Lead Animator (Feature Animation) – ILM London

Job Position(s): Lead Animator (Feature Animation) - ILM London

ILM London is hiring a Lead Animator for feature animation production, based in London, UK. This role sits within the animation department and is responsible for driving the motion design of digital characters, creatures, vehicles, and props across shots and sequences, working directly beneath the Animation Supervisor. It suits an experienced feature animation professional who is comfortable owning shot work while simultaneously guiding a team through a full production pipeline.

About the Role

The Lead Animator at ILM operates inside a feature film production environment where animation quality is set at the shot level and held across the team. Day to day, this person splits their time between hands-on shot work, attending dailies, collaborating with the rigging department on character rig and facial performance setups, and providing feedback to animators at entry, mid, and senior levels. The role is hybrid, requiring two days on-site per week at the London studio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of animators in delivering shot work for digital creatures, human characters, vehicles, and props to the standard set by the Animation Supervisor across the feature animation pipeline.
• Perform hands-on shot work to establish the visual and performance benchmark the broader team is expected to meet.
• Collaborate with the Director and Animation Supervisor to define the behaviour and acting style of key characters, including facial performance and body movement.
• Work alongside the rigging department to develop character rigs and facial performance setups that serve the needs of the production.
• Provide video reference and occasional motion capture performances to support animators in hitting performance targets.
• Contribute to the design and development of animation tools required to meet production-specific goals, and mentor junior and mid-level animators through dailies and direct feedback.

What You Bring

• Significant lead-level experience on feature animation projects, with a portfolio or demo reel demonstrating complex shot delivery at a high standard.
• Expert knowledge of Maya, as well as proprietary software, chaining, and constraint techniques used in a professional VFX pipeline.
• Deep understanding of traditional animation principles, acting for camera, compositional design, and camera terminology including lensing.
• Proven history of collaboration with Animation Supervisors in a senior capacity on studio productions.
• Proficiency with Linux is preferred.
• Drawing skills for posing notes and drawovers are a strong asset, though not required.

Why This Role

ILM has a long track record in feature film visual effects and animation, and the London studio works on productions that reach a global theatrical audience. For a Lead Animator looking to shape character performance at a high level within a structured feature animation studio environment, this is a role with real creative and technical scope. Disney’s investment in the ILM London operation reflects a sustained commitment to the studio’s output rather than a short-term engagement.

Submit your application for the Lead Animator position at ILM London, including a demo reel or shot breakdown alongside your current resume.