Lead 3D Character Animator

Blue Zoo Production; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative animation studio is seeking a Lead 3D Character Animator to manage a talented team while delivering high-quality animated performances. The role includes mentoring team members and collaborating closely with the Animation Directors to meet production deadlines. Candidates should possess strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and an advanced knowledge of body mechanics and animation techniques.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of body mechanics and posing.
• Proficiency in Maya or similar software.
• Proven experience as a team player and collaborator.

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of animators and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Mentoring and coaching less experienced team members.
• Communicating progress and raising performance concerns.

Skills

Leadership

Time Management

Communication

Creative Problem-Solving

Tools

Maya

Python

Mel

Shotgun

FTrack

Job description

Our Lead 3D Character Animator is a fantastic storyteller and excellent motivator. Their day-to-day focuses on managing their team, delivering characterful animated performances, expert comedic timing, charming acting choices, and maintaining production deadlines, whilst meeting briefs from our Directors and Clients.

The successful candidates will need to be based in the UK. Currently, we're unable to consider VISA sponsorship.

This opportunity is due to start 28th July 2025. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.

Day to Day:

• Leading a team of animators and regularly communicating with the Animation Directors.
• Managing your time efficiently to meet the deadlines of your assigned shots.
• Arranging daily catch-ups with your team to ensure they are on track and aware of their deadlines.
• Flagging potential issues with deadlines or workload to the Animation Directors and Production in advance.
• Ensuring your work clearly communicates the story, ideas, and acting choices from blocking to final animation.
• Responding positively to, and acting on, notes and feedback from Directors and Animation Directors.
• Mentoring and coaching less experienced team members.
• Acting as a good role model, achieving high-quality work within the given time, and responding well to fixes.
• Communicating across the pipeline with other Supervisors and Leads, troubleshooting issues, and keeping Production and Animation Directors informed where appropriate.
• Supporting your team's development, including participating in review sessions with the Animation Directors.
• Updating the Animation Directors on the team’s progress and raising concerns about performance and wellbeing.

Must Have:

• Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing, and eliciting the best performance from a character.
• Proficiency in Maya or similar software.
• Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication skills and natural leadership qualities to motivate and share knowledge with the team.
• Proven experience as a team player and collaborator.
• Creative problem-solving skills to meet briefs, troubleshoot issues, and ask questions when unsure.
• Confidence working independently, with diligence, initiative, and reliability.
• Organizational skills to manage your and your team’s time effectively.
• Supportive attitude towards team development, providing clear direction aligned with the Animation Director’s goals.

Bonus Points:

• Previous experience as a Lead Animator on an animation production.
• Knowledge of Python or Mel scripting.
• Additional creative skills such as drawing, acting, or dance.
• Experience with Shotgun or FTrack.
• Understanding of a 3D production pipeline.