Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning visuals for CG assets and collaborate with talented teams.
- Company: Join ILM, a leader in innovative filmmaking and visual effects.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for creative growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of film with your artistic vision and technical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in look development and strong knowledge of VFX processes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for Look Development Technical Directors who reflect the creative talent, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. The Look Development TD is responsible for producing high-quality lookdev and shading for our CG assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from their Lead or Supervisor.
What You’ll Do
- Design and create the look of computer generated objects and scenes
- Work closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges when developing the final look
- Create efficient shader setups to optimise render farm usage
- Manage and maintain standard material libraries using established shading templates for consistency and pipeline efficiency
- Design, implement, and maintain complex custom shading networks and materials for high-priority (“hero”) assets when bespoke solutions are required
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience creating both hero assets & props in Look Development
- Demonstrable lighting and rendering experience within a VFX environment
- Proven knowledge of real-world materials
- Proficiency with asset optimisation
- Comprehensive knowledge of physically based rendering and shader models
- Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to achieve the best possible results
- Strong grasp of geometry formatting, including but not limited to Primvars
- Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind
- Knowledge of Katana is essential; Houdini and Maya beneficial
- Solid understanding of the fundamentals of neighbouring departments: FX, Texture, Groom, and Lighting
- Excellent knowledge of Renderman or other unbiased rendering systems
- Aesthetic eye that anticipates potential problems and uses existing software knowledge to achieve the desired look
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time well, and provide accurate time estimates on shot task completion
- In-depth understanding of the VFX pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
- Ability to pick up new techniques and learn new software quickly and easily
This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be encouraged to work 2 days on-site per week at a company-designated location, and occasionally from home.
Look Development Technical Director - ILM London employer: Industrial Light & Magic
Contact Detail:
Industrial Light & Magic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Look Development Technical Director - 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 sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio that highlights your look development work, especially any hero assets you've crafted. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your best stuff right up front. We love seeing what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of physically based rendering and shader models. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges. We want to see your thought process and how you collaborate with others!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who fit our vibe. Don’t hesitate – hit that apply button and let’s get the conversation started!
We think you need these skills to ace Look Development Technical Director - ILM London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with look development and shading in your application. We want to see how you've tackled CG challenges and created stunning assets, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Look Development TD role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for our team at ILM.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and skills shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Industrial Light & Magic
✨Know Your Lookdev Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of look development and shading techniques. Be ready to discuss your previous experience with hero assets and props, as well as your understanding of real-world materials. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you worked together to overcome them. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a team environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with Katana, Houdini, and Maya, as well as Renderman or other unbiased rendering systems. During the interview, be ready to discuss your experience with shader setups and asset optimisation. Showing that you can manage complex shading networks will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding CG challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you had to anticipate potential problems and how you used your software knowledge to achieve the desired look. This will highlight your aesthetic eye and technical expertise.