At a Glance
- Tasks: Create captivating character animations for commercials and short-form content using Blender.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leader in innovative animation and storytelling.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, creative environment, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make your mark in animation while collaborating with talented professionals and pushing creative boundaries.
- Qualifications: Strong Blender skills, experience in CG animation, and a passion for storytelling.
- Other info: Contract position for 9-11 weeks starting February 2026, with potential for early closure due to high demand.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our 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. Our Blender Character Animators are fantastic storytellers. Their day-to-day focuses on expert comedic timing, charming acting choices, and production deadlines, whilst meeting that all important brief from our Directors and Clients.
Your day-to-day will focus on creating layout and animation for our commercial projects, establishing camera set-ups, discussing ideas with your Director and contributing creatively while pushing the boundaries of our animation. We’re looking at the successful candidate to join the team in February 2026 with a contract running for roughly 9-11 weeks. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day to Day:
- Work independently or collaboratively with other animators, maintaining regular communication with your Director, and the broader Short Form and Commercials team.
- Manage your time effectively to meet short deadlines, proactively flagging any potential delays with your producer as early as possible.
- Ensure your animation clearly conveys the story, ideas, and acting choices—from initial camera blocking through to final polish.
- Take direction constructively and implement feedback from your 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.
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 your 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 Shotrid or FTrack.
Lead Blender Character Animator employer: Blue Zoo Production
Contact Detail:
Blue Zoo Production Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Blender Character Animator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow animators, directors, and industry folks on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and forums where you can share your work and get noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer showreel that highlights your best Blender animations. Make sure it showcases your storytelling ability and comedic timing, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the CG animation pipeline. Be ready to discuss how you tackle feedback and collaborate with others, as teamwork is crucial in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Blender Character Animator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Blender and any cool projects you've worked on. We want to see your storytelling abilities shine through your animation work!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for in the job description. It shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point about your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Production
✨Know Your Blender Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Blender and can showcase your skills. Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best character animations, focusing on comedic timing and storytelling. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach character performance.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since collaboration is key, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Think about how you would discuss your animation choices with a Director or team member. Show that you can take feedback constructively and adapt your work accordingly.
✨Time Management is Crucial
Demonstrate your ability to manage tight deadlines. Come prepared with examples of how you’ve successfully met production schedules in the past. Discuss any strategies you use to stay organised and flag potential delays early.
✨Show Your Mentorship Skills
Highlight any experience you have mentoring others. Talk about how you’ve helped less experienced animators grow their skills. This shows you’re not just a great animator but also a team player who contributes to the overall capability of the team.