Triggerfish is seeking a talented and passionate Character Animator to join our team for an upcoming CG animated short film. This role is a fantastic opportunity for a Mid-level or Senior animator to contribute to a high-quality production from the comfort of their home office anywhere within the United Kingdom.

As a studio, Triggerfish is renowned for storytelling that resonates globally. We are looking for an artist who doesn’t just “move” characters but understands the “why” behind every gesture. You will be instrumental in translating the emotional core of the script into believable, expressive performances.

The essence of this role is performance. We are looking for an animator who can breathe life into digital rigs, ensuring that every frame supports the narrative arc and the director’s vision.

• Performance & Acting: Create high-quality animation that demonstrates a deep understanding of acting, weight, physics, and appeal. You will be responsible for both subtle facial acting and dynamic physical movements.
• Creative Collaboration: Work under the guidance of the Animation Director to ensure that your shots align with the established style and emotional tone of the short film.
• Technical Excellence: Navigate complex character rigs efficiently, maintaining clean curves and organized files within the production pipeline.
• Narrative Support: Ensure that the character’s motivation is clear in every shot. Your work should contribute to the storytelling, not just the visual spectacle.
• Deadline Management: Deliver polished animation within the established production schedule without compromising on the quality of the “performance.”
• Consistency: Maintain a high level of consistency across shots, ensuring that character personalities remain stable throughout the film.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Triggerfish is looking for seasoned artists who can hit the ground running. Whether you are a Mid-level animator looking to prove your skills on a prestigious project or a Senior animator looking to mentor through example, we want to see your best work.

Technical Proficiencies

• Software Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of industry-standard software (primarily Maya). Familiarity with ShotGrid (Shotgun) for task management and reviews is highly preferred.
• Principles of Animation: A mastery of the 12 basic principles, with a specific focus on timing, spacing, and staging to create “appeal.”
• Anatomy & Physics: A strong grasp of human and animal anatomy and how weight and force translate into CG movement.

Experience & Background

• Portfolio/Reel: A strong showreel demonstrating high-end character acting (dialogue and physical) in a feature film, high-end TV, or short film context.
• Industry Experience: Minimum of 3+ years for Mid-level or 6+ years for Senior-level roles in a professional animation studio environment.
• Remote Work Discipline: Proven ability to work independently in a remote setting, staying communicative and proactive via Slack and video conferencing.

Triggerfish is a studio that values the unique perspectives brought by a diverse workforce. We believe that great stories come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

“At Triggerfish, we don’t just build characters; we build worlds that reflect the diversity of the human experience. We encourage applicants from all regions of the UK—whether you’re in a creative hub like London or working from the Highlands.”

Diversity and Inclusion: We are an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the animation industry.

Before applying, please ensure you meet the following mandatory criteria:

1. UK Residency: This position is strictly for residents of the United Kingdom. If you are based outside of the UK, your application will not be reviewed for this specific role. However, we invite international talent to submit their details to our “Interested in Joining Triggerfish?” general application for future opportunities.
2. Right to Work: You must have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract (April – July 2026).
3. Availability: Candidates must be available to start on 1st April 2026 and commit to the full duration of the contract ending in July 2026.

How to Apply

If you are ready to bring your animation expertise to a world-class CG short film, we want to hear from you. Please prepare the following:

• Updated CV: Detailing your professional experience and technical skills.
• Showreel Link: Please provide a link to your latest reel (Vimeo/YouTube/SyncSketch) along with a shot breakdown explaining your specific contributions to each clip.
• Cover Letter: A brief note telling us why you’re excited about this project and how your specific style aligns with the Triggerfish aesthetic.

Why This Project?

This short film represents a pinnacle of creative expression for Triggerfish. Unlike long-form series work, this project allows for a “boutique” approach to animation where every frame is scrutinized for artistic excellence. You will be part of a tight-knit, highly skilled team where your voice and creative input are valued.

For a freelancer, this offers a stable, high-profile four-month contract with the flexibility of remote work, allowing you to balance professional growth with your personal lifestyle.