Lead Motion Editor - ILM

Position Summary:

ILM London is looking for a Lead Motion Editor to join our team based in our Lacon House studio. As the driving spirit behind our motion capture discipline, you won't just be managing data, you'll be the technical heartbeat of our performances and the primary point of contact for a studio that defines the industry.

The Lead Motion Editor will collaborate with the Motion Edit Supervisor and ensure the department is running smoothly. The focus of this role will be to execute non-destructive retargeting and refinement of realistic motion-capture data, ensuring all final animations meet top-tier quality benchmarks. The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge about motion blending.

The Lead Motion Editor will focus predominantly on human, props and bipedal characters, extending to quadrupeds when required. The role will be responsible for the development and mentorship of junior team members.

• Responsible for transferring motion from a Hierarchy to another (Retargeting) with ease and proficiency.
• Adhering to the performance of the actors and improving/adjusting it in a non-destructive way.
• Improving the performance by adding fingers/toe/tail animation and body adjustments that include enhancing posture, gesture and weight.
• Blending of motions. Good eye and a good understanding of this workflow to create fluid, believable transitions between distinct animation clips.
• Support junior team members through proactive mentorship, ensuring technical excellence by providing expert troubleshooting and continuous skill development.
• Develop new methodologies, refactoring existing workflows, troubleshooting issues and more.
• Leading the team on projects and helping with technical requests.
• Taking care of dailies when the supervisor is not available.

• Proven experience in high-end film VFX and an up-to-date showreel.
• Attention to detail and communication skills, coupled with excellent collaborative skills.
• Proficient knowledge about Retargeting and Blending techniques.
• Previous experience using Maya, Motion Builder, Blender, and/or Nuance with motion-captured performances.
• Prior experience with Mocap animation and Maya.
• Understanding of the principles of animation.
• Sharp eyes for motion, timing and posture.
• Proactive in problem-solving, with a keen eye to catch and identify technical issues.
• Background in using Linux and Vicon Shogun Post is a plus.

Hybrid role: 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.