Framestore is hiring Animation Intern

Framestore Animation Intern

About Framestore

Framestore is an Oscar-winning creative studio that blends talent and technology to create world-class visual effects and immersive experiences.

With a legacy of bringing iconic characters to life—from the hyper-realistic creatures in Project Hail Mary to the vibrant worlds of One Piece and How to Train Your Dragon—we pride ourselves on being at the absolute forefront of the VFX industry.

Our London studio serves as a global hub for innovation, housing a diverse collective of artists, engineers, and visionaries who push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.

The Launchpad Internship Overview

The Launchpad Internship isn’t just a work placement; it is a dedicated bridge between your academic career and the professional VFX industry. Designed for aspiring artists, this eight-week immersive program offers a unique blend of high-level studio work, structured presentations, and hands-on mentorship.

You won’t just be watching from the sidelines; you will be integrated into our Film and Episodic teams, contributing to real-world projects while developing a personal project under the guidance of industry veterans.

The Role: Animator Intern at Framestore

As an Animation Intern within our Film and Episodic division, you will step into the heart of our creative pipeline. Your primary objective is to assist in the creation of photorealistic characters and creatures that resonate with audiences emotionally and physically.

This role is designed for those who have a deep passion for the “acting” side of animation—understanding how a subtle shift in weight or a specific glance can tell a story more effectively than words ever could.

You will work under the direct supervision of Animation Leads and Supervisors, gaining a front-row seat to how a major studio manages complex shot production. This is an environment that moves fast, requires high levels of adaptability, and rewards those who are eager to absorb new workflows.

Core Responsibilities:

• Performance & Motion: Assist in the development of high-quality animation for characters, creatures, and vehicles, ensuring all movement adheres to the laws of physics and the creative brief.

• Technical Integration: Work closely with the Rigging and Pipeline departments to ensure that assets are functioning correctly and that your animation data flows seamlessly through the production stages.

• Iterative Development: Participate in “dailies” and review sessions. You will learn to interpret creative feedback and apply it to your shots efficiently to meet the rigorous standards of our clients.

• Collaboration: Liaise with Production teams to track your progress and manage your time effectively, ensuring that milestones are met without compromising on artistic quality.

• Personal Project: Alongside studio tasks, you will dedicate time to a personal animation project, receiving tailored critiques to help you polish your reel for future employment.

What We Are Looking For ?

We are seeking individuals who are not just technically proficient but are also “students of movement.” You should have a natural curiosity for how things move in the real world and a drive to translate that into digital spaces.

Technical Requirements:

• Software Proficiency: A strong working knowledge of Autodesk Maya is essential. This is our primary tool, and you should be comfortable navigating its interface and animation editors.

• Foundational Knowledge: A rock-solid understanding of the 12 principles of animation. We look for evidence of weight, balance, timing, and form in your portfolio.

• Pipeline Awareness: Familiarity with how character rigs function and a basic understanding of the broader VFX pipeline (modeling, rigging, lighting) is highly beneficial.

Professional Qualities:

• Communication: The ability to articulate your creative choices and ask the right questions when faced with technical hurdles.

• Resilience: You should thrive in a feedback-heavy environment. We view critiques as the fastest way to grow, and we want interns who share that philosophy.

• Time Management: Even in an internship capacity, the ability to organize your tasks and meet internal deadlines is crucial for the health of the production.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Framestore

Framestore is a global company, and we believe our work is at its best when it reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, age, ability, or sexual orientation.

Industry Context & Statistics: In our ongoing effort to improve representation within the VFX industry, we actively monitor workforce trends to ensure we are moving toward a more equitable future. According to recent UK screen industry data:

• Approximately 30-33% of the VFX workforce identifies as female, a number we are actively working to increase through initiatives like Launchpad.

• Roughly 14-16% of the UK VFX workforce comes from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and we are committed to providing pathways that increase this representation at all levels of seniority.

• Framestore maintains a “merit-first” hiring policy where 100% of applicants are evaluated solely on their portfolio quality and potential, ensuring no individual receives less favorable treatment.

Eligibility & Application Details

To be considered for the 2026 Launchpad intake, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Standing: You must be entering your final year of university (undergraduate or postgraduate) or have graduated within the 12 months prior to July 2026.

• Right to Work: You must be a UK citizen or hold a valid resident, student, or graduate visa that covers the full duration of the internship (July – August).

• Availability: Successful candidates must be able to work on-site at our London studio for the full duration of the program (July 6th to August 29th, 2026).

“What if I don’t meet every requirement?”

We recognize that talent doesn’t always follow a linear path. The requirements listed above are guidelines. If you possess transferable skills, a killer demo reel, and a relentless work ethic, we want to see your application.

Many of our most successful artists came from non-traditional backgrounds or self-taught paths. If you feel you belong at Framestore, let us decide if you’re a fit.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via the Framestore Careers portal or through “Apply with Indeed.” Your application must include:

1. A Resume/CV highlighting your education and software proficiencies.

2. A Demo Reel Link (Vimeo, YouTube, or ArtStation) showcasing your best animation work. Please include a breakdown of your contributions if the work was part of a group project.

3. A Brief Cover Letter (Optional but encouraged) telling us why you want to start your career at Framestore specifically.

Application Deadline: 12th April 2026. Early applications are encouraged as we review portfolios on a rolling basis.

Accessibility

Framestore is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or assistance—whether due to a disability or any other reason—to participate in the application or interview process, please contact our recruitment team. We are here to support you every step of the way.