At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the rigging and puppeteering systems for exciting animation projects.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a leading UK animation studio with a world-class reputation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, comprehensive benefits, and profit sharing after 2 years.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with fun social events and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a talented team creating bold and characterful animations.
- Qualifications: Strong Blender skills, experience in rigging, and a keen eye for detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Blender Character TD to take full ownership of the rigging, deformation and puppeteering systems on an exciting new project! 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.
Day to Day:
- Designing, creating, testing and maintaining a broad variety of asset rigs
- Collaborating with animators to design user-friendly rigs, and troubleshoot issues as they arise
- Collaborating with animators in designing performance capture and digital puppetry workflows
- Providing technical feedback to other departments as necessary and working with production management to prioritise tasks
- Strong technical testing, troubleshooting and debugging to keep the rigging and puppeteering systems reliable
About You
Must Have:
- Strong knowledge of Blender’s deformation systems and 3D principles
- Previous experience in animation as a rigger or character TD
- Experience with modular rigging systems
- Comfortable with Python and the Blender Python API, able to read, debug and extend existing tools as well as write new ones
- Experience in modular programming and collaborating in group repositories
- A thorough and keen eye for detail, and the ability to produce consistent, quality assured rigs across projects
- Strong version control habits and good file hygiene
- Proficiency with CloudRig or Rigify
- Proficiency with Geometry Nodes
- Self-motivated & able to work collaboratively, as well as independently
- Able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback
- Able to communicate clearly with colleagues
- Able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure
Bonus Points:
- Previous experience in feature animation as a rigger
- Previous experience with live capture workflows like facial and/or motion capture and digital puppetry
- Familiarity with rez and/or pyblish
- Previous Blender add-on/extension development experience
About Us
Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, with a world-class reputation as the go-to place for creating bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way! We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it. We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this. We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other's differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives.
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).
Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We believe that companies that truly embrace and value diversity, and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, are better companies. To be engaged our people have to feel included and valued. We work hard to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work, not just an initiative. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.
Blender Character TD in London employer: Blue Zoo Productions
Blue Zoo is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee wellbeing and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for a Blender Character TD to thrive. With flexible working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, employees are empowered to grow and contribute to exciting projects in a supportive environment. The studio's B Corp certification further underscores its dedication to ethical practices and improving the lives of its staff and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Blender Character TD in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Showcase your best rigging work and any cool projects you've been part of. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, so potential employers can see your skills at a glance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other Blender artists and industry folks on social media or forums. You never know when a casual chat could lead to a job opportunity or insider info about openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Blender’s deformation systems and how you tackle rigging challenges. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are excited about joining our creative team at Blue Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace Blender Character TD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience with Blender’s deformation systems and any previous rigging work. We want to see what you can do, so include examples of your best rigs and any cool projects you've worked on!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Mention how your skills align with our needs, especially in modular rigging and Python programming.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff. Show us you can communicate effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of our exciting journey at Blue Zoo right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Zoo Productions
✨Know Your Blender Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Blender’s deformation systems and 3D principles. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous projects, especially around rigging and puppeteering. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the software, but that you can truly leverage it to create amazing character rigs.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with animators, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Talk about any challenges you faced and how you resolved them together. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team, which is crucial for success in this position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to Python and the Blender Python API. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss how you've used Python to enhance your rigging tools. If you have experience with modular programming or group repositories, make sure to highlight that too!
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
With a keen eye for detail being a must-have for this role, prepare to discuss how you ensure quality in your rigs. Bring examples of your work that showcase your ability to produce consistent, quality-assured rigs across projects. This will help convey your commitment to excellence and reliability under pressure.
