Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the world’s leading visual effects facility, is seeking a high-caliber Animator (Mid-Level) to join our San Francisco studio. Founded by George Lucas and now a cornerstone of the Disney Entertainment family, ILM has set the gold standard for visual effects for nearly five decades. From the birth of Star Wars to the latest breakthroughs in VR and Immersive Cinema, our team thrives on production excellence and a relentless passion for filmmaking.
As an Animator at ILM, you are not just moving pixels; you are breathing life into creatures, characters, and objects that define modern cinema. This is a project-based role for those who excel in a high-pressure, creatively demanding environment where the technical meets the magical.
Executive Job Summary
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) / Lucasfilm Ltd. |
| Job Role | Animator (Mid-Level) |
| Employment Type | Project Hire |
| Primary Location | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Hiring Range | $94,100 – $120,400 per year (Base Pay) |
| Core Software | Autodesk Maya, Proprietary Tools, Linux |
| Industry Segment | Disney Entertainment (VFX & Animation) |
Compensation & Benefits Package
The financial health and well-being of our artists are paramount. In addition to a competitive base salary, ILM offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support long-term career growth and personal stability.
| Compensation Component | Details |
| Base Salary Range | $94,100 – $120,400 (Adjusted for experience and equity) |
| Variable Pay | Potential for bonuses and/or long-term incentive units |
| Health & Wellness | Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance |
| Financial Security | 401(k) retirement plans and financial planning resources |
| Additional Perks | Access to Disney employee benefits and professional development |
Note:
The actual base pay offered will consider internal equity, geographic region, and the candidate’s specific technical knowledge and experience.
The Mid-Level Animator is a pivotal role within the ILM pipeline. You are expected to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution, working under the guidance of Animation Supervisors to deliver world-class motion.
1. High-Quality Shot Execution
Your primary responsibility is the successful animation of complex shots. This includes creating fluid, realistic, or stylized motion for computer-generated creatures and objects. Whether it is subtle facial acting or high-octane physical performance, your work must meet the rigorous standards of ILM dailies.
2. Collaborative Problem Solving
Animation at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a team sport. You will attend regular dailies, provide constructive feedback to peers, and collaborate with other departments (Rigging, Layout, and Lighting) to determine the best aesthetic and technical solutions for every frame.
3. Productivity & Deadline Management
The VFX industry moves fast. You are expected to maintain a consistent level of high productivity without sacrificing quality. Meeting internal milestones and external delivery deadlines is non-negotiable.
4. Mentorship & Leadership
As a Mid-level artist, you are an emerging leader. You will be expected to “mentor” entry-level animators, offering guidance on shot technicalities, performance choices, and ILM’s proprietary workflow to help them reach their full potential.
5. Reference & Performance Capture
When the project demands it, you may be required to step away from the monitor to provide reference performances. This includes participating in motion capture sessions to provide the foundational data needed for assigned shot work.
What We’re Looking For (Candidate Profile)
Industrial Light & Magic is looking for artists who possess a “clinical eye” for motion and a deep understanding of the mechanics of performance.
Education & Experience
- Traditional Foundation: A Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Animation or a related field with at least 3 years of professional experience.
- Industry Alternative: In lieu of a degree, we require at least 5 years of professional experience in cel, stop-motion, or high-end computer animation within the film/VFX industry.
Technical Skill Requirements
- Software Mastery: You must possess an expert-level understanding of Autodesk Maya. Proficiency with Linux environments is highly desired, as it is the backbone of our production pipeline.
- Proprietary Systems: Experience with (or the ability to quickly learn) proprietary animation tools used within the ILM ecosystem.
- Traditional Principles: An expert understanding of the 12 principles of animation, acting, film production, and compositional design. You must understand how to frame a performance within the camera’s lens.
Professional Soft Skills
- Organizational Prowess: Ability to manage complex files and multiple shot versions with absolute order.
- Communication: Clear, assertive communication skills are required for collaborating with Directors and Supervisors.
- Autonomy: The ability to take a delegated task and execute it to completion with minimal supervision, while knowing when to ask for clarification.
About Industrial Light & Magic & The Walt Disney Company
When you join Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), you join a legacy. Since 1975, we have been at the forefront of the digital revolution. Our work has contributed to 25 of the top 50 worldwide box-office hits, and we continue to break new ground in VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
As part of The Walt Disney Company, we belong to a global enterprise that spans Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. We champion a business environment where diverse ideas lead to better storytelling. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a culture where every employee can thrive regardless of background.
How to Apply
If you have the technical precision of an architect and the soul of a filmmaker, we want to see your work. Please ensure your application includes:
1. A Professional Demo Reel: Highlighting your best character and creature animation (including breakdown of responsibilities).
2. Resume/CV: Detailing your years of experience and specific software proficiencies.
3. Cover Letter: Briefly explaining why ILM San Francisco is the right fit for your career goals in 2026.
