Lead Animator (Feature Animation) - Ilm London

Industrial Light & Magic; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Light & Magic is seeking a Lead Animator to spearhead the motion of digital characters, vehicles and props across shots, guiding a team and setting the artistic and technical direction in collaboration with the Animation Supervisor.

The successful candidate will lead, mentor and review work, translate direction into compelling performances, and apply strong knowledge of Maya, camera terminology and animation pipelines to deliver top‑tier work on a production schedule.

Qualifications

• Significant lead-level experience on feature animation projects.
• Strong acting and camera knowledge applied to animation direction.
• Proven collaboration with Animation Supervisors to shape aesthetics.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in creating animation for digital characters, vehicles and props across shots.
• Implement direction from the Animation Supervisor and ensure delivery to high quality standards.
• Mentor and review junior to senior animators, providing day-to-day guidance.
• Contribute to shaping aesthetic and technical solutions; participate in dailies and feedback.
• Assist in developing animation tools and pipelines to meet production goals.
• Help define character behaviour and acting styles in partnership with rigging and layout teams.
• Perform hands-on shot work to set look and standards for the team.

Skills

Leadership

Lead animation

Collaboration

Character acting

Communication

Team mentoring

Camera knowledge

Drawing basics

Problem solving

Animation pipeline

Tools

Maya

Proprietary software

Job description

Résumé du poste:

Position Summary

We are looking for a Lead Animator who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent and collaborative mindset that defines ILM.

A Lead Animator is responsible for supporting the Animation Supervisor in designing and creating the motion of digital characters/vehicles/props within a shot or sequences of shots on a production. They help to determine and drive the aesthetic and technical approach to the animation, overseeing a team of animators to achieve this goal in the allotted production time frame.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for leading a team in the creation of outstanding animation for digital creatures/humans, vehicles and props within a shot, using various animation software programs.
• Comprehend and execute direction from the Animation Supervisor.
• Oversee the work of entry, mid and senior level animators and provide day-to‑day support and guidance at the discretion of the Animation Supervisor.
• Participates as a team member in helping determine various aesthetic and technical solutions; provides feedback to other members of the production by attending dailies on a regular basis.
• Aid in the training/mentoring of new Animators
• Help drive the design and execution of animation tools required to achieve the goals of a given production
• Be instrumental in helping the Director and Animation Supervisor to find the behaviour and acting style of key characters, as well as working hand-in-hand with the rigging department to develop their rig and facial performance setups
• Expected to perform hands‑on shot work on show to set the desired look and standard to be met be the team, and potentially provide reference (video and occasionally motion capture performances), to assist the animation team in hitting these goals

What We’re Looking For

• Significant proven experience in Feature Animation Projects at a Lead level and proven ability to deliver complex shots to the highest level of quality.
• Expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting (facial & body), film production and compositional design while demonstrating exceptional skills as an animator based as evidenced by portfolio, demo reel and references.
• Comprehensive knowledge of camera terminology/lensing and the camera’s role in aiding compelling story‑telling
• Advanced drawing skills to help communicate desired posing/collaborative drawovers for animator feedback not essential, but very much considered a strong asset
• Experience working at a senior level and proven collaboration with Animation Supervisors
• Excellent organisation, honesty and communications skills
• Proficiency with Linux desired.
• Expert knowledge of Maya, proprietary and other software programs
• Knowledge of chaining and constraint techniques

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.