Job Overview
| Category | Details |
| Studio | Blue Zoo Animation Studio |
| Location | 📍 London / Hybrid (Flexible & Remote options available) |
| Position Type | ⏳ Fixed-Term Contract |
| Start Date | Early March 2026 |
| Salary | Competitive (Based on experience) |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya |
| Project Focus | Action-packed feature/series with high-volume secondary characters |
| Legal Status | ⚖️ Mandatory: Must be UK-based with the Right to Work in the UK |
Blue Zoo is an award-winning, B Corp-certified animation studio in London with a world-class reputation for creating bold, fun, and characterful content. We are currently looking for a talented Junior Crowd Animator to join us for an action-packed new project starting in early March 2026.
In this role, you won’t just be “filling space.” Our secondary characters are vital to the comedy and charm of our storytelling. We are looking for an animator with a keen eye for comedic timing and the technical ability to manage large-scale crowd performances.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Character Performance: Create engaging animation cycles and bespoke performances for secondary characters that meet the Director’s vision.
- Workflow Efficiency: Work with large volumes of characters, utilizing methods like caching to maintain a fast and smooth pipeline.
- Storytelling: Ensure your blocking and final animation clearly communicate acting choices and comedic beats.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Team Lead and Animation Supervisor, integrating feedback and managing your shot deadlines efficiently.
What You Bring (Requirements)
- Crowd Experience: Proven experience animating crowds and applying animation cycles effectively.
- Animation Fundamentals: A solid grasp of body mechanics, posing, and expressive character acting.
- Technical Skills: A strong professional understanding of Autodesk Maya.
- Mindset: A positive attitude toward feedback, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative team spirit.
- Eligibility: Must be based in the UK with the legal right to work in the UK.
Bonus Points
- Technical knowledge of Python or MEL scripting.
- Experience with production tracking tools like ShotGrid or FTrack.
- Additional creative hobbies (drawing, acting, dance, etc.) that inform your animation.
Why Join Blue Zoo?
- B Corp Certified: We are the first major animation studio globally to receive this certification, proving our commitment to our staff and the community.
- Award-Winning Culture: Voted “Best Places to Work in TV” five times.
- Growth & Wellbeing: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, an online wellbeing programme, and a profit-share scheme (for 2+ years of service).
- Creative Freedom: Participate in our inclusive self-funded shorts programme and regular social events.
Candidate Checklist
| Requirements | Bonus Skills |
| Experience: Crowd animation & cycle creation | Scripting: Python or MEL knowledge |
| Performance: Strong body mechanics & posing | Tracking: ShotGrid or FTrack experience |
| Workflow: Managing large volumes/caching | Creative: Drawing, acting, or dance background |
| Soft Skills: Positive response to feedback | Advantage: Familiarity with high-volume pipelines |
