Job Overview

• Company: Framestore Chicago
• Role: CG Generalist Intern (Launchpad Program)
• Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – must be within commutable distance)
• Pay: $21.00 per hour (40 hours/week)
• Dates: June 8, 2026 – September 25, 2026 (4 months)
• Deadline: March 31, 2026

Framestore Chicago is a powerhouse for advertising and immersive creative content. By joining the Chicago team, you enter a tight-knit, highly efficient studio environment where interns are given real responsibility. You will contribute to projects that are seen by millions, all while earning a competitive wage of $21/hour.

Beyond the technical skills, you will gain a network of peers and mentors that will last throughout your entire career. The Launchpad program is historically a major pipeline for our junior hiring—many of our current Seniors started exactly where you are today.

The Launchpad Experience

The Launchpad Internship is not a “shadowing” program; it is an immersive, production-integrated experience. Framestore believes in learning by doing. At our Chicago studio, you will transition from academic theory to high-pressure, award-winning visual effects production.

Mentorship & Growth

Every intern is matched with a Professional Mentor—a senior artist who will provide one-on-one instruction, technical troubleshooting, and regular reviews of your work. You will sit (virtually and physically) alongside the industry’s brightest minds, attending real-time project reviews and taking creative briefings on active client work.

The Hybrid Model

Framestore Chicago embrace a flexible workplace. You will work on-site at our fully accessible Chicago studio to soak in the culture and collaborate in person, while maintaining remote days for focused execution.

• Requirement: Candidates must be within commutable distance to Chicago and possess reliable high-speed internet for remote workdays.

Core Responsibilities

As a CG Generalist Intern, your role is to be a “Swiss Army Knife” within the 3D pipeline. You will assist in the creation of photorealistic imagery across various advertising, episodic, or film projects.

1. Asset Creation

• Modeling: Develop clean, production-ready geometry using both traditional and procedural workflows.

• Texturing & LookDev: Utilize Substance Painter and Arnold to create shaders that react accurately to light and environment.

• Accuracy: Follow strict reference material to ensure all assets meet the high-fidelity standards Framestore is known for.

2. Technical Integration

• Lighting: Learn the nuances of cinematic lighting and how to integrate CG assets into live-action plates.

• Pipeline Etiquette: Learn to navigate a professional Linux-based pipeline, adhering to studio file naming conventions and organization standards.

• Optimization: Assist in optimizing scenes for render efficiency without sacrificing visual quality.

3. Collaborative Contribution

• Participate in “Dailies” and project reviews.

• Incorporate feedback from Leads and Supervisors quickly and effectively.

• Foster a proactive learning environment by asking questions and sharing techniques with the wider team.

Candidate Profile: Technical & Artistic Requirements

Framestore Chicago isn’t looking for perfection, but we are looking for a strong foundation. The ideal candidate possesses a mix of technical curiosity and a sharp artistic eye.

Software Foundations

Applicants should have a working knowledge of at least two of the following:

• Houdini: Understanding of proceduralism and node-based workflows.

• Maya: Core modeling, rigging, or animation knowledge.

• Substance Painter: Advanced texturing and PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows.

• Nuke: Basic understanding of how 3D passes are composited.

• Arnold: Experience with rendering platforms and light/shader interaction.

Artistic Core

• Photorealism: An obsession with how light, texture, and physics behave in the real world.

• Style Versatility: While we emphasize photorealism, the ability to adapt to different stylized aesthetics is highly valued.

• Linux Literacy: Familiarity with a Linux OS is a significant advantage, though a genuine “eagerness to learn” is acceptable for the right candidate.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Framestore Chicago is a studio for everyone. Our Chicago location is fully accessible, featuring:

• Step-free entry and accessible facilities on all floors.

• Dedicated quiet spaces for neurodivergent colleagues or those needing a moment of focus.

• A commitment to supporting disabled colleagues through tailored adjustments.

Our Human Review Process: We believe your art deserves a human eye. Framestore does not use AI screening to filter portfolios. Every single application is manually reviewed by our recruitment and creative leads to ensure we find the right creative “fit.”

Application Requirements

To be considered for the 2026 Launchpad intake, please prepare the following:

1. Cover Letter: Tell us why you want to be a Generalist and what draws you to Framestore.

2. Portfolio/Reel: A link to your best work. We want to see technical breakdowns (wireframes, texture maps, lighting passes). Show us how you built your work, not just the final frame.

3. Deadline: Submit all materials before March 31, 2026.

Why Framestore Chicago?

Framestore Chicago is a powerhouse for advertising and immersive creative content. By joining the Chicago team, you enter a tight-knit, highly efficient studio environment where interns are given real responsibility. You will contribute to projects that are seen by millions, all while earning a competitive wage of $21/hour.

Beyond the technical skills, you will gain a network of peers and mentors that will last throughout your entire career. The Launchpad program is historically a major pipeline for our junior hiring—many of our current Seniors started exactly where you are today.