At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning 3D models for iconic films and immersive experiences.
- Company: Join the legendary Industrial Light & Magic, part of The Walt Disney Company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, Disney discounts, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and creative events.
- Why this job: Be a part of cinematic history and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Maya and ZBrush, with a strong portfolio showcasing photorealistic work.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 85000 £ per year.
Are you ready to join the legendary studio that defined the visual language of modern cinema? Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company, is seeking talented 3D Modelers of all levels to join our London studio. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the most prestigious film projects in the world, creating everything from intricate digital doubles to sprawling environments and iconic creatures. At ILM, we don’t just make movies; we create history. From the groundbreaking effects of Star Wars to the latest Marvel blockbusters and immersive VR experiences, our London team is at the heart of the digital revolution.
As a 3D Modeler at ILM London, you are the architect of the digital world. You will take concept art and reference material and transform them into high-fidelity 3D assets. You must possess an expert-level understanding of anatomy, form, and function, ensuring that every asset you build is not only visually stunning but also technically sound for the downstream departments—Rigging, Texturing, and Animation. ILM London is looking for artists who are passionate about photorealism. Whether you are sculpting a microscopic creature or a massive sci-fi megastructure, your work will be held to the “ILM Standard”—the highest benchmark in the industry.
What You’ll Do: Responsibilities
- Character & Creature Sculpting: Build high-end 3D characters, digital doubles, and creatures with a focus on correct anatomical structure, muscle flow, and realistic skin tension.
- Hard-Surface Modeling: Create complex mechanical models, vehicles, and architectural assets with a clean, efficient topology that adheres to ILM’s technical standards.
- Pipeline Integration: Work closely with the Creature Development (CritDev) and Rigging teams to ensure models deform correctly during animation.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Liaise with Texture Artists to ensure UV layouts are optimized and meet the needs of high-resolution painting.
- Feedback & Iteration: Participate in “dailies” and creative reviews, taking direction from VFX Supervisors to refine assets until they achieve the desired cinematic look.
- Technical Problem Solving: Identify and resolve technical issues within the modeling pipeline, utilizing node networks or procedural workflows where applicable to increase efficiency.
What We’re Looking For: Qualifications
- Portfolio Excellence: A demo reel that showcases a range of photorealistic work, including both organic (creatures/humans) and inorganic (hard-surface) models.
- Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in Autodesk Maya and Pixologic ZBrush.
- Anatomical Knowledge: A deep understanding of human and animal anatomy, including skeletal structure and muscle movement.
- Technical Skillset: Strong spatial awareness and a mastery of topology, UV mapping, and subdivision surface modeling.
- Experience: Proven professional experience in a high-end VFX feature film environment.
- Soft Skills: You are a collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can handle constructive criticism with a professional attitude.
Preferred Skills (The “Plus” List)
- Experience with Mari or Adobe Substance 3D Painter.
- Knowledge of procedural modeling techniques (e.g., Houdini).
- A basic understanding of the entire CG pipeline (from look-dev to lighting).
- Experience with proprietary studio tools or USD (Universal Scene Description) workflows.
Working for ILM London means being part of The Walt Disney Company family, which comes with a world-class benefits package:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive private medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
- Disney Perks: Complimentary park passes to Disney Theme Parks worldwide, discounts on Disney+ subscriptions, and exclusive merchandise at Disney and Lucasfilm stores.
- Professional Development: Access to “ILM University,” featuring masterclasses from industry legends, guest speaker series, and technical training.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid working arrangements and generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including enhanced parental leave.
- Studio Culture: A creative office environment in the heart of London, featuring state-of-the-art screening rooms, social clubs (photography, gaming, etc.), and regular crew events.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
ILM London Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that our strength lies in our diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability status. Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like MOSAIC and Lucas PRIDE ensure that every voice is heard and celebrated.
Application Requirements
To be considered for this role, please ensure your application includes:
- Current Resume: Highlighting your film credits and technical proficiencies.
- Demo Reel & Breakdown: A link to your latest work with a clear description of your specific contributions to each shot.
Join the Force at ILM London and help us define the next generation of visual storytelling.
3D Modeler (All Levels) – ILM London employer: Festybay
At King, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Principal VFX Artist in our New Games Studio, you'll have the opportunity to lead innovative projects while benefiting from our commitment to employee growth, competitive compensation, and a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance. Located in dynamic cities like London, our studios are designed to inspire, providing you with the resources and community to push the boundaries of mobile gaming.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 3D Modeler (All Levels) – ILM London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, workshops, or online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at ILM or other studios.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio that highlights your best 3D modelling work. Make sure to include a variety of projects, from creatures to hard surfaces, so potential employers can see your range.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Keep refining your craft by taking on personal projects or freelance gigs. The more you create, the better you'll get, and it’ll give you fresh material for your demo reel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Don’t hesitate—get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace 3D Modeler (All Levels) – ILM London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:Make sure your demo reel is top-notch! We want to see a range of your photorealistic work, so include both organic and hard-surface models. Don’t forget to add a breakdown of your contributions to each piece!
Tailor Your Resume:Your resume should highlight your film credits and technical skills relevant to the 3D Modeler role. We’re looking for specific experiences that align with what we do at ILM, so make it count!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 the ILM family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festybay
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised demo reel that highlights your best work. Focus on showcasing a variety of photorealistic models, both organic and hard-surface, as this will demonstrate your versatility and skill level to the interviewers.
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Brush up on your skills in Autodesk Maya and ZBrush before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used in past projects, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This shows your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand the ILM Standard
Familiarise yourself with ILM's work and the high standards they uphold. Research their recent projects and be ready to discuss how your style and approach align with their vision. This will show your genuine interest in the company and its legacy.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration Questions
Since teamwork is crucial at ILM, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other departments in the past. Highlight your ability to take constructive feedback and iterate on your work, as this is key to achieving the desired cinematic look.
