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- Tasks: Lead a team of animators to create captivating 3D character animations.
- Company: Join Blue Zoo, a top UK animation studio known for its award-winning work and ethical practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, profit sharing, and a vibrant social scene with fun events.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values diversity and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Advanced skills in animation software, strong leadership, and excellent communication are essential.
- Other info: This role starts on 28th July 2025; apply early as the vacancy may close soon.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Our Lead 3D Character Animators are fantastic storytellers and excellent motivators. Their day-to-day focuses on managing their team, delivering characterful animated performances, expert comedic timing, charming acting choices, and maintaining production deadlines, whilst meeting that all-important brief from our Directors and Clients.
About The Role
Our Lead 3D Character Animators are fantastic storytellers and excellent motivators. Their day-to-day focuses on managing their team, delivering characterful animated performances, expert comedic timing, charming acting choices, and maintaining production deadlines, whilst meeting that all-important brief from our Directors and Clients.
The successful candidates will need to be based in the UK. Currently, we\’re unable to consider VISA sponsorship.
This opportunity is due to start 28th July 2025. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.
Day to Day:
- Leading a team of animators, and regularly communicating with the Animation Directors.
- Managing your time efficiently to meet the deadlines of your assigned shots.
- Arranging daily catch-ups with your team to ensure they are on track and aware of their deadlines.
- Flagging to the Animation Directors and Production in advance if there are any potential issues with deadlines or workload.
- Making sure your work communicates 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 Directors and Animation Directors.
- Mentoring and coaching less experienced members of the team.
- Acting as a good role model for your team. Achieving the highest quality work in the time given, as well as responding well to fixes.
- Talking up and down the pipeline to other Supervisors and Leads, troubleshooting any issues, and keeping Production and Animation Directors aware where appropriate.
- Mentoring the team and helping with their development, including participating in your team’s review sessions along with the Animation Directors.
- Updating the Animation Directors on the team’s progress, communicating any concerns regarding the teams’ performance and wellbeing.
About You
Must Have:
- Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing, and getting the best performance possible out of a character.
- An advanced understanding of Maya or similar software.
- Ability to receive and act on feedback and respond to direction.
- Excellent time management and prioritising skills.
- Great communication and a motivational team leader, naturally sharing your knowledge and skills with other team members.
- Demonstrable experience of being a team player and great collaborator.
- Excellent creative problem-solving skills.
- Problem-solving skills to find the best approach to meeting the brief as well as troubleshooting issues and asking questions if unsure.
- Confidence in working independently. Being diligent, taking initiative, and being reliable.
- Being organised and managing your and your team’s time efficiently.
- Ability to help and support your team, contributing to their development and growth, including supporting already defined goals and giving clear direction in line with Animation Director’s requests.
Bonus Points:
- Previous experience as a Lead Animator on an animation production.
- Python or Mel script knowledge.
- Good at drawing/additional creative skills (acting/dance).
- Shotgun or FTrack experience.
- Understanding of a 3D production pipeline.
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, winning numerous awards including BAFTAs, an Annie, and an Emmy!
We are proud to be the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification, demonstrating our commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility.
We’re experiencing exciting growth and are building a studio full of talented, happy artists making work they are proud of, contributing to a happier world. We believe a healthy work-life balance is key to wellbeing and offer flexible working options.
We look for people with expertise, enthusiasm, and motivation to improve. You’ll work with a diverse, talented team that respects and embraces different perspectives.
What we’ve got for you:
- Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
- 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, including discounts and offers.
- Online wellbeing programme.
- Profit share (for employees with 2+ years at the company).
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Lead 3D Character Animator employer: BlueZoo Animation Studio
Contact Detail:
BlueZoo Animation Studio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead 3D Character Animator
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your leadership skills! When networking or during interviews, highlight your experience in managing teams and mentoring others. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team to meet deadlines and achieve high-quality work.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in 3D animation and storytelling. Engage with online communities or forums where animators share their work and insights. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also help you connect with potential colleagues at Blue Zoo.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills in detail. Think of specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the dynamic nature of animation production.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to understand the production pipeline thoroughly. Research how different roles interact within a studio like Blue Zoo. Being able to speak knowledgeably about this will show that you're not just a great animator, but also a collaborative team player.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead 3D Character Animator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in 3D character animation, particularly any leadership roles. Emphasise your skills in software like Maya and your ability to manage a team effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, showcase your storytelling abilities and how you motivate teams. Mention specific projects where you've successfully led animators and met tight deadlines, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that features your best animation work. Highlight pieces that demonstrate your understanding of body mechanics and character performance, as well as any leadership roles you've taken on in past projects.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your leadership style, how you handle feedback, and your approach to mentoring less experienced team members. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at BlueZoo Animation Studio
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Lead 3D Character Animator, storytelling is key. Prepare to discuss how you've used animation to convey narratives in your previous projects. Bring examples that highlight your ability to create characterful performances and comedic timing.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing a team, be ready to share your experiences in leading and mentoring animators. Discuss specific instances where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts, showcasing your communication skills and ability to inspire others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your technical expertise, particularly with software like Maya. Brush up on your knowledge of body mechanics and posing, and be prepared to discuss how you approach troubleshooting issues within the animation pipeline.
✨Emphasise Time Management Skills
Time management is crucial in this role. Be prepared to explain how you prioritise tasks and manage deadlines. Share examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple projects while maintaining high-quality work.
