Regional Only | 3D Character Animator - Experienced

BlueZoo Animation Studio; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio is searching for talented character animators to join their creative team. The ideal candidates will have advanced knowledge of body mechanics and animation software like Maya, paired with strong collaboration skills. This role emphasizes storytelling and meeting production deadlines. The position requires being based regionally in the UK, outside of the M25. The company fosters a supportive environment and offers various unique perks and benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Comprehensive benefits package

Profit sharing after 2 years

Inclusive self-funded shorts programme

Employee engagement programme

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of body mechanics and character performance.
• Ability to receive feedback and act on direction.
• Strong collaborative skills and team player mindset.

Responsibilities

• Work with team and communicate effectively with leaders.
• Manage time efficiently to meet shot deadlines.
• Respond to feedback and ensure story progression.

Skills

Body mechanics understanding

Advanced Maya knowledge

Time management skills

Creative problem solving

Team collaboration

Tools

Ftrack

Job description

About The Role

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.

This role is due to start from February / March 2026

This opportunity requires talent to be based regionally - in the UK, outside of the M25 as per client requirements.

The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK.

Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.

Day to day :

• Working as part of a team of animators, and regularly communicating with your Team Lead and Animation Director.
• Managing your time efficiently to meet the deadlines of your assigned shots.
• Making sure your work is communicating the story, ideas and acting choices clearly from blocking through to the final animation.
• Responding positively to, and acting on, notes and feedback from your Director and Animation Director.
• Supporting the Team Lead when under pressure or the Lead is absent.
• Mentoring and coaching less experienced members of the team.
• Achieving the highest quality work in the time given, as well as responding well to fixes.

About You

Must Have :

• Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance possible out of a character.
• An advanced understanding of Maya or similar software.
• Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction.
• Excellent time management and prioritising skills.
• Ability and drive to share your knowledge and skills with other team members.
• Demonstrable experience of being a team player and great collaborator.
• Excellent creative problem solving skills.
• Previous production experience using Ftrack.

Bonus Points :

• Python or Mel script knowledge.
• Good at drawing / additional creative skills (acting / dance).

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 :

• Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).