Animator - Feature (All Levels) - ILM London

Animator - Feature (All Levels) - ILM London

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Walt Disney Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Bring characters and creatures to life in feature films using Maya.
  • Company: Join the legendary Industrial Light & Magic team in London.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, mentorship from industry pros, and a creative environment.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunities for all levels, with flexible start dates from Autumn 2026.
  • Why this job: Work on iconic projects and elevate your animation skills with top talent.
  • Qualifications: Experience in animation with a strong portfolio; proficiency in Maya required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) London is looking for talented Feature Animators (All Levels) to join our team and help us push the boundaries of storytelling. If you have a passion for bringing high-quality characters, creatures, and objects to life on the big screen, we want to hear from you. At ILM, you'll be at the intersection of artistic vision and cutting-edge technology, working on some of the most memorable feature animation projects in the industry. Start dates ranging from Autumn 2026 through to Spring 2027 for various contract durations.

What You'll Do

  • Animate believable characters of the highest quality for feature film shots using a variety of animation software, primarily Maya.
  • Take ownership of your shots, ensuring successful and timely completion.
  • Shoot reference for performance choices to help drive the direction of your shots.
  • Collaborate within a team, providing and receiving feedback during regular dailies to find the best aesthetic solutions.
  • Maintain a high level of productivity and quality while consistently meeting production deadlines.
  • Mid and Senior level artists will mentor entry-level Animators, helping them elevate their work and skills.

What We're Looking For

  • Masters of their craft, possessing deep knowledge of performance and movement.
  • Proven experience in traditional or computer animation with demonstrable work on feature animated films/series, or visual effects character focused projects.
  • Expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting, film production, and compositional design.
  • Exceptional animation skills, evidenced by a strong portfolio or demo reel.
  • A solid understanding of the CG production pipeline and processes.
  • Proficiency and solid experience in software Maya.
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills to thrive in a collaborative production environment.

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required. 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. ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity.

Animator - Feature (All Levels) - ILM London employer: The Walt Disney Company

At Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) London, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the animation industry, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities from experienced animators, ensuring that all levels of talent can thrive and develop their skills. Located in the heart of London, our hybrid work model provides flexibility while allowing you to engage with cutting-edge technology and work on iconic projects that shape the future of storytelling.

The Walt Disney Company

Contact Details:

The Walt Disney Company Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Animator - Feature (All Levels) - ILM London

Tip Number 1

Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure your demo reel showcases your best work and highlights your animation skills. We want to see your creativity and how you bring characters to life, so pick your strongest pieces!

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with other animators and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or even at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills! Be ready to discuss your animation process and how you tackle challenges. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable talking about your work and experiences.

Tip Number 4

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 and eager to join our team at ILM London!

We think you need these skills to ace Animator - Feature (All Levels) - ILM London

Animation Skills
Maya
Traditional Animation Principles
Performance and Movement Knowledge
Collaboration
Feedback Reception
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Best Work:When applying, make sure to include a demo reel that highlights your animation skills. We want to see your creativity and technical prowess, so pick your best shots and present them in a way that tells a story.

Tailor Your Resume:Your resume should reflect your experience relevant to feature animation. Highlight any projects you've worked on, especially those involving character animation or visual effects, and don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Maya!

Be Clear and Concise:In your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary to showcase your expertise. Remember, we want to understand your journey and passion for animation.

Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at ILM!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Walt Disney Company

Showcase Your Portfolio

Make sure to bring your A-game by preparing a strong portfolio or demo reel that highlights your best animation work. Focus on showcasing a variety of styles and techniques, especially those relevant to feature films. This is your chance to impress them with your creativity and technical skills!

Know Your Software

Since proficiency in Maya is crucial for this role, brush up on your skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you used Maya effectively, and maybe even share some tips or tricks you've learned along the way. This shows your passion and expertise in the tools of the trade.

Prepare for Collaboration Questions

ILM values teamwork, so expect questions about how you collaborate with others. Think of examples where you’ve given or received feedback during dailies, and how you’ve worked together to solve creative challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.

Research ILM's Projects

Familiarise yourself with ILM's recent projects and their animation style. Being able to discuss their work shows genuine interest and helps you connect your experience to what they do. It’s a great way to show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of their team specifically.