At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning character animations and cinematic camera movements for immersive training content.
- Company: SHIIFT is a creative studio focused on 3D animation for digital training and project visualisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: This role is an initial 3-month contract with potential for permanent placement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on impactful projects that enhance learning through engaging visuals.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years of professional 3D animation experience and proficiency in Maya required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
Midweight 3D Animator – Character & Cinematic Focus
Location: London
Type: Initial 3 month contract with option to be permanent
Experience: min 4 years in full time employment
Salary: £35k - £45k
SHIIFT is a creative studio specialising in immersive digital training and project visualisation – from animated safety videos to high-impact virtual simulations. We work with major clients in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing to help bring vital procedures to life in 3D.
We’re looking for a Midweight 3D Animator with a passion for crafting polished, realistic character animation and a flair for cinematic camera work. This role will sit at the heart of our animation team, contributing to a growing portfolio of stylised and realistic training content that places human motion, emotion, and clarity at the core.
- Animating camera movements that support cinematic storytelling and clear visual communication
- Creating expressive, high-quality character animation, with a focus on realistic and semi-realistic body mechanics
- Blending motion capture data with keyframe animation to deliver smooth, believable results
- Collaborating with the team to iterate quickly based on feedback and maintain consistency across sequences
- Supporting rig testing and animation prep where required
- 2–4 years of experience in 3D animation, in a production studio environment (not university)
- Familiarity with cinematic principles – camera framing, movement, and shot continuity
- Proficiency in Maya is a must; experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or mocap pipelines (e.g. Rokoko, Xsens) is a plus
- A strong showreel demonstrating character animation skills, with supporting examples of camera workStrong grasp of body mechanics, timing, and naturalistic motion
- Confidence in animating realistic to semi-stylised human characters – emotion, weight, and subtlety matter
To see some of our projects click here: https://shiifttraining.com/our-projects/
You will also work across our sister brand here: https://myriadglobalmedia.com/our-work/
We offer 25 days holiday per year, health insurance and flexible working when needed.
This position is not for 2025 university graduates.
3D Animator - Character & Cinematic Focus in London employer: SHIIFT
At SHIIFT, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative creative studio located in the heart of London, where your passion for 3D animation can truly flourish. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer 25 days of holiday, health insurance, and flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Join our collaborative team and contribute to impactful projects that not only challenge your skills but also make a difference in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 3D Animator - Character & Cinematic Focus in London
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your best work in your showreel. Highlight character animations that demonstrate your understanding of body mechanics and emotional expression, as these are key aspects the studio is looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the projects that SHIIFT has worked on by visiting their website. Understanding their style and approach will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of cinematic principles, especially camera movements and shot continuity. Being able to discuss how you would apply these principles in your animation work can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the industry, particularly those who have experience in immersive digital training or similar fields. Engaging with others can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
We think you need these skills to ace 3D Animator - Character & Cinematic Focus in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your 3D animation experience, particularly in character animation and cinematic work. Include specific projects that demonstrate your skills in Maya and any relevant software like Unreal Engine or Unity.
Craft a Compelling Showreel:Your showreel is crucial for this role. Focus on showcasing your best character animations and camera work. Ensure it reflects your ability to blend motion capture data with keyframe animation, as well as your understanding of body mechanics and timing.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for 3D animation and how your experience aligns with the company's focus on immersive digital training. Mention specific projects from their portfolio that resonate with you and explain why you want to be part of their team.
Follow Up:After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email after a week or two. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you on their radar.
How to prepare for a job interview at SHIIFT
✨Showcase Your Showreel
Make sure to bring a strong showreel that highlights your character animation skills. Include examples of your camera work and any projects that demonstrate your ability to blend motion capture data with keyframe animation.
✨Understand Cinematic Principles
Familiarise yourself with cinematic principles such as camera framing, movement, and shot continuity. Be prepared to discuss how you apply these concepts in your previous work and how they enhance storytelling.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves collaborating with a team, be ready to share examples of how you've worked with others in the past. Highlight your ability to iterate quickly based on feedback and maintain consistency across sequences.
✨Know Your Tools
Proficiency in Maya is essential, so be prepared to discuss your experience with it in detail. If you have experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or mocap pipelines, mention these as well, as they could give you an edge in the interview.
