About the role
About The Role
The short-form department creates strong character animation across TV commercials, short-form content for brands, and continues to adopt new technology platforms such as VR & AR for Blue Zoo. Animators are storytellers focused on expert comedic timing, charming acting choices, and production deadlines, while meeting briefs from Directors and Clients. The role involves creating layout and animation for commercial projects, establishing camera set-ups, discussing ideas with the Creative Lead/Director, and contributing creatively while pushing the boundaries of animation.
Flexible, hybrid, and remote working options are available.
Day to Day
- Work independently or collaboratively with other animators, maintaining regular communication with the Creative Lead, Director, and the broader Short Form and Commercials team.
- Manage time effectively to meet short deadlines, proactively flagging potential delays with producers as early as possible.
- Ensure animation clearly conveys the story, ideas, and acting choices, from initial camera blocking through to final polish.
- Take direction constructively and implement feedback from the Creative Lead or Director with a positive, solution-focused mindset.
- Collaborate across departments to address production challenges, clearly communicating with teammates both within and outside of the animation discipline to move projects forward.
- Support the team during periods of high demand or when covering for absent colleagues.
- Mentor and guide less experienced team members, helping to grow overall team capability.
- Strive for the highest quality output within given timeframes, while staying flexible and responsive to required fixes.
About You
Must Have
- A strong understanding and experience of Blender.
- Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance out of a character.
- Experience in CG animation production for television, film, games or visual effects.
- Strong understanding of cinematography and how to use a camera to aid storytelling.
- Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction.
- Excellent time management and prioritising skills.
- Ability and drive to share knowledge and skills with other team members.
- Demonstrable experience of being a team player and a great collaborator.
- Excellent creative problem-solving skills.
Bonus Points
- Additional knowledge of the CG animation pipeline.
- Previous experience with Shotgrid or FTrack.
About Us
Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, established in London in 2000. The studio is the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK and has received BAFTA, Annie, and Emmy awards. Blue Zoo is a B Corp certified company, independently verified for meeting rigorous metrics regarding the lives of employees, customers, suppliers, and the local community. The studio promotes an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages staff to bring their whole selves to work.
Benefits and Perks
- Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- 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 the studio for 2+ years).