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Company: Little Zoo Studio

Senior Character Animator at Little Zoo Studio

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Little Zoo Studio isn’t just an animation house; it’s a boutique sanctuary for world-class character performance. We are a collective of veteran artists who transitioned from the traditional “big studio” grind to create a more focused, artist-centric environment. At Little Zoo, we specialize in high-end character animation for feature films, high-budget commercials, and cinematic game trailers. We are currently expanding our core team and are looking for a Senior Character Animator who lives and breathes performance. This is a role for someone who understands that animation isn’t just about movement—it’s about the thought process behind the movement. Job Overview: Character Animator Detail Specification Company Name Little Zoo Studio Job Title Senior Character Animator Job Type Full-Time / Project-Based Contract Location 100% Remote (Global) Primary Industry Feature Film & High-End Cinematics Salary Range $105,000 – $155,000 USD (Commensurate with experience) Software Stack Autodesk Maya Reporting To Animation Director The Little Zoo Philosophy Our studio was founded on the principle that the best work comes from happy, inspired artists. We avoid the “factory line” approach to production. When you take on a shot at Little Zoo, you “own” that performance. You are expected to bring your unique creative voice to the table, collaborating directly with directors to breathe life into digital puppets. We are “The Zoo” because we embrace the wild, the creative, and the diverse. We are looking for a Senior Animator who can lead by example, maintaining a standard of excellence that inspires the rest of the team. Detailed Job Description & Responsibilities As a Senior Character Animator at Little Zoo Studio, your daily workflow will involve more than just moving controls in Maya. You will be a key architect of the film’s emotional narrative. 1. High-Level Character Performance You will be tasked with the most challenging shots in the production—those requiring deep emotional range, subtle micro-expressions, or complex physical choreography. You must be able to translate a director’s verbal brief into a performance that feels authentic and spontaneous. 2. Technical Excellence in Body Mechanics While acting is paramount, it must be supported by flawless mechanics. You will ensure that weight, balance, arcs, and timing are mathematically sound yet artistically pleasing. Your work will serve as the benchmark for junior and mid-level animators. 3. Remote Collaboration & Leadership Being a remote studio, communication is our most vital tool. You will participate in “Virtual Dailies,” where you will present your work, receive feedback with a positive attitude, and occasionally mentor less experienced animators on how to polish their sequences. 4. Pipeline Integration Working within our refined Maya-based pipeline, you will collaborate with the Rigging and Technical Art departments to provide feedback on character rigs, ensuring they meet the needs of a high-end feature production. Requirements: What You Bring to the Little Zoo Studio We are looking for a “specialist among specialists.” To thrive at Little Zoo, you must meet the following criteria: The 100% Keyframe Standard: We do not use MoCap for our feature projects. You must demonstrate the ability to create organic, lifelike motion entirely by hand. Feature Film Credit: You must have at least one significant credit on a released animated feature film or high-end VFX-heavy live-action feature. Maya Expert: You should know Maya like the back of your hand. We expect you to be comfortable with Graph Editor workflows, custom scripts, and complex character hierarchies. Acting Foundations: A strong background in traditional acting or pantomime is a massive plus. We look for animators who film their own reference and understand the “why” behind a character’s choices. The Professional Remote Setup: Since this is a permanent remote position, you must have a dedicated workspace, a high-speed stable internet connection, and the discipline to manage your time across different time zones (primarily focused on North American and European production hours). Language & Soft Skills: Professional-level English is required. You must be able to explain complex creative concepts clearly and concisely. EXPLORE MORE LATEST JOBS – ALL OPENINGS Beyond the Script: Perks & Culture Working at Little Zoo Studio comes with a unique set of benefits that go beyond the paycheck: The “No-Crunch” Commitment: We plan our productions meticulously to avoid the burnout common in the industry. We value your mental health as much as your keyframes. Global Community: You will work with artists from every corner of the globe. This diversity of thought and culture enriches our stories and our workplace. Work-from-Home Stipend: We provide an annual budget for “Home Office Wellness,” which can be used for ergonomic chairs, standing desks, or even coffee subscriptions to keep your creativity fueled. Proprietary Tools: Access to Little Zoo’s internal library of animation tools and scripts designed to shave hours off your technical tasks. The Talent Database: We are always looking for folks from all disciplines (Layout, Lighting, Rigging). Even if you aren’t an animator, submitting your info via our link gets you into our “Working Database,” which we check first before posting any public job ads. How to Join the Zoo We’ve streamlined our application process to respect your time. Step 1: The Reel Review Submit a link to your latest demo reel. Please ensure your reel highlights acting and body mechanics. Password-protected links (Vimeo/SyncSketch) are perfectly acceptable—just remember to provide the password! Step 2: The Interview If your work aligns with our current project’s style, we’ll hop on a video call. This isn’t a high-pressure interrogation; it’s a conversation about your process, your inspirations, and how you like to work. Step 3: Onboarding Once the paperwork is signed, we ship you any necessary hardware (if required) and get you integrated into our Slack and ShotGrid ecosystems. A Note on General Applications: Not a Senior Animator? No problem. Little Zoo Studio is always looking for talented folks across all disciplines. We keep a working database of many positions not on this list. Please feel free to send us your information via the general application link on our careers page. We’d love to have you in our ecosystem for future openings. Final … Read more

Little Zoo Studio | Senior Unreal TD / CG Generalist 2026

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Little Zoo Studio is an elite creative collective known for pushing the boundaries of real-time storytelling and high-fidelity character performance. We are currently seeking a powerhouse Senior Unreal Technical Director (TD) / CG Generalist to join our 100% remote team. In this role, you aren’t just a cog in the machine; you are the architect of entire worlds. We need a “Swiss Army Knife” of digital art—someone who can pivot from sculpting a hero asset in ZBrush to orchestrating complex atmospheric lighting in Unreal Engine 5, all while maintaining a deep understanding of the technical underpinnings that make real-time rendering possible. If you are a visionary who lives at the intersection of high-end aesthetics and technical logic, Little Zoo is your new home. Little Zoo Studio Job Overview Company Name: Little Zoo Studio Position Title: Senior Unreal TD / CG Generalist Employment Type: Full-Time Location: 100% Remote (Global) Work Mode: Flexible / Distributed Primary Engine: Unreal Engine 5 Experience Level: Senior (3–5+ Years in Unreal) Compensation & Performance Incentives Little Zoo values the high-level versatility required for a Generalist TD role. Our compensation packages are designed to attract top-tier talent capable of handling multi-disciplinary tasks within a remote framework. Benefit Component Estimated Annual Range (USD) Additional Perks Base Salary $110,000 – $150,000 Scaled based on portfolio & tech depth Tech Stipend Included Support for software licenses/hardware Work-Life Balance High Flexible hours with a focus on milestones Final offers are determined by the candidate’s specific technical stack, years of industry experience, and geographic location. The Mission: Building Immersive Realities As a Senior Unreal TD/CG Generalist, your daily life involves wearing multiple hats. You are responsible for the end-to-end creation of captivating environments and the implementation of high-end visual effects that breathe life into our projects. 1. Environment & Technical Artistry World Building: Model, set-dress, and light diverse environments that range from hyper-realistic sci-fi corridors to stylized fantasy vistas. Material Mastery: Utilize advanced Unreal Engine material graphs to create reactive, high-fidelity surfaces. Lighting & Rendering: Oversee the final look of shots, utilizing Lumen, Path Tracing, and legacy lighting techniques to achieve cinematic excellence. 2. Real-Time FX & Simulation Atmospheric Impact: Create compelling FX, including fire, smoke, and magical elements, using real-time tools like EmberGen or Unreal’s internal Niagara system. Character Dynamics: Implement and tune cloth and hair simulations to ensure character movements feel grounded and realistic. 3. Pipeline & Logic (The “TD” Side) Sequence Orchestration: Build and manage complex cinematic sequences using Unreal Level Sequences. Interactivity: Utilize Blueprints and Widgets to create functional UI or environmental triggers that support the project’s narrative needs. Job Requirements & Qualifications We are looking for a rare blend of artistic “eye” and technical “brain.” The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can troubleshoot complex engine bugs while simultaneously judging the color balance of a sunset. Technical Proficiencies 3D Modeling Stack: Mastery of at least one major DCC tool (Maya, Blender, 3DS Max) and high-end sculpting in ZBrush. Unreal Engine Expertise: At least 3 years of professional experience working within the Unreal Engine ecosystem. Surfacing Excellence: Advanced texturing skills using Substance Painter and Photoshop. You should understand PBR workflows inside and out. FX Workflow: Skilled in real-time fluid and particle simulation software (EmberGen preferred). Preferred “Bonus” Skills Post-Production: Proficiency in compositing software like Nuke or DaVinci Resolve to add the final 10% of polish to a render. Motion Graphics: Experience with After Effects or Cinema 4D for UI or graphic elements. Logic Systems: A working knowledge of C++ (optional) or advanced Blueprint scripting. Soft Skills & Setup Communication: Solid English communication skills are mandatory. You must be able to explain technical hurdles to non-technical team members. Infrastructure: A reliable, high-bandwidth internet connection is essential for a remote TD role to handle large cache files and real-time reviews. Life as a “Zoo-Keeper” (The Culture) At Little Zoo Studio, we believe that the best work happens when artists are given the freedom to innovate. Radical Trust: We don’t micromanage. We provide the goals and the tools, then let our seniors lead the way. Global Diversity: Work with a team of artists from around the world, bringing a massive variety of styles and perspectives to every project. No Commute: Save hours of your life every day. Our remote-first culture is built on the idea that the best talent isn’t always in a single city. Cutting-Edge Projects: From cinematic trailers to interactive experiences, you will always be working on the forefront of real-time technology. Application Process Little Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To apply, please ensure you have the following ready: A Diverse Portfolio: We want to see environments, FX, and lighting. Show us your “Generalist” range. Applications without a portfolio link will not be reviewed. A Technical Breakdown: If possible, include a short video or document explaining a complex material or Blueprint logic you created. Resume: Focus on your history with real-time engines and any credits in games, film, or advertising.

Little Zoo | Senior Technical Animator

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Little Zoo is an elite creative studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character performance and technical innovation. We are currently seeking a highly skilled, senior-level Unreal Engine Technical Animator to join our world-class remote team. At Little Zoo, we believe that the bridge between a beautiful animation and a seamless in-game experience is built by technical experts. We are looking for an individual who possesses a deep mechanical understanding of character rigs, a mastery of Unreal Engine 5, and the scripting prowess to optimize workflows. If you thrive on solving complex implementation challenges and bringing digital characters to life through advanced physics and blueprints, we want to hear from you. Technical Animator Job Overview Company Name: Little Zoo Position Title: Senior Technical Animator Employment Type: Full-Time Work Location: 100% Remote Core Technology: Unreal Engine 5, Autodesk Maya Experience Level: Senior (5+ Years) Compensation & Industry Benchmarks Little Zoo provides competitive compensation packages tailored to senior-level expertise. While final offers are dependent on the candidate’s specific geographic location and depth of technical skill, we align our ranges with global AAA remote standards. Seniority Estimated Annual Salary (USD) Key Value Add Senior Technical Animator $115,000 – $155,000 Pipeline Architecture & Physics Mastery Note: Final compensation is determined by project-related factors, years of shipped game experience, and the results of a technical rigging/implementation test. The Mission: Technical Excellence in Motion As a Senior Technical Animator at Little Zoo, you are the architect of character functionality. Your role is pivotal in ensuring that the artistic vision of our animation team translates perfectly into a performant, high-fidelity real-time environment. You will be responsible for the “heavy lifting” of asset setup, from complex vehicle rigging to the intricate nuances of cloth and hair simulation. Core Responsibilities Engine Integration: Expertly set up assets within Unreal Engine 5, including the configuration of cloth simulations, physics bodies, and complex Animation Blueprints. Rigging Architecture: Design and maintain robust rigs for a diverse range of characters, environmental props, and complex vehicles. Aesthetic Refinement: Apply post-sculpts and corrective shapes to ensure character deformations remain high-quality across extreme ranges of motion. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between the Animation team and the Technical Art department to implement in-game assets flawlessly. Technical Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve implementation issues, troubleshooting FBX imports, state machine logic, and real-time technical bottlenecks. Tool Development: Innovate and evolve the studio’s pipeline by scripting custom tools to bridge the gap between DCC applications and the engine. Job Requirements & Qualifications We are looking for a veteran who has navigated multiple production cycles and possesses a “problem-solver” mindset. Essential Technical Skills Industry Tenure: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in technical animation, specifically for the gaming industry. Unreal Engine 5 Mastery: Advanced expertise in UE5’s rigging and animation systems (Control Rig, Sequencer, and Anim Blueprints). Maya Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of Autodesk Maya, specifically its rigging toolsets, skinning workflows, and deformer logic. Scripting Prowess: Proven ability to develop tools and scripts (Python/PyMEL) for Maya, MotionBuilder, or other DCC applications to automate repetitive tasks. Rigging Fundamentals: A strong understanding of anatomy, weight distribution, and mechanical constraints. Professional Qualities Communication: Exceptional verbal and written English skills. As a remote studio, clear and proactive communication is our lifeline. Connectivity: A high-bandwidth internet connection is required to handle large asset transfers and real-time collaborative reviews. Adaptability: The ability to pivot between different project styles and technical requirements with ease. The “Nice to Haves” Simulation Expertise: Specific experience with real-time cloth (Chaos Cloth) and hair physics. Motion Capture: Familiarity with MoCap pipelines and data retargeting. Life at Little Zoo: The Remote Advantage Working at Little Zoo means joining a studio that pioneered remote collaboration before it was a global standard. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance while maintaining the high-octane creative energy of a physical studio. Radical Flexibility: Manage your own schedule while collaborating with a global team across multiple time zones. Professional Autonomy: We hire seniors because we trust their judgment. You will have the freedom to suggest and implement new technical workflows. Cutting-Edge Tech: Work with the latest builds of Unreal Engine 5 and contribute to projects that push the envelope of real-time fidelity. Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse group of “Zoo-keepers” who are passionate about games, art, and the technology that connects them. Application Instructions To be considered for this senior-level position, please submit the following: Technical Portfolio: A reel or website showcasing your rigging work, tool development, and in-engine implementation examples. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Resume: Detailed history of your work in the games industry, highlighting shipped titles. Code/Tool Samples: (Optional) If you have a GitHub or snippets of Python tools you have built for Maya/UE5, we would love to see them.

Gameplay Animator jobs at Little Zoo Studio

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Job Overview Core Details: Gameplay Animator Jobs Company Name: Little Zoo Studio Job Titles: Gameplay Animator (Mid-Level & Senior-Level) Primary Keyword: Little Zoo Studio animation careers Location: 100% Remote (Work from anywhere) Job Type: Full-Time Salary Range (Mid): Competitive / Based on experience (Approx. $75,000 – $105,000 USD) Salary Range (Senior): Competitive / Based on experience (Approx. $110,000 – $155,000 USD) Software Requirements: Autodesk Maya (Required), Unreal Engine (Preferred) Communication: Must be fluent in English with solid communication skills Little Zoo Studio is a world-renowned animation collective that specializes in high-fidelity character movement for the global gaming industry. At Little Zoo Studio, we don’t just “move” characters; we craft their souls. Our studio is built on the principle that top-tier animation is the most direct way to connect a player to a story. We are currently expanding our remote workforce and are specifically looking for experts to fill our gameplay animators jobs. We provide a studio environment that values artistic autonomy, technical mastery, and a “quality-first” mindset. If you are passionate about hand-keyed excellence and want to work on projects that push the limits of modern hardware, Little Zoo Studio is your next professional home. The Role: Elevating Player Experience In our gameplay animators jobs, the primary mission is to create responsive, high-impact movement that feels “right” in the hands of the player. You will be responsible for the entire life-cycle of an animation, from the initial keyframe in Maya to the final blend-state in the game engine. Main Responsibilities Keyframe Craftsmanship: Author strong, 100% keyframe animations for characters and creatures, focusing on weight, silhouette, and appeal. Body Mechanics: Execute complex physical actions—such as parkour, combat, and heavy lifting—with a deep understanding of anatomy and physics. Engine Integration: Implement animations into Unreal Engine, managing state machines, hit-boxes, and transitions to ensure gameplay is “snappy” and fluid. Mocap Enhancement: While we are keyframe-heavy, you will occasionally clean up or stylize motion capture data to fit the specific aesthetic of a project. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Game Designers and Programmers to ensure the animation supports the mechanics of the game perfectly. Remote Proactivity: Manage your own schedule, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly with the team across different time zones. Professional Requirements Experience: 3+ years (Mid) or 6+ years (Senior) of professional experience in the games industry. Software Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Maya. Cinematic Acting: The ability to infuse personality into gameplay loops (idles, turns, and emotes). Technical Knowledge: Understanding of root motion, IK/FK blending, and skeletal hierarchy optimization. Communication: Fluent in English with the ability to provide and receive constructive, technical feedback. Why Apply for Gameplay Animators Jobs at Little Zoo Studio? 1. Absolute Remote Flexibility Little Zoo Studio was built as a remote-first entity. We have the infrastructure, communication pipelines, and culture to ensure that our remote gameplay animators jobs feel as connected and supported as any traditional office role. 2. The “Keyframe First” Philosophy Many studios today rely solely on raw motion capture. At Little Zoo Studio, we believe in the power of the hand-keyed animator. We want artists who can exaggerate, polish, and perfect movement to a level that technology cannot reach on its own. 3. High-Profile Projects Joining our studio means adding some of the industry’s most exciting and visually stunning titles to your resume. We work with the biggest names in gaming to provide the specialized animation talent they need for their AAA releases. 4. Mentorship and Growth Our Senior gameplay animators jobs are designed for leaders. You will have the chance to mentor mid-level talent, help shape the studio’s internal toolsets, and influence the animation style of entire projects. Technical Focus: Animation Engineering In these gameplay animators jobs, you are part artist and part engineer. Your animations must obey the “Logic of the Loop.” Blending Mathematics: You will ensure that a “Run” animation transitions to a “Stop” using seamless interpolation curves, preventing “foot sliding” or jarring pops. Combat Timing: Calculating the “Active Frames” ($\text{AF}$) of an attack to ensure it syncs with the game’s collision detection: $$\text{Total Duration} = \text{Anticipation} + \text{Active Frames} + \text{Recovery}$$ Spatial Consistency: Ensuring character scale and stride length remain consistent across varying terrain and movement speeds. Application Instructions To apply for our gameplay animators jobs, please submit the following: A Focused Demo Reel: Showcase 3D gameplay animation (cycles, combat, reactions). Note: We are looking for hand-keyed work, not just mocap cleanup. Resume/CV: Detailing your experience with Maya and game engines. Breakdown: A text file or document explaining your specific contributions to each shot in your reel. Little Zoo Studio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the unique perspectives that a global, diverse workforce brings to our animation team.