Lead CG Animator (UK-based)

Join the Stirling Animation Studio team on a Magic Light Pictures' Special.

Please note that we’re particularly keen to connect with Scotland-based artists and our preference is to work with artists based regionally within the UK (outside the M25).

Please review the information for the role below and then complete the short application form. We will be in touch if you are shortlisted for an interview.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Lead CG Animator to join our team at an early stage of an exciting new animated high-end CG TV special.

Working in Maya, a significant part of the early role will involve rig testing, animation tests and cycle and library development and production. You will work closely with the rigging and creative teams to test the characters, identify potential animation challenges and help establish an animation approach that is both practical for production and true to the project’s visual style.

Once the wider animation team is established, you will take a hands-on leadership role, working alongside Directors to provide creative direction, providing feedback and support to animators, assisting Production on shot bids and assigning tasks, while continuing to animate key shots and sequences yourself.

The show's animation will primarily be worked on 2s and you will help define and maintain the visual style throughout the production, ensuring that the animation maintains a stop-motion style within a CG workflow.

This role is due to start in early November 2026 and you will report to our Animation Director.

Responsibilities:

• Join the production during the early development phase and help establish the animation approach and workflow.
• Carry out rig testing and animation tests in Maya, identifying issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with the rigging team to test character rigs for range of motion, usability, deformation, posing and animation requirements.
• Develop and produce character cycles, including walks, runs, idles and other reusable animation assets, establishing the movement language for the production.
• Develop animation tests and style samples to help communicate and define the creative direction of the production.
• Identify potential animation and pipeline issues early and work collaboratively with other departments to resolve them.
• Help establish animation workflows, standards and best practices that can be adopted by the wider animation team.
• Lead and support a team of CG animators once production is underway, providing clear creative direction, feedback and day-to-day guidance.
• Attend all Director reviews and feedback sessions to provide consistent and clear creative direction to the animation team
• Animate key shots and sequences to a high standard, leading by example and helping to establish the overall animation style.
• Review animation throughout the production process, providing constructive notes and ensuring work meets the required creative and technical standards.
• Work primarily on 2s, using timing, spacing, posing and performance to create an authentic stop-motion feel within a CG pipeline.
• Maintain consistency of character movement, scale, weight and personality across shots and sequences.
• Collaborate closely with the Animation Director and other departments to develop and deliver sequences.
• Onboard, support and mentor animators, helping artists understand and consistently apply the show's animation style.
• Communicate clearly with production and other departments regarding progress, priorities and potential issues.
• Help ensure animation is delivered on schedule while maintaining a consistently high level of quality.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Proven professional experience as a CG Animator, ideally with experience in a Lead or Senior animation role.
• Experience working on feature animation, TV specials or other high-quality long-form animation productions.
• A strong portfolio/showreel demonstrating excellent character animation, performance and understanding of animation principles, particularly in similar styles.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback and bring out the best in a team.
• A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving, particularly during the early stages of a production.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across departments and helping shape workflows as a production develops.
• Strong proficiency in Autodesk Maya and a solid understanding of CG animation and production workflows.
• Experience with, or a strong understanding of, character rig testing and animation development.
• Experience creating character cycles and reusable animation assets.
• Experience animating primarily on 2s, or a strong understanding of how stepped timing can be used effectively.
• The ability to balance expressive, entertaining animation with believable physicality and weight.

LOCATION: Fully remote or Scotland-based artists would be welcome to work hybrid from our studio in Stirling.

CONTRACT TYPE: Roles will be offered on a freelance contract, expected to start from November 2026 running until August 2027.

HOURS: Our standard studio hours are 7 working hours a day (usually 10am to 6pm), Monday to Friday. We are open to discussing flexible working hours on an individual basis.

ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: We are committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all team members. If you have individual access requirements, we're open to discussing these throughout the recruitment process to make sure we can make arrangements to support you.

SHARE YOUR DETAILS: Please ensure you provide either a copy of your CV or your LinkedIn profile along with a link to a portfolio/showreel (providing the password if required).

We accept alternate format submissions including video or audio files if preferred - please keep these under 2 minutes.

We encourage you to complete the form as early as possible as we may update job listings or close applications when roles are filled.

We will delete any details you share with us after 12 months and so we encourage you to resend your details at any time to update the information we have recorded. Please see our Privacy Policy for further information here - https://www.magiclightpictures.com/privacy-policy/