Regional | Lead 3D Character Animator

Regional Only | Lead 3D Character Animator

Join to apply for the Regional Only | Lead 3D Character Animator role at Blue Zoo Animation Studio
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Our Lead 3D Character Animator 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 while meeting the brief from our Directors and Clients.

We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies. The vacancy can close early with a high number of applications. Candidates must be based regionally in the UK, ideally within commuting distance of our Brighton studio.

• Leading a team of animators and communicating with the Head of Animation.
• Managing time efficiently to meet shot deadlines.
• Arranging daily catch‑ups with your team.
• Flagging potential deadlines or workload issues to Head of Animation and Production.
• Ensuring work communicates story, ideas and acting choices from blocking to final animation.
• Responding positively to notes and feedback from Directors.
• Mentoring and coaching less experienced members.
• Acting as a good role model, achieving the highest quality work and responding well to fixes.
• Co‑ordinating with other supervisors and leads and keeping Production and Head of Animation updated.
• Updating Head of Animation on team progress and communicating concerns.

• Advanced understanding of body mechanics, posing and performance.
• 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 motivational team‑leader.
• Demonstrable experience as a team player and collaborator.
• Excellent creative problem‑solving skills.
• Problem‑solving skills for meeting brief and troubleshooting.
• Confidence in working independently; diligence, initiative and reliability.
• Organisation and efficient time management for you and your team.
• Support and develop teammates, providing clear direction in line with Animation Director’s requests.

• Previous experience as a lead animator on an animation production.
• Python or Mel script knowledge.
• Good drawing/additional creative skills (acting/dance).
• Shotgun or FTrack.
• Understanding of a 3D production pipeline.

Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, recognised for bold, fun and characterful animation. Established in 2000, the studio has grown to become the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK and has received BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy. Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We focus on creating a flexible working environment, promoting wellbeing, and building a diverse community.

We are currently expanding and looking for motivated people to join our talented team.

• Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 & 2025.
• Inclusive self‑funded shorts programme.
• Fun social events throughout the year (in‑person and remote).
• Bi‑monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package including discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share for employees with 2+ years at the studio.