3D Storyboard Supervisor | Blue Zoo Animation Studio, UK

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for a creatively bold and narratively driven 3D Storyboard Supervisor to lead the visual development of an exciting new 3D production. This is a critical leadership role responsible for bridging the gap between a written script and a dynamic on-screen performance, ensuring that the unique charm, tone, and humor of our storytelling are preserved throughout the pipeline. As a B Corp certified studio, Blue Zoo is committed to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We don’t just aim to create world-class animation; we aim to create a world-class environment for the artists who make it.

This role is a Regional Opportunity, specifically seeking talent based in the UK but outside the London M25 area, as part of our commitment to supporting the vibrant creative communities across the British regions.

Job Overview:

• Position: 3D Storyboard Supervisor
• Vacancy Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Mid-June 2026 – Oct 2026)
• Location: UK Regional (Strictly Outside M25)
• Work Mode: Flexible / Hybrid / Remote (UK Based Only)
• Primary Software: PanelForge & Storyboard Pro
• Certification: B Corp Certified Studio

The Mission: Translating Vision to Sequence

The 3D Storyboard Supervisor is the guardian of the show’s visual narrative. You will lead a team of talented Storyboard Artists and Revisionists, guiding them from the initial thumbnailing phase through to final clean-up. Your goal is to ensure that every sequence not only looks fantastic but functions perfectly within the technical constraints of a 3D animation pipeline. You will work as a close collaborator with the Directors and the Editor, acting as the primary point of technical and narrative alignment for the story team.

Key Responsibilities as 3D Storyboard Supervisor & Day-to-Day Impact:

• Team Supervision: Manage a dedicated team of Storyboard Artists and Revisionists. You will be responsible for providing clear, actionable feedback that elevates the quality of the boards while maintaining the established style.
• Briefing & Brainstorming: Brief the story team alongside the Directors, breaking down scripts to identify key emotional beats, staging opportunities, and potential production hurdles.
• Style Stewardship: Establish and maintain the visual “language” of the show. You will ensure that the tone and humor remain consistent across all episodes, even when multiple artists are contributing.
• Narrative & Technical Oversight:

• Thumbnail Review: Work closely with artists at the thumbnail stage to ensure story continuity, clear staging, and effective pacing before the team moves into full production.
• Technical Integration: Ensure all boards are optimized for a 3D environment. This involves a strong understanding of how 2D boards translate into 3D layouts, specifically using tools like PanelForge.
• Animatic Collaboration: Partner with the Editor to ensure the first animatic pass captures the essence of the script and works on a technical level for the layout and animation departments.
• Feedback Integration: Collate feedback from Directors and external clients. You will be responsible for actioning this feedback, distributing it to the team, and ensuring revisions are completed within the production schedule.
• Progress Tracking: Keep the Directors and Production Manager informed of episode progress. You must be proactive in flagging issues early and proposing creative or technical solutions.
• Review Documentation: Produce clear annotations for client reviews, ensuring that notes regarding editorial development are accurately communicated and understood.

Candidate Profile: Qualifications & Experience

Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for a storyteller who understands that “how” a story is told is just as important as the story itself. You should have a portfolio that demonstrates not just great drawing, but an expert grasp of cinematography and 3D space.

Core Requirements (Must Have):

• Leadership Experience: Previous experience as a Storyboard Supervisor or Lead Storyboard Artist on a professional production.
• Artistic Mastery: Accomplished drawing skills with a deep understanding of layout, perspective, and composition within a 3D context.
• Cinematic Expertise: An excellent understanding of film language, staging, pacing, and narrative structure. You know how to “edit” on the page.
• Communication Skills: The ability to communicate complex creative ideas clearly and concisely to your team, directors, and clients.
• Software Fluency: Strong knowledge of digital storyboarding workflows. Experience with PanelForge is highly desirable given the 3D nature of the production.
• Regional Eligibility: As per client requirements, you must be based in the UK and reside outside the M25.

Bonus Points:

• Mentorship: A passion for coaching junior artists and helping them develop their skills within the studio environment.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Experience navigating the specific technical hurdles of a storyboard-to-CG pipeline.

Award-Winning Culture:

• Best Places to Work: We have been recognized by Broadcast as one of the Best Places to Work in TV for 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We invite everyone to “bring their whole selves to work.” We believe that a diverse group of people leads to better, fresher perspectives and more engaging work.
• The Shorts Programme: Participate in our internal self-funded shorts programme, giving you the chance to experiment and lead projects outside of commercial production.
• Flexible Working: We offer genuine flexible and hybrid working options to support your work-life balance.
• Financial Security: Participation in our Profit Share scheme (for those with 2+ years of service) and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Employee Voice: Bi-monthly feedback and engagement programs ensure your voice is heard and helps shape the future of the studio.
• Social Life: Access to many fun in-person and remote social events throughout the year.

Contractual & Eligibility Details:

• Timeline: This is a focused, fixed-term contract starting in mid-June 2026 and running through October 2026.
• Right to Work: All candidates must possess the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
• Regional Requirement: Please note that this is a “Regional Only” role. We are looking for talent based outside the M25 to satisfy specific project requirements aimed at decentralizing production.