Lead 2D Compositor

Our Lead Compositing Artists are technical experts with an eye for detail and excellent motivators. They lead their team in giving the polish to our charming shows, clarifying the final look to the directors vision. Your day-to-day will focus on compositing the 2D animation in Harmony & After Effects, whilst always keeping the right balance between high quality and meeting deadlines. You will also be responsible for distributing work across your team members so that the workload is evenly balanced, and communicating with your supervisor and other departments to make sure the project is running smoothly. Due to the needs of this production, the successful candidate must be based in the UK. Day to Day:

• Leading a team of compositing artists, and regularly communicating with the Editor & 2D TD
• Working in After Effects or Harmony to composite Harmony animation
• Clarifying quality expectations with the Director, Art Director & Production team to ensure the work is within the team's capacity.
• Communicating render farm usage with the 2D TD
• Arranging daily catch ups with your team to make sure they are on track and aware of their daily tasks.
• Working with the Director to brief your team on new episodes.
• Managing your team efficiently to meet the deadlines of all assigned shots. Flagging to the Supervisor and Production in advance if there are any potential issues.
• Responsible for quality control across your team's episodes, and making sure the episodes are presented to the Director and Line Producer in a way that is clean and to the high standard of the production.
• Fixing errors and glitches through problem solving and addressing notes efficiently.
• Talking up and down the pipeline to other supervisors and leads, troubleshooting any issues, as well as keeping Production, Director & 2D TD aware where appropriate.
• Supervising or working on R&D to make sure any necessary research is done before each episode starts.
• Producing file and asset templates for Comp with or without the support of team members, to maintain consistent quality across your team and support junior team members.
• Taking on the more challenging or technical shots in the episode.
• Mentoring the team and helping with their development
• Updating the Line Producer on the team's progress, communicating any concerns regarding the teams' performance and wellbeing
  
  Must Have:
• Great communication and a motivational team leader, naturally sharing your knowledge and skills with other team members.
• Experience of Toon Boom Harmony & After Effects and the ability to troubleshoot software challenges
• Strong knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony's composition tools and workflow
• Strong knowledge of After Effects' composition tools and workflow
• Previous experience as a senior compositing artist on an animation production
• An understanding of colour theory, aesthetics and composition.
• Having an eye for detail for scrutinising final shots for any errors or inconsistencies.
• Problem solving skills to find the best approach to meeting the brief as well as troubleshooting issues and asking questions if unsure.
• An eye for detail for scrutinising final shots for any errors or inconsistencies.
• Ability to respond positively to feedback and develop from it.
• Confidence in working independently. Being diligent, taking initiative and being reliable.
• Being organised and managing yours and your team's time efficiently.
• Ability to help and support your team, contributing to the development and growth of your team members e.g. setting defined goals and giving clear direction.
Bonus Points:
• Previous experience as a Lead Compositing Artist on an animation production
• Knowledge of JavaScript & Python scripting
• Knowledge of Photoshop and Premiere
• Understanding of a 2D production pipeline
  
  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:
• Winner of Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including loads of discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share (for employees who have been with us for 2+ years).
Blue Zoo is committed to creating and nurturing an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity and invites everyone to 'bring their whole selves' to work. We believe that companies that truly embrace and value diversity, and create an environment where everyone from any background can do their best work, are better companies. To be engaged our people have to feel included and valued. We work hard to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is embedded in the way we work, not just an initiative. We strive to engender a studio community that feels a deep sense of pride and commitment that transcends any role, department or level and works together to produce excellent and engaging work.