Senior Animator: Creature & Character Motion Lead in London

Senior Animator: Creature & Character Motion Lead in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Framestore

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Breathe life into characters and creatures through innovative animation techniques.
  • Company: Join a multi-Oscar-winning studio known for its creativity and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Inclusive workplace, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to work on blockbuster projects.
  • Other info: Fully accessible studio with a commitment to inclusivity and support for all.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in the film industry by animating epic stories and characters.
  • Qualifications: Experience in VFX animation, strong understanding of anatomy, and proficiency in Maya.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic Studio at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema. Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

About the role

This is an existing role within our team. As a Senior Animator, you'll be a key creative force in breathing life, weight, and personality into complex three-dimensional characters and photorealistic creatures. You'll jump straight into the heart of our storytelling, crafting everything from nuanced, emotional facial expressions to epic, high-action combat performances. If you have a passion for mastering complex anatomy and love the challenge of making mythical beasts - whether they walk, fly, or breathe fire - feel completely grounded in reality, this is the place to do it.

What you'll do

  • Collaborate closely with your Animation Lead and Supervisor to produce premium, story-driven animation that elevates the pacing and style of the film.
  • Partner with our Rigging and Pipeline teams, sharing direct feedback to refine character setups, enhance visual quality, and build smoother tool workflows.
  • Animate both primary and secondary characters, ensuring every element in the frame possesses authentic motion and soul.
  • Take ownership of your workflow, keeping production schedules transparent and hitting your deadlines consistently.
  • Mentor and support less senior artists, sharing your craft and helping them grow their skills.
  • Actively tackle creative changes and follow through constructively on supervisor notes and technical feedback.

Significant experience animating on large-scale, photorealistic VFX projects, with a showreel that highlights exceptional creature and character performances. Deep production knowledge of Maya. A natural grasp of physical motion, weight, balance, and spatial awareness. A strong foundation in human and animal anatomy, which underpins how you animate complex fantasy muscle structures and locomotion. An understanding of character rigs, animation pipelines, and data transfer between production tools. Clear, constructive communication and a genuinely collaborative approach to working across distributed pipeline teams. Adaptability, an open mind for direction, and a calm, reliable focus when deadlines approach.

You might also have

  • Experience working with, clean-up, or editing of motion capture data.
  • A traditional background in sketching, life drawing, or classic 2D animation.
  • A working knowledge of Modelling or basic scripting (Python/MEL) to streamline workflows.

Accessibility Statement

Our London studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Application Process & Deadline

To apply, please complete the linked application form or email your resume and portfolio with the subject line: Senior Animator - London. The application deadline is 21st June 2026. We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know - we are happy to accommodate your needs.

Senior Animator: Creature & Character Motion Lead in London employer: Framestore

Framestore is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives and innovation is at the forefront. Located in London, our studio offers a fully accessible environment, ensuring all employees can contribute their unique talents while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Join us to collaborate with industry leaders on groundbreaking projects that redefine visual storytelling, all while being part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages your artistic journey.

Framestore

Contact Details:

Framestore Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Animator: Creature & Character Motion Lead in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow animators, industry professionals, or even alumni from your school. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your work. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills with a killer showreel! Make sure it highlights your best creature and character animations. Keep it concise and engaging—think of it as your personal highlight reel that showcases your unique style and expertise. We want to see what makes you stand out!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your knowledge of the studio's work. Familiarise yourself with their projects and think about how your skills can contribute to their vision. We want to see your passion and how you can elevate their storytelling!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your experience with photorealistic VFX projects—let’s make your application shine!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Animator: Creature & Character Motion Lead in London

3D Animation
Character Animation
Creature Animation
Maya
Physical Motion Understanding
Human and Animal Anatomy Knowledge
Animation Pipelines

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Best Work:When you're putting together your portfolio, make sure to highlight your best animations that really showcase your skills. We want to see your creativity and technical prowess, so pick pieces that demonstrate your ability to bring characters and creatures to life!

Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Animator role. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs, so make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for us.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about animation and what excites you about working at Framestore. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we want to get to know the real you!

Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process! It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Framestore

Showcase Your Showreel

Make sure to bring your A-game by preparing a showreel that highlights your best creature and character animations. Focus on showcasing a variety of performances, from subtle facial expressions to dynamic action sequences. This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of anatomy and motion, so pick pieces that truly reflect your skills.

Know Your Tools

Familiarise yourself with Maya and any other tools mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with animation pipelines and character rigs. If you've worked with motion capture data or have basic scripting knowledge, be sure to mention it—these details can set you apart from other candidates.

Prepare for Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think about examples from your past where you successfully collaborated with others. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt to creative changes. Highlighting your communication skills will show that you're a team player who can thrive in a collaborative environment.

Demonstrate Your Passion

Let your enthusiasm for animation shine through during the interview. Talk about what inspires you, whether it's a particular film, a character you've animated, or a technique you've mastered. Showing genuine passion for your craft can leave a lasting impression and help you connect with the interviewers.