Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10134232 Location London, United Kingdom Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Oct. 10, 2025Job Summary:
Position Summary
At Industrial Light & Magic we’re pushing the boundaries of feature animation, combining artistic vision with cutting-edge technology.
We are looking for a Lead Model Artist to work within our Feature Animation team who reflects the collaborative mindset, excellence and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.
The Lead Model Artist is responsible for leading other artists with patience and respect to make sure they are supported and successful. They have the ability to help bid, delegate and create photoreal and stylized assets for extreme close up and hero use as well as review model assets and manage show expectations.
Prior experience in feature animation is essential, as you’ll be instrumental in delivering projects that uphold ILM’s legacy of excellence and innovation.
What You’ll Do:
Help with handoffs and communicating asset goals and notes between artists, production and supervision.
Works with Supervisors and HOD to determine the best approach for complex issues.
Instigates and explores workflow strategies for complex assets.
Collaboration with a cross-functional team, including Texture Artists, Lookdev TDs, Creature Artsist and other Model Artists, to be a key artist in the desired concept and topology aspects of assets.
Support environment and set dressing artists with efficient large scale assets and model kits
What We’re Looking For:
Significant proven experience in Feature Animation Projects at a Lead level and proven ability to deliver complex shots to the highest level of quality.
Ability to maintain the team's asset presentation and delivery standards across multiple shows.
Flexibility working across character, hard surface and large scale assets.
Comfort in managing hero model needs beyond the level of detail provided in reference.
Distilling the creative vision from clients into notes for artists to follow.
Experience working closely with production on a large scale feature.
Technical Skills
Established production experience with Maya.
A good understanding of a full Feature Animation pipeline.
Strong skills in developing advanced subdivision surfaces model assets.
Comfortable exploring concept sculpts in software such as Zbrush.
Ability to use node networks such as Houdini a plus.
Ability to use shotgrid is a plus.
As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.
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About Industrial Light & Magic:
Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ILM (UK) Ltd., which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.
ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.