About The Role
As part of the Background team, artists will provide background art and any additional assets needed for an episode. They will require in-depth knowledge of Photoshop, have strong organisational skills and be able to work to tight deadlines.
Working closely with the Lead, background artists will be required to work in the style of the show, following the environment art pack provided for them. They will be working directly from storyboard and will be responsible for preparing and completing background files ready for the scene build team.
This role requires the hired candidate to be based in the UK. We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all our vacancies.
Day to Day:
1. Set up Photoshop files directly from a Storyboard Layout.
2. Responsible for ensuring background files are HD and are large enough for any cut-ins required, providing character scale reference in preparation for scene build.
3. Complete a comprehensive paint “blocking” for each assigned shot and review with the Lead Painter. Implement any feedback or fixes given.
4. Following the environment artpack, painters will take their backgrounds to a finish. Utilising reuse assets where possible to maintain consistency of design.
5. Work to tight deadlines.
6. Complete and implement any additional retakes passed down by the Background Director.
7. Merge and export background files ready for scene build.
8. Communicate with the scene build team to help them with any fixes they need for ongoing episodes.
9. All team members will be required to organise their work flow using the work trackers provided and keeping the tracker updated on the progress of each background will be essential for working together smoothly.
About You
Must Have:
10. In depth technical knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
11. Experience with background designing including a comprehensive understanding of the stages required to take a background from start to finish.
12. Strong communication skills and the desire to work closely with team members.
13. Work fast and efficiently to meet deadlines.
14. Excellent organisation skills to maintain clean, manageable photoshop files and work tightly with the production tracker.
15. Be able to review and implement feedback from the Lead.
Bonus Points:
16. Previous experience working on a 2D animated show.
17. Experience with composition and staging.
18. Strong understanding of painting with colour and light.
19. Experience using Ftrack.
About Us
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:
20. Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020 and 2022
21. Inclusive self-funded shorts programme
22. Many fun social events throughout the year - even though some of them have to be remote for the foreseeable!
23. Bi-monthly staff feedback and engagement programme
24. Friday "beer o'clock" and talks programme!
25. Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers
26. Online wellbeing programme
27. Profit share (for staff who have been with us for 2+ years)