At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead motion editing and refine performances for iconic film franchises.
- Company: Join the legendary Industrial Light & Magic, part of Lucasfilm and Disney.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and a creative environment.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape cinematic movement and mentor the next generation of artists.
- Qualifications: Experience in VFX, proficiency in Maya and MotionBuilder required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 105000 £ per year.
Are you ready to become the technical heartbeat of motion capture for the studio that defines the visual effects industry? Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a division of Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company, is seeking a Lead Motion Editor to join our team at the Lacon House studio in London. This is more than a data management role; it is a leadership position where you will act as the primary point of contact for performance capture excellence. You will guide the next generation of cinematic movement, ensuring that the nuances of an actor’s performance are translated seamlessly into the digital world. At ILM, you aren’t just editing motion; you are refining the soul of the characters that populate the most iconic film franchises in history.
Position Overview:
- Company Name: Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) / The Walt Disney Company
- Job Type: Full-Time / Permanent
- Location: London, United Kingdom (Lacon House, Holborn)
- Work Mode: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days on-site per week)
- Estimated Salary: £75,000 – £105,000 (Based on seniority, tenure, and project scope)
- Primary Software: Maya, MotionBuilder, Vicon Shogun, Blender, Nuance
- Department: Motion Edit / Animation
- Key Focus: Retargeting, Motion Blending, Team Mentorship
Job Summary:
The Lead Motion Editor is a pivotal role within the ILM London pipeline, collaborating directly with the Motion Edit Supervisor to ensure the department operates with surgical precision. Your primary objective is to execute non-destructive retargeting and refinement of realistic motion-capture data. You will take the raw energy of a performance and polish it until it meets the “ILM Standard”—the highest quality benchmark in global VFX. While the focus remains predominantly on human characters and digital doubles, your expertise will extend to props, bipedal creatures, and occasionally quadrupeds. Beyond the technical execution, you will be the “driving spirit” of the team, fostering a culture of mentorship and continuous skill development for our junior and mid-level artists.
Expert Retargeting: Take full responsibility for transferring complex motion from one skeletal hierarchy to another with total proficiency, ensuring that the original intent of the performance is preserved.
Performance Refinement: Adhere strictly to the actor’s performance while enhancing it in a non-destructive manner. This includes adding finger, toe, and tail animation, and adjusting body posture, gesture, and weight to ground the character in its environment.
Motion Blending: Utilize a sharp eye and deep technical understanding of motion workflows to create fluid, believable transitions between distinct animation clips.
Leadership & Mentorship: Lead the team on major projects, providing expert troubleshooting and proactive mentorship to junior members. You will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence across the board.
Workflow Innovation: Develop new methodologies and refactor existing workflows to increase efficiency. You will stay ahead of the curve by identifying and troubleshooting technical bottlenecks before they impact production.
Supervisory Support: Take charge of “dailies” and technical requests when the Supervisor is unavailable, ensuring the project remains on schedule without a drop in quality.
What We’re Looking For:
Qualifications:
- VFX Pedigree: Proven professional experience in high-end feature film VFX. We require an up-to-date showreel that demonstrates a mastery of realistic motion.
- Technical Mastery: Proficient knowledge of retargeting and blending techniques. You should be an expert in Maya and MotionBuilder, with additional experience in Blender or Nuance being highly desirable.
- Anatomical Eye: A sharp eye for motion, timing, and posture. You understand the physics of movement and how weight distribution affects the realism of a digital asset.
- Problem Solving: A proactive attitude toward identifying and resolving technical issues within a Linux-based environment.
- Communication: Exceptional collaborative skills. You must be able to translate complex technical needs into actionable creative feedback for your team and show supervisors.
Preferred Skills & Bonus Experience:
- Background in using Vicon Shogun Post.
- Experience working within a Linux environment.
- A foundational understanding of the principles of traditional animation to better inform motion-capture cleanup.
- Previous experience leading small teams or acting as a “Key” artist on major sequences.
About Industrial Light & Magic:
To apply, please submit:
- A Current Resume: Detailing your experience and software proficiencies.
- Demo Reel & Shot Breakdown: Specifically showcasing your motion edit, retargeting, and blending work. Please explain your specific role in each shot.
ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories.
Lead Motion Editor – 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 Lead Motion Editor – ILM London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer demo reel that highlights your best motion editing work. Make sure it’s easy to access and share, so potential employers can see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve tackled challenges in motion capture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Motion Editor – ILM London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure your demo reel is top-notch! Highlight your motion edit, retargeting, and blending work. Don’t forget to explain your role in each shot – we want to see how you contributed to the magic!
Tailor Your Resume:Your resume should reflect your experience and software proficiencies relevant to the Lead Motion Editor role. We’re looking for specifics, so don’t hold back on showcasing your VFX pedigree!
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 heart of your qualifications and passion for the role.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festybay
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
Make sure you're well-versed in Maya, MotionBuilder, and any other software mentioned in the job description. Practise using these tools to demonstrate your technical mastery during the interview. Bring examples of your work that showcase your proficiency in retargeting and motion blending.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Motion Editor, you'll be expected to mentor junior artists. Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've fostered a culture of collaboration and skill development. Think of specific examples where you guided a team through challenges or helped someone improve their skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Eye for Detail
ILM is all about precision and realism. Be ready to talk about how you ensure the nuances of an actor's performance are captured and refined. Bring along a demo reel that highlights your ability to enhance motion while preserving the original intent, and be prepared to explain your thought process behind each piece.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your problem-solving abilities, especially in a Linux-based environment. Brush up on common technical issues related to motion capture and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. This will show your proactive attitude and readiness to innovate workflows.
