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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of artists to create stunning models for feature animation.
- Company: Join the legendary Industrial Light & Magic, pioneers in visual effects.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that shape the future of animation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in feature animation and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Lead Model Artist – (Feature Animation) – ILM London
Job ID 10134232 • Location: London, United Kingdom • Company: Industrial Light & Magic • Posted: 2025/10/10
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.
- Work with Supervisors and HOD to determine the best approach for complex issues.
- Instigates and explores workflow strategies for complex assets.
- Collaborate with a cross-functional team, including Texture Artists, Lookdev TDs, Creature Artists 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.
Application: As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
Work Arrangement: 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.
About ILM
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a world-leading visual effects company founded by George Lucas in 1975, renowned for its contributions to hundreds of films and for setting standards in visual effects, VR, AR and immersive cinema.
About The Walt Disney Company: Disney is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with operations in multiple segments and regions. This job is part of ILM (UK) Ltd., within Industrial Light & Magic.
ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions regarding hiring consider applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, national origin, ethnicity or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or domestic partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity status. Disney fosters an inclusive culture where everyone’s ideas and decisions contribute to our growth, innovation, and storytelling excellence.
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Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London employer: Disneyland Hong Kong
Contact Detail:
Disneyland Hong Kong Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at ILM or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for advice or insights.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Make sure your demo reel is top-notch and highlights your best work. Tailor it to feature animation and include projects that showcase your ability to create photoreal and stylized assets.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of the full animation pipeline. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Lead Model Artist.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work: When you submit your demo reel, make sure it highlights your strongest pieces. We want to see your creativity and technical skills shine through, so pick projects that really showcase what you can do!
Tailor Your Resume: Your resume should reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Lead Model Artist role. We’re looking for proven experience in feature animation, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements.
Be Clear and Concise: In your application, clarity is key! Make sure your notes and breakdowns are easy to understand. We appreciate a well-structured presentation that communicates your creative vision effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at ILM!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disneyland Hong Kong
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into ILM's work and their approach to feature animation. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and understand their artistic vision. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Model Artist, you'll be guiding other artists. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed complex projects. Highlight how you supported your team and ensured high-quality outcomes.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your technical skills, especially in Maya and Zbrush. Be ready to discuss your experience with advanced subdivision surfaces and how you tackle complex asset creation. They might ask you to solve a problem on the spot, so think through your process beforehand.
✨Collaborative Mindset is Key
ILM values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific instances where you communicated effectively with Texture Artists, Lookdev TDs, or other departments to achieve a common goal.