Blue Zoo is opening a brand new, dedicated 2D animation studio across the road from its central London head office. More than 60 new roles will be created to help meet the company’s goal of diversifying into a fully-fledged 2D studio, and meet the growing demand for 2D animation.
The new studio will use a Toon Boom Harmony pipeline to create episodic TV series for major broadcasters around the world as well as in-house IP. The expansion puts Blue Zoon on track to be the largest independent 2D & 3D shop in the U.K.
“We’re really excited, not only because the BZ family is growing, but also to be developing our offering and expertise in all areas of character animation. 2D animation is making a big comeback and we’re seeing a greater demand for it more than ever, particularly for older kids,” said Adam Shaw, Co-founder and Director.
The first project for the facility will be a 2D buddy comedy for kids 8-10 conceived by Ant Blades — the talented animator behind shorts Carpark and Wildebeest. The 20 x half-hour package will be produced for an international broadcaster TBA.
The new studio opens in 2019; Blue Zoo is recruiting for a variety of positions at different levels now (jobs.blue-zoo.co.uk).
“Our passion is for great storytelling with great characters, and it’s been a long-term ambition to diversify into a fully-fledged 2D studio,” Shaw continued. “Blue Zoo is already internationally recognised for 3D animation and having even more freedom to animate in whichever medium is best suited suddenly creates many more exciting opportunities — for projects and for attracting the best and brightest 2D talent. We love the idea of combining our amazing pipelines to make a hybrid show playing to the strengths of 2D and 3D — so watch this space!”
