Lead Designer/illustrator
Bristol
A Productions are looking for a Lead Designer to work in our Bristol studio the hit series Jo Jo and Gran Gran for CBeebies. The show will be produced in-house at our central Bristol studio.
JoJo and Gran Gran follows the life of a four-year old girl called JoJo and her fun and wise grandmother Gran Gran, who looks after her while her parents are working. Mixing beautiful animation with inspiring live action inserts, each episode follows the pair as they fill their day with fun activities and new experiences: from baking St Lucian Banana Bread to searching for Dinosaurs in the local Museum.
The show celebrates the role of modern Grandparents in many kids lives through core themes of family, community but most importantly, love.
Inspired by the real life relationship between early years educator Laura Henry-Allain MBE and her own grandmother, JoJo and Gran Gran has found a place in the hearts of the CBeebies audience; becoming an overnight classic and the channel's highest rating Series launch of 2020.
The show is an important milestone in children's programming as it is the first UK animation that centres around a Black British family. This aspect of the show has resonated positively with the audience and following on from the success of series 1 (over 14 million views on iPlayer alone), we are looking for someone to head up our design department for series 2 and 3.
A Productions ethos, established over numerous years and long form series, is to tell stories authentically; our success is based on the creative teams we build.
General Duties:
To work with the closely with the Art Director to maintain the overall visual style for the series.
To work with production to meet the requirements of the schedule, utilizing existing assets where necessary and providing creative solutions to keep new environments within the scope of the budget.
Work with the design team to create the Set, Prop and Character Design Pack in line with the Clients briefing pack and Director's vision.
To work with the Layout supervisor to ensure a smooth transition to animation, for seeing and troubleshooting any issues.
Work with the design team to create Episodic Set, Prop and Character designs in line with the Directors brief and client feedback.
Work with the rigging team to ensure the character/prop design vision is implemented and maintained within production constraints.
To manage and oversee the design team ensuring all feedback is correctly addressed and implemented.
Attend all relevant meetings, to include breakdown meetings and design reviews
Essential skills and experience
Design experience on a broadcast series preferred
Design experience in animation essential
Experience working alongside junior team members
Ability to prioritise design order in order to deliver to a tight schedule
Strong ability to use colour in sensitive and creative manner
Excellent knowledge of Photoshop
Ability to create turnarounds for characters and props
Ability to create beautiful background designs
Ability to work in the style of the show
A Productions are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion within our company and actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity and are open to discussing flexible working hours.
As a studio we are committed to supporting our crew as much as we can during these challenging working environments. As such we have a dedicated welfare manager who is available to all crew for one to one support and a wellbeing day once a month where the studio is shut from 1pm (in addition to your holiday allowance).
Please email your cover letter, CV and showreel
To be based inhouse in our Bristol Studio, - all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Please specify where you saw the job advertised.