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 projects.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, profit share, and fun social events throughout the year.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in directing and make a real impact on exciting animation projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in TV/animation, strong communication, and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 in London 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 in high-level creative decision-making, alongside comprehensive benefits and a vibrant social scene that fosters community and well-being. Join us in the UK for a meaningful opportunity to advance your career in animation while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience in the animation pipeline. Make sure it reflects your understanding of design, story, and editing – this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you can maintain the director's vision and provide constructive feedback. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director in London
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 any relevant software experience to catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible 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 stage 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 examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated ideas or provided constructive feedback. This will demonstrate your strong communication skills and ability to align with the director’s vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience leading teams and troubleshooting issues. Share specific examples of how you've managed creative challenges and kept projects on track. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to maintain focus under pressure.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company’s values and culture, especially their commitment to inclusivity and creativity. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their social events and employee engagement programmes, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role but also for the team.
