At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise production stages, ensuring the Director's vision is maintained from design to final cut.
- Company: Award-winning animation studio known for its inclusive culture and creative excellence.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, discounts, profit share, and fun social events.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in directing and make impactful creative decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in TV/animation, strong communication, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About The Role
As the Assistant Director, you will work closely with the Series Director to help supervise all aspects of production from design stage, through animation to Picture Lock stage. During the pre‑production stages, you will gain an understanding of the Director's creative vision for the episode and help to maintain it through to the final stages. This role offers a meaningful development opportunity, providing hands‑on experience supporting creative direction and collaborating across departments. It serves as a strong stepping stone for anyone looking to progress into directing, with real exposure to high‑level creative decision‑making. You will use day‑to‑day software, including Shotgrid (Flow) and SyncSketch – the team will support you with training to use these tools confidently. The successful candidate will need to be based in the UK and will require the right to work in the UK. The contracted dates for this opportunity are early July 2026 – late October 2026. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day To Day
- Manage the day‑to‑day direction of an episode, ensuring the shared vision of the Directors is maintained between key stages, including Design, Assets, Rigging, Storyboards, Voice Records, Editing, Layout, Animation, FX, Lighting and Compositing, and Picture Lock.
- Provide clear and timely decisive feedback to Leads and Heads of Departments, to ensure that Client and Director's notes are understood and production deadlines are met efficiently.
- Oversee revisions and provide ongoing notes to ensure the style and vision for the show is maintained.
- Provide status updates, troubleshoot, and review potential changes on a regular basis with the production crew.
- Where necessary, participate in the hiring process with the Line Producer/Production Manager and the Talent Team to review portfolios and tests, interview candidates, and provide detailed feedback.
About You
Must Have- Experience in the TV and animation industry with a strong understanding of the animation pipeline, particularly Design, Story, Animation, and Editing.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly understand the director’s vision, explain ideas, and deliver constructive feedback.
- Proven experience leading teams and troubleshooting both creative and technical issues.
- Strong problem‑solving abilities and clarity of creative vision, with the skills to communicate that vision effectively.
- Excellent collaboration skills and a solution‑focused approach in a creative environment.
- A passion for storytelling and an understanding of key audiences.
- Ability to manage time efficiently, work to strict deadlines, and maintain focus on the overall vision.
- Adaptable, calm under pressure, and positive in fast‑paced environments.
What We’ve Got For You
- Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 & 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 us for 2+ years).
Assistant Director employer: Blue Zoo Animation Studio
As an Assistant Director at our award-winning studio, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises creativity and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer hands-on experience and training opportunities to help you advance your career in the animation industry. Our comprehensive benefits package, along with engaging social events and a commitment to employee wellbeing, makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in animation and production. We recommend including projects that demonstrate your understanding of the animation pipeline and your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your communication skills, especially when discussing creative visions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our creative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Storytelling:When you're writing your application, let your love for storytelling shine through! Share examples of how you've contributed to creative projects in the past and how you can bring that passion to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your understanding of the animation pipeline and how it relates to the role of Assistant Director.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
✨Know the Animation Pipeline
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the animation pipeline, especially the stages mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how each phase contributes to the overall vision will show that you understand the role and can effectively support the Series Director.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your creative vision clearly. Think about how you would explain ideas and provide feedback in a constructive manner. Practising this will help you demonstrate your strong communication skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you successfully navigated creative or technical challenges, as this will showcase your problem-solving abilities and leadership skills.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but remember to stay calm and adaptable. Think of scenarios where you thrived in fast-paced environments and be prepared to discuss how you maintained focus on the overall vision while managing tight deadlines.
