Contract (June 2026 – Mid 2028)
Work ModeFlexible / Hybrid / Remote (UK Based Only)
Software MasteryAdobe Premiere Pro & Avid Media Composer
CertificationsB Corp Certified Studio
The Mission: Narrative Architecture
At Blue Zoo Animation Studio, we believe that the edit is the final draft of the script. As a 3D Animation Editor, you are responsible for the “Animatic to Final” journey. You will guide the production through its most critical stages, from the initial timing of storyboards to the high‑pressure fine‑cutting of fully rendered CG episodes.
This role requires a unique blend of creative intuition and technical rigour. You must understand the nuances of 3D pipelines—knowing how to manage playblasts, layout renders, and lighting passes—while maintaining a “natural storyteller” mindset that keeps the audience engaged from the first frame to the last.
Key Responsibilities & Impact
1. Creative Editing & Pacing
* Animatic Development: Work hand‑in‑hand with the Director to establish the stylistic language and rhythmic pace of the production. You will be instrumental in identifying what works in the story before a single frame is animated.
* Narrative Refinement: Respond to notes from Directors and clients, iterating on the edit to enhance comedic timing, emotional beats, and clarity of action.
* Fine Cutting: Deliver high‑polish “Fine Cut” episodes, ensuring every transition and frame is optimized for broadcast/streaming delivery.
* Production Hub: Provide essential edit information (EDLs, cut lists, and timing data) to the animation production teams. You serve as the “source of truth” for the current state of any episode.
* Multi‑Episode Management: Simultaneously track and update multiple episodes at varying stages of the pipeline (Layout, Blocking, Final Animation).
* Post‑Production Handover: Ensure a seamless transition of media and metadata to the picture finishing and sound design departments.
* Team Leadership: Lead the editing suite, maximizing efficiency across workflows and mentoring junior editors to raise the collective creative bar.
3. Communication & Coordination
* Cross‑Department Synergy: Act as a central communicator between the creative directors and the technical departments, ensuring that production changes are reflected in the edit immediately.
* Proactive Problem Solving: Identify potential bottlenecking in the edit early and propose creative solutions to maintain the schedule without sacrificing quality.
About You: Qualifications & Experience
Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for an editor who lives and breathes animation. You should be someone who understands that a 3‑frame trim can be the difference between a joke landing or falling flat.
Core Requirements (Must Have)
* Animation Specialist: You must have a proven portfolio specifically in Animation Editing. Live‑action experience is valued, but an understanding of the iterative nature of the animation pipeline is non‑negotiable.
* Software Expert: Master‑level proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro (primary) and Avid Media Composer. You should be comfortable jumping between platforms if the workflow demands it.
* Natural Storyteller: You possess an innate sense of structure, character arc, and pacing.
* Resilience: The ability to work at high speed in a “fast turnaround” environment while maintaining a meticulous eye for detail.
* Regional Eligibility: As per client requirements, you must be based in the UK, outside of the M25. Candidates within London/M25 will not be considered for this specific regional vacancy.
Bonus Points
* Leadership: Experience managing an edit team or acting as a “Lead Editor” on a previous series.
* Mentorship: A passion for helping junior talent grow their skills within the B Corp framework.
Why Blue Zoo? (Culture & Benefits)
Blue Zoo Animation Studio isn’t just an animation studio; it’s a community. As a B Corp, we are legally committed to putting our people and the planet on the same level as our profits.
Award‑Winning Workplace
* Record of Excellence: Winner of Broadcast’s Best Places to Work in TV for 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
* Creative Freedom: Participate in our inclusive self‑funded shorts programme, where any staff member can pitch an idea to be produced by the studio.
Wellbeing & Financial Security
* Profit Share: We believe in shared success. Employees who have been with us for 2+ years participate in the company profit‑sharing scheme.
* Flexible Working: We offer genuine hybrid and remote options to ensure your work fits your life, not the other way around.
* Comprehensive Benefits: A robust package including retail discounts, an online wellbeing programme, and regular mental health support.
Social & Engagement
* Vibrant Culture: From remote social events to in‑person meetups, we keep our regional and remote staff connected to the heart of the studio.
* Transparency: Our bi‑monthly employee feedback program ensures that your voice is heard and acted upon by leadership.
Contractual & Residency Details
* Duration: This is a fixed‑term contract starting in June 2026 and concluding in Mid 2028.
* Right to Work: All candidates must possess the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
* Regional Focus: This role is part of a strategic initiative to boost the UK’s regional animation industry. Applicants must be permanent residents of the UK regions (outside Greater London).
About Blue Zoo Animation
Founded in 2000, Blue Zoo Animation Studio has grown into the UK’s largest dedicated CG animation studio. Our shelves are lined with BAFTAs, Annies, and Emmys, but our proudest achievement is our B Corp Certification. We are committed to “bringing our whole selves to work” and nurturing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated as our greatest creative strength. We don’t just make cartoons; we make a contribution to a happier world.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV, a link to your latest showreel (specifically highlighting animation/animatic editing), and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with long‑form 3D pipelines.
Note: Due to the high volume of interest in our regional roles, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date once a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Blue Zoo Animation hiring Regional 3D Animation Editor
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