Uk Only | 3D Character Animator - Experienced

Bluezoo Animation Studio; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Remote-friendly policy

Gym memberships

Cycle to work scheme

Studio lunches & breakfasts

Staff social events

Job summary

Blue Zoo is seeking skilled animators based in the UK to join a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of TV animation. You’ll work within a collaborative, deadline-driven environment, delivering expressive character animation from blocking to final render.

The role requires an advanced understanding of body mechanics and Maya, plus the ability to take direction, mentor peers, and contribute to a positive studio culture. Flexible hybrid/remote options are available.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Advanced body mechanics

Maya proficiency

Feedback reception & response

Time management

Knowledge sharing

Team collaboration

Creative problem solving

Tools

Maya

Python or Mel scripting

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.

The successful candidates will need to be based in the UK. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. 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.

Bonus Points:

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

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 & 2026.
• Flexible and remote working policy
• Play a role in our Inclusive Blue Zoo Shorts Programme
• Many in-person and remote social events throughout the year
• Career development opportunities including training, mentoring and more.
• Quarterly employee feedback and engagement programme
• Benefits package including cycle to work scheme, gym memberships, shopping discounts and offers
• Great studio space in the heart of London
• Studio lunches plus breakfasts and healthy snacks
• Profit share (for UK employees who have been with us for 2+ years)