Motion Editor (Performance Capture Animator - All Levels) - ILM London

Industrial Light & Magic; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company is seeking Motion Editors of all levels to join their team at the Lacon House studio in London. Responsibilities include retargeting motion, enhancing performance nuances, and creating seamless transitions. Candidates should have experience in the film VFX or video game industry and be familiar with tools like MotionBuilder and Blender. The role offers a hybrid work model with in-office and remote work options. Applicants are encouraged to submit a demo reel along with their resume.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the film VFX or video game industry with a strong showreel.
• Understanding of retargeting techniques and animation principles.
• Strong skills in motion, timing, and posture analysis.

Responsibilities

• Transfer motion between hierarchies independently.
• Enhance performance nuances while maintaining original intent.
• Blend motions to create fluid transitions.

Skills

Motion capture techniques

Animation principles

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration skills

Tools

MotionBuilder

Blender

Maya

Nuance

Linux

Vicon Shogun Post

Job description

Position Summary

Position Summary ILM London is looking for Motion Editors (all levels) to join our team based in our Lacon House studio. The Motion Editor's main responsibility will be to retarget and edit the body motion of realistic motion-capture-based performances in a non-destructive way. We also seek candidates who have a good eye and an understanding of motion blending to create fluid, believable transitions. The work will focus predominantly on humans, props and bipedal characters, extending to quadrupeds when required. The ideal person for this role thrives in a collaborative environment and consistently strives to deliver animations to high-quality standards.

We are offering various contract lengths with opportunities commencing from Summer 2026.

What you’ll do

• Transfer motion from one hierarchy to another (retargeting) independently and proficiently.
• Subtly enhance the nuances of a performance while maintaining its original intent, delivering seamless, high-quality results without compromising the source data.
• Adjust interaction and contacts between characters, props, the environment, and terrain.
• Improve the performance by adding fingers, toe, and tail animation, as well as making body adjustments that enhance posture, gesture, and weight.
• Blend motions to create fluid, believable transitions between distinct animation clips.
• For senior-level roles, support and mentor more junior members of the team, troubleshoot, teach techniques, and push the quality and standard.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in the high end film VFX or video game industry, along with an up-to-date showreel.
• Previous background and experience using MotionBuilder, Blender, Nuance, and/or Maya with motion-captured performances.
• An understanding of retargeting techniques and the principles of animation.
• Sharp eyes for motion, timing, and posture.
• A proactive approach to problem solving, with a keen eye to catch, analyze, and identify technical issues.
• Attention to detail and communication skills, coupled with excellent collaborative skills.
• An eagerness to learn and develop.
• A background in using Linux and Vicon Shogun Post is a plus.

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 encouraged to work 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.

Join ILM