About The Role
Start Date: August 2025
Full Time: 45 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (until Dec 2025)
Salary: Dependant on experience
Location: Gas Ferry Road
The Role:
We have an exciting opportunity to work in the Production dept for a series of stop-frame digital shorts at Aardman Animations. This role requires excellent awareness of the needs of the studio environment; good organisational skills and the ability to ensure tasks are completed efficiently to the required standard in calm and courteous manner.
About You
The Candidate:
The successful candidate will directly support the Production Manager by liaising with all departments to ensure correct assets are on set for frame ups and director visits. They will also prioritise workload so that units are fully prepped and ready in good time for daily director visits.
The perfect candidate will have previous Runner or 3rd AD production experience, preferably in stop motion. They will also need experience of using Word and Excel.
Please see a full role profile below.
Job Title: 3 rd Assistant Director
Department: Production
Contract: Project Based
Pillar: Production __________________________________________________________________
Function of the department/section & main purpose of the role:
An exciting opportunity to work in the Production dept for a series of stop-frame digital shorts at Aardman Animations. 3rd AD is an integral role within the Production Team. The Production Team are responsible for creating a well-motivated and organised working environment to support the creative process.
The role requires excellent awareness of the needs of the studio environment; good organisational skills and the ability to ensure tasks are completed efficiently to the required standard in calm and courteous manner. __________________________________________________________________
Duties & Responsibilities:
- To directly support the Production Manager by liaising with all departments to ensure correct assets are on set for frame ups and director visits.
- To prioritise workload so that units are fully prepped and ready in good time for daily director visits.
- To ensure units are prepped for shooting and animators have everything they need on set to minimise turnaround times.
- To run larger turnarounds as instructed by PM.
- To manage final checks.
- To maintain a high level of cleanliness within the studio area and housekeeping within units to the correct standard as dictated by PM.
- To observe the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act and keep abreast of current risk assessments and alert the PM of any major issues.
- To be the 1st point of contact for work requests from other depts.
- To assist with unit builds as required.
Responsible to:
Specific Functional Contacts:
• Animation Department • Production Department • Puppet Department • Rigging Department • Art Department • Camera Department • CG/ VFX Department • Edit Department __________________________________________________________________
Person Specification :
- Previous Runner/3rd AD Production experience essential.
- Previous stop motion experience highly desirable.
- Experience of using Word and Excel are essential and reasonable computer skills are necessary.
- Strong organisational skills - with experience of setting up systems and ensuring they are adhered to by self and others.
- Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines.
- Ability to pay attention to detail yet not lose sight of the whole picture.
- Able to work under own initiative and unsupervised.
- Strong communication skills including a flexible and friendly approach to working with other members of the team.
- Must be a proactive, flexible, team player.
We will be reviewing applications for interview as they’re submitted. Please confirm your salary expectations and availability in your Cover Letter or relevant supporting documents.
Closing Date for applications is Friday 11th July at 5pm.
About Us
About Aardman:
Aardman is an independent and multi-Academy Award® and BAFTA® award winning studio. It produces feature films, series, advertising, games and interactive entertainment.
Its productions are global in appeal, novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio’s work is often imitated, and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world.
In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Charter is our commitment to building a workforce that is truly reflective of society, underpinned by the belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in delivering on our mission: to create entertainment for all and to be the most inspirational animation company in the world. We welcome applications from all individuals and are always happy to discuss flexible working needs. We've signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to make workplaces age-friendly, and Aardman is also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a Living Wage Employer.
