ILM Immersive, Interactive Animation Intern, Summer 2026

About the Role & Program:

We’re dedicated to building the future of storytelling by merging high-end visual effects with interactive, immersive experiences. Our collaborative and creative team is setting new standards for real-time worlds where movies and games converge. If you’re excited about innovation at the crossroads of film and interactive technology, we invite you to join us.

What You Will Do:

The Interactive team at ILM delivers premium, story-driven immersive entertainment across real-time rendered platforms including immersive cinema, virtual reality, mixed reality, theme parks, and new media. As an Animation Intern, you’ll help bring characters, vehicles, and environments to life through high-quality 3D animation for both gameplay and cinematic sequences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create polished gameplay and cinematic animation for 3D characters, vehicles, cameras, and props using hand-key techniques and motion capture data, following guidance from supervisors and leads.
• Develop technical skills to ensure animations integrate and read clearly in-game.
• Gain familiarity with tools and pipelines, troubleshooting shot files as needed.
• Playtest and identify animation-related issues, reporting findings to supervisors and leads.
• Stay current with animation techniques to help improve tools and workflow efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Strong acting and storytelling abilities; solid grasp of animation principles, anatomy, and motion.
• Ability to animate convincing physical movement and performances for 3D characters.
• Experience working with Maya and Unreal Engine; familiarity with implementing animation in game engines.
• Ability to self-manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills.
• Adaptable and receptive to direction and feedback in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Broad understanding of various game development disciplines.
• Proficiency with Linux.
• Experience working with motion capture data.
• Knowledge of rigging, and scripting (Python, MEL), and video editing.
• Understanding of SCRUM/Agile processes.
• Passion for games and immersive media; interest or experience in VR, AR, or VFX production pipelines.

Education:

• Junior or Senior year preferred
• Major or previous coursework in Digital Art, Game Design & Development, Animation, or a related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program AND returning to school the semester/quarter following the internship OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
• Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess unrestricted work authorization

The pay rate for this role in San Francisco is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.