Day to Day:

• Reporting to the Animation team lead, as a 2D Animator you are responsible for completing the main storytelling poses. 
• Using the storyboard as a guide, you will be completing the animation for assigned sequences.
• Responsible for taking the approved characters/props for assigned scenes and positioning them in the key poses for animating.
• Creation of breakdown drawings and adding in all the in-betweens
• Animating any additional settles and follow-through needed to polish.
• Finalising the animation including any clean-up and colour
• Working closely with the Animation team Lead and Animation Director on assigned scenes, paying close attention to hook-ups, character personalities, staging, timing, and appropriate acting choices.
• Incorporating all notes from the Animation Director, while working collaboratively with other animators under a strict schedule.

Must Have:

• Animation and acting skills, combined with a good sense of graphic design
• Good working knowledge of relevant graphics and animation software, including specifically ToonBoom (training can be provided in-house)
• Good understanding of the principles of animation and film-making
• Knowledge of drawing and structure
• Be able to manage relevant aspects of production
• Self-motivation and a desire to learn
• Ability to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback
• Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues 
• Ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently
• An appreciation of accuracy and pay close attention to detail
• Ability to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure

Bonus Points:

• Knowledge and skills in traditional hand-drawn animation to support the cut out animation workflow.
• Knowledge of cut-out animation demonstrated in your reel.

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.