Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London

Disneyland Hong Kong; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company in London is seeking a Lead Model Artist for their Feature Animation team. The role requires significant experience in feature animation projects and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have proficiency in Maya and a strong understanding of the animation pipeline. This hybrid position requires a mix of on-site and remote work, making it ideal for adaptable professionals.

Qualifications

• Significant proven experience in Feature Animation Projects at a Lead level.
• Ability to deliver complex shots to the highest level of quality.
• Flexibility working across character, hard surface, and large-scale assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead other artists and ensure their success.
• Help with asset goals and communicate between teams.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team.

Skills

Feature Animation experience

Collaboration

Asset management

Workflow strategies

Tools

Maya

Zbrush

Houdini

ShotGrid

Job description

Overview

Lead Model Artist - (Feature Animation) - ILM London

Job ID 10134232 • Location: London, United Kingdom • Company: Industrial Light & Magic • Posted: 2025/10/10

Position Summary

At Industrial Light & Magic we’re pushing the boundaries of feature animation, combining artistic vision with cutting-edge technology. We are looking for a Lead Model Artist to work within our Feature Animation team who reflects the collaborative mindset, excellence and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM. The Lead Model Artist is responsible for leading other artists with patience and respect to make sure they are supported and successful. They have the ability to help bid, delegate and create photoreal and stylized assets for extreme close up and hero use as well as review model assets and manage show expectations. Prior experience in feature animation is essential, as you’ll be instrumental in delivering projects that uphold ILM’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Help with handoffs and communicating asset goals and notes between artists, production and supervision.
• Work with Supervisors and HOD to determine the best approach for complex issues.
• Instigates and explores workflow strategies for complex assets.
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team, including Texture Artists, Lookdev TDs, Creature Artists and other Model Artists, to be a key artist in the desired concept and topology aspects of assets.
• Support environment and set dressing artists with efficient large scale assets and model kits.

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.
• Ability to maintain the team\'s asset presentation and delivery standards across multiple shows.
• Flexibility working across character, hard surface and large scale assets.
• Comfort in managing hero model needs beyond the level of detail provided in reference.
• Distilling the creative vision from clients into notes for artists to follow.
• Experience working closely with production on a large scale feature.

Technical Skills

• Established production experience with Maya.
• A good understanding of a full Feature Animation pipeline.
• Strong skills in developing advanced subdivision surfaces model assets.
• Comfortable exploring concept sculpts in software such as Zbrush.
• Ability to use node networks such as Houdini a plus.
• Ability to use ShotGrid is a plus.

Application: As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

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.

About ILM

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a world-leading visual effects company founded by George Lucas in 1975, renowned for its contributions to hundreds of films and for setting standards in visual effects, VR, AR and immersive cinema.

About The Walt Disney Company: Disney is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with operations in multiple segments and regions. This job is part of ILM (UK) Ltd., within Industrial Light & Magic.

ILM (UK) Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions regarding hiring consider applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, national origin, ethnicity or ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or domestic partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity status. Disney fosters an inclusive culture where everyone’s ideas and decisions contribute to our growth, innovation, and storytelling excellence.