Lead Animator - ILM

Lead Animator - ILM London

Job :  
Location: London, United Kingdom Business: Industrial Light & Magic Date posted: Mar. 09, 2026

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.

• 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.
• Participate as a team member in helping determine various aesthetic and technical solutions; provide 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 set to set the desired look and standard to be met by the team, and potentially provide reference (video and occasionally motion capture performances), to assist the animation team in hitting these goals.

• Significant proven experience in VFX 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 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 in collaboration with Animation Supervisors.
• Excellent organisation, honesty and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Linux desired.
• Expert knowledge of Maya, proprietary and other software programs.
• Knowledge of chaining and constraint techniques.

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

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box‑office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50.

ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

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