Location
London/Hybrid
Department
2D Rigging

About The Role

We are looking for a talented Lead ToonBoom Rigger for an exciting 2D Production here at Blue Zoo!

You will have a strong background in using ToonBoom Harmony and experience in leading rigging teams. You’ll have a passion for problem solving, organisation and finding the optimal balance of functionality, usability and performance in the rigs that your team produces.

Day to Day:

  • Rig characters and props based on provided designs, within a quick turnaround, referring to the animatic
  • Work with a breakdown team to apply drawing swaps and pre-designed poses to the rigs
  • Work with an episodic team of a senior and junior rigger; creating assets for each episode
  • Work closely with the Animation Supervisor to create rigs that are light, mobile and easy for animators to use
  • Set up an effective rigging structure for the show in ToonBoom Harmony, ensuring it adheres to studio pipeline standards
  • Work closely with the Line Producer to provide estimates for rigged asset deliveries, and ensuring rigged assets are delivered on schedule
  • Work closely with the Animation Leads, to ensure that their rig needs are met
  • Ensure that the rigged assets satisfy the show's art style and visual standards
  • Manage and lead a team of Character and Prop Riggers to work collaboratively, efficiently and be able to receive constructive feedback
  • Ensure your team's progression is tracked and visible to production
  • Create documentation to help with the Rigging processes and provide technical demos and user guides to the animation team 
  • Work with the 2D Pipeline TD to scope tools that improve performance and reduce errors for the rigging team and animation reuse, in particular


About You

Must Have:

  • Strong experience with rigging, drawing and animating in ToonBoom Harmony
  • Strong experience working within a 2D animation pipeline
  • Experience leading a team to production deadlines
    Ability to problem solve collaboratively with crew across the pipeline
  • Very clear, efficient, and effective communication skills
  • Proactive and positive approach to resolving issues under pressure

Bonus Points:

  • Experience in other fields such as animation, compositing, FX and prop rigging
  • A good eye for visual design
  • An interest in scripting

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, picking up a shelf full of BAFTAs, an Annie and an Emmy along the way!

We couldn’t be prouder that Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio in the world to receive B Corp certification. We’ve been independently certified by B Lab, a non-profit organisation who award the B Corp certification. The certification verifies companies who are working to improve the lives of employees as well as industries as a whole. The certification process involves over 170 rigorous metrics to improve the lives of our staff, customers, suppliers, and the local community, ensuring we are not just saying we are ethical with empty gestures, but independently evidencing it.

We are going through an exciting period of growth and are building a studio that is full of amazingly talented, happy artists, making work they are proud of, which in turn makes a small contribution to a happier world. Blue Zoo believes that a healthy balance in our lives - whatever our situation - is key to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working to support this.

We look for people who have expertise, enthusiasm and are motivated to make things better. You’ll work alongside a talented and diverse group of people who respect each other's differences and seek to understand and embrace fresh perspectives. 

What we’ve got for you:

  • Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
  • 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 package, including loads of discounts and offers.
  • Online wellbeing programme.
  • Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).

Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to ‘bring their whole selves’ to work. We believe that companies that truly embrace and value diversity, and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, are better companies. 

To be engaged our people have to feel included and valued. We work hard to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work, not just an initiative. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.

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