Jedi Academy 2026 - ILM London

Launch your VFX career at ILM! We're seeking innovative entry‑level artists and technicians eager to learn and collaborate on world‑class material. Bring your creative talent and passion, and we'll provide the environment to help you thrive.

Position Summary

The London Jedi Academy offers a six‑month paid placement to all eligible padawan. Jedi who successfully complete the program may be offered a Junior position within the studio. The Jedi Academy provides the opportunity for artists and technicians to learn from highly skilled talent in a variety of creative and technical disciplines. Jedi will be carefully placed into a discipline and will provide entry‑level support to that team. Successful applicants will gain experience in a live production environment through training, mentorship, and real shot‑work assignments in a fast‑paced and highly collaborative studio.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Artists, Supervisors, and Production teams by managing entry‑targeted tasks and workflows.
• Assist with data migration, ingesting assets, renaming and publishing.
• Artist – Delivering simple assets/shot work to a good standard and on schedule.
• Technology – Work closely with production and software engineers to enable the success and efficiency of the production pipeline.

What We Are Looking For

• Artist – A portfolio or reel showcasing artistic ability and potential in VFX.
• Technology – A resume outlining your technical knowledge and language skills.
• Demonstrated interest and skills in a specific VFX discipline listed below.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the art and craft of visual effects.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly.
• Open to receiving mentorship and developing skills.
• Understanding of VFX software and principles.
• Logical thinking and the ability to break down complex tasks.
• A growth mindset with a proactive interest in exploring emerging technologies.

Discipline List – 2026 Applications

• Animation
• Compositing
• Creature
• Crowd
• Faceswap
• FX
• Groom
• Layout
• Lighting
• Look Dev
• Modeling
• Mocap
• Motion Editing
• Paint & Roto
• Pipeline / Technical Assistants
• PreVis
• Realtime
• Texture

London Jedi Academy Eligibility

• Open to recent graduates (BA, BSc, MA, VFX short courses).
• OR those with up to 12 months of junior VFX/Animation industry experience.
• Applications must be clearly tailored to a specific VFX discipline.
• Must have the right to work in the UK from September 2026 until March 2027 (ILM cannot provide relocation or sponsorship at this level).
• Full‑time employment availability from September 2026.

Application Requirements

• Submit a CV and cover letter (single file PDF preferred).
• Include a reel or portfolio showcasing your work (artist only position).
• In your cover letter, explain your passion for VFX and your chosen specialization.
• Why do you want to join ILM and become a Jedi?
• Please note, you cannot edit your application material once submitted.

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in‑person interview day at the ILM London studio in late May 2026. While we review you for your preferred discipline, our team may identify a fit in an alternative department. Should this opportunity arise, we will discuss the specific role with you in detail. The six‑month program begins in early Autumn 2026. Please note that start dates for Technology positions may be adjusted to an earlier schedule depending on department needs.

Application Deadline: Monday, May 4th, 11.59 PM BST.

Hybrid 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.