Lead Modeler Artist

Industrial Light & Magic; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading feature animation studio in the UK is seeking a Lead Model Artist to lead and support other artists in creating photoreal and stylized assets. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in feature animation and demonstrated ability to manage complex shots. Key technical skills include proficiency in Maya, Zbrush, and an understanding of the animation pipeline. This role offers the chance to work in a creative and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Significant proven experience in Feature Animation Projects at a Lead level.
• Ability to maintain team asset presentation and delivery standards.
• Comfort in managing hero model needs beyond reference detail.

Responsibilities

• Help with handoffs and communicate asset goals between artists, production and supervision.
• Work with Supervisors and HOD to tackle complex issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for asset development.

Skills

Feature Animation

Collaboration

Communication

Creativity

Flexibility

Tools

Maya

Zbrush

Houdini

Shotgrid

Job description

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.
• Works with Supervisors and HOD to determine the best approach for complex issues.
• Instigates and explores workflow strategies for complex assets.
• Collaboration with a cross-functional team, including Texture Artists, Lookdev TDs, Creature Artsist 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.