Industrial Light & Magic hiring Feature Animator, UK

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) London is currently inviting applications for the position of Animator. We are looking for visionary artists across Junior, Mid, and Senior levels to join our London studio and contribute to an upcoming slate of high-profile feature animation projects.

Founded by George Lucas in 1975, ILM remains the global vanguard of visual effects and animation. This is a chance to work at the intersection of legendary storytelling and pioneering technology. As an Animator at ILM, you will be responsible for imbuing digital characters with the weight, emotion, and performance necessary to captivate audiences worldwide.

Job Overview: Feature 3D Animator

Category Details
Primary Keyword Animator
Company Name Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
Parent Organization The Walt Disney Company
Job Type Fixed-Term Contract (Various Durations)
Work Model Hybrid (Minimum 2 days on-site per week)
Location London, United Kingdom
Target Start Dates Autumn 2026 - Spring 2027
Primary Software Autodesk Maya

Compensation and Industry Benchmarks

The London VFX and animation market is highly competitive. At ILM, salary packages are determined by the specific level of the Animator-from entry-level graduates to seasoned leads-and the complexity of the assigned project.

Note: Figures are based on industry standards for the London region in 2026. Final offers are subject to the candidate's portfolio quality and specific feature experience.

Detailed Job Description

At ILM, an Animator does not simply move objects in 3D space; they create life. Whether you are working on hyper-realistic creatures for a visual effects blockbuster or stylized characters for a standalone feature animation, your goal is to deliver performances that feel grounded, believable, and narratively significant.

The London studio is a hub of creative energy, and as an Animator here, you will be tasked with pushing the boundaries of what is possible in character movement. You will take ownership of your shots from blocking through to final polish, ensuring that every frame aligns with the Director's vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Character Performance: Use Autodesk Maya to animate high-quality characters, creatures, and objects. You must demonstrate a deep understanding of acting, timing, and weight.
• Reference and Research: Actively shoot and analyze video reference of your own performances or real-world physics to drive the authenticity of your animation.
• Collaboration and Dailies: Attend regular dailies to present work-in-progress. As an Animator, you must be able to articulate your creative choices and pivot quickly based on feedback from the Animation Supervisor.
• Technical Integration: Work within the CG production pipeline, collaborating with riggers and lighters to ensure that your animation translates perfectly through the final render.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mid and Senior-level Animator hires will be expected to guide entry-level talent, providing feedback and troubleshooting technical issues to elevate the team's collective output.
• Deadline Management: Maintain high productivity in a fast-paced environment, meeting production milestones without compromising the "ILM standard" of quality.

Diversity and Workforce Statistics

As part of The Walt Disney Company, ILM is committed to transparency and diversity within the animation industry. We recognize that a global audience is best served by a global workforce.

According to recent industry data and internal sustainability reports, the broader UK VFX and Animation sector has seen the following demographic shifts as of 2025/2026:

• Gender Representation: Approximately 34% of animation roles are held by women, with a concerted effort at ILM to increase this in senior leadership.
• Ethnic Diversity: In London-based studios, roughly 21% of the workforce identifies as belonging to an ethnic minority group (including Asian, Black, and Mixed-heritage backgrounds).
• International Talent: Nearly 40% of the London VFX workforce consists of international professionals, highlighting the multicultural environment of our studio.

ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate every Animator based on their skill, reel, and passion, regardless of age, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking an Animator who is a master of their craft. You should have:

• A strong portfolio or demo reel that showcases a range of performances (e.g., subtle acting, physical action, and creature locomotion).
• Expert knowledge of the 12 Principles of Animation (squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, etc.).
• A keen eye for compositional design and cinematography.

Technical Proficiency

• Pipeline Knowledge: Familiarity with shot-tracking software (like ShotGrid) and a solid understanding of how animation interacts with rigging and simulation.
• Education: While a degree in Computer Graphics or Fine Arts is beneficial, we value a high-quality demo reel above formal credentials.

Soft Skills

• Communication: The ability to thrive in a collaborative, feedback-heavy environment.
• Organization: Self-motivated management of complex shot assignments.

The ILM London Experience

Joining ILM as an Animator means more than just a job; it is an entry into a prestigious network of artists. Our London studio operates on a Hybrid Model, requiring a minimum of two days on-site per week. This allows our team members to enjoy the creative spark of in-person collaboration while maintaining the flexibility of home-based work.

About Industrial Light & Magic

Since 1975, ILM has set the standard for visual effects. We have contributed to over 325 feature films and played a pivotal role in seven of the top ten box-office hits of all time. From the digital revolution of the 90s to today's advancements in VR, AR, and StageCraft (Virtual Production), ILM continues to lead.

About The Walt Disney Company

As a segment of Disney Entertainment, ILM is part of a legacy that began as a small cartoon studio in the 1920s. Today, Disney reaches every corner of the globe, providing world class stories for every member of the family. As an Animator for an ILM/Disney project, your work will reach millions.

Application Instructions

To be considered for the role of Animator, please prepare the following:

• Demo Reel: A video showcase of your best animation work.
• Shot Breakdown: A document explaining exactly what you were responsible for in each shot of your reel (e.g., "Responsible for all animation; rigs provided by studio").
• Current Resume: Detailing your feature film or series experience.