At a Glance
- Tasks: Create characterful animations that bring stories to life and meet production deadlines.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leading animation studio with a collaborative and creative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This role starts in Autumn 2026; apply early as spots may fill quickly!
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects and showcase your animation skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Blender and a passion for animation and storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Our Cover Animators are able to deliver characterful animated performances that support the style and narrative of our projects.
Here at Blue Zoo, Cover Mid Animators would have a similar quota as a Mid Animator, but would assist all teams with their animations rather than sitting within one team for the whole production.
Their day-to-day focuses on comedic timing, charming acting choices, and production deadlines, whilst meeting the Director's vision and Client briefs.
A Cover Mid Blender Animator at Blue Zoo is motivated, and is someone who can work productively, take direction and is open to receiving feedback.
This opportunity requires talent to be based in the UK and will require the right to work 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.
This role is due to start from early Autumn 2026.
- Day to Day
- Regularly communicating with the Animation Lead on the production to fulfil assigned shots.
- Using devices (Phone or i Pad) for recording, as well as performing animation for live capture.
This show will bring in live recorded takes that the animator will perform directly in Blender, capturing from a device(s), miming to locked audio edit.
They would be expected to mix and match different takes, and then tweak the performances when required.
- 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 Supervisor.
- Must Have
- Demonstrable experience of using Blender
- Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance possible out of a character
- An understanding of switching rig parenting hierarchy (we are using an adapted Cloudrig rigging setup)
- Previous experience with face and/or body capture or someone happy to learn.
- Experience in using graph editor, keyframe animation and cleanup
- Adaptability to use bespoke animation tools built for the project
- Understanding of principles of lip-sync
- Body mechanics, posing and getting the best performance possible out of a character
- A solid understanding of Maya or similar software
- Receiving feedback and responding to direction
- Time management and prioritising
- Sharing your knowledge and skills with other team members
- Being a team player and great collaborator
- Creative problem solving
- Bonus Points
- Python or Mel script knowledge
- Good at drawing/additional creative skills (acting/dance)
- Shotgrid (Flow)
UK Only | Cover Mid 3D Blender Animator employer: Blue Zoo Production
Blue Zoo Production is an excellent employer that fosters a creative and collaborative work environment, allowing FX Artists to thrive in both remote and hybrid settings. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company offers opportunities for skill development and innovation while working on exciting projects. The supportive culture and flexible work options make it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the animation industry.
