ILM Mumbai hiring Junior Paint & Prep Artist 2026

Job Overview

• Company: Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) / Lucasfilm India
  Parent Organization: The Walt Disney Company
• Role Title: Junior Paint & Prep Artist (Roto / Paint Focus)
• Location: Mumbai, India (On-site / Studio Environment)
• Experience Required: 2–4 Years (Production experience mandatory)
• Job Type: Full-Time / Professional
• Key Future Focus: AI-powered visual creation & workflows

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary visual effects house founded by George Lucas in 1975, is expanding its footprint in India. We are currently seeking a Junior Paint & Prep Artist to join our elite team at ILM Mumbai.

This is not just a role in rotoscopy and clean-up; it is an invitation to join the “Digital Revolution.” At ILM Mumbai, we have set the standard for visual effects for nearly five decades, contributing to over 325 feature films and 25 of the top 50 box-office hits of all time. As we move into 2026, we are looking for artists who are ready to bridge traditional craft with the future of AI-powered visuals. If you have a sharp eye for detail and a curiosity for evolving workflows, your journey starts at the house that built Star Wars.

Compensation & Studio Benefits

ILM Mumbai provides a competitive compensation package that reflects its status as the world’s leading VFX facility. We value the technical precision required for high-end paint and prep work and provide the following benchmarks for our Mumbai studio:

Note: Final compensation is based on the candidate’s specific experience level (between 2-4 years) and the quality of their showreel during the ILM technical review process.

The Role: Crafting the Invisible

The Paint Artist & Prep department is the foundation of high-end visual effects. Your work ensures that the canvas is perfect for the Compositing team. At ILM Mumbai, a Junior Paint & Prep Artist is responsible for complex plate restoration, wire removals, and high-fidelity rotoscopy.

However, in 2026, the role is evolving. We are looking for artists who are excited to explore how Artificial Intelligence can augment traditional workflows—making them faster, more efficient, and more creative.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plate Preparation: Execute high-quality clean-up, including the removal of rigs, wires, markers, and unwanted background elements.

• Rotoscopy Excellence: Create precise Bezier shapes and keyframes to isolate characters and objects, ensuring perfect motion tracking support.

• Compositing Support: Assist the broader compositing pipeline by delivering clean plates and alpha channels that meet ILM’s rigorous quality standards.

• Software Integration: Utilize industry-standard tools like Silhouette, Nuke, and Mocha to solve complex visual puzzles.

• AI Exploration: Collaborate with technical leads to test and implement AI-powered tools for automated roto and smart-fill paint tasks.

• Visual Detail: Maintain an obsessive attention to detail, ensuring grain matching and edge integrity are flawless.

Who We Are Looking For: Requirements

ILM Mumbai is seeking “Adventurous Dreamers” who have mastered the basics and are ready for the big leagues.

• Technical Experience: You must have a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years of professional production experience in a VFX studio environment.

• Software Toolkit: Mastery of Silhouette (for roto), Nuke (for paint/prep), and Mocha (for planar tracking) is essential.

• Core Skills: A deep understanding of motion tracking, wire removal, and the technical nuances of digital film plates.

• The “AI” Mindset: We want artists who aren’t afraid of change. A curious mindset and enthusiasm to learn AI-integrated workflows will set you apart.

• Portfolio: A showreel that demonstrates “before and after” breakdowns of complex paint and prep tasks is mandatory.

Why Join ILM Mumbai?

1. A Legacy of Innovation

Founded by George Lucas, ILM Mumbai has been at the forefront of every major digital revolution—from the first CGI character to the groundbreaking volume technology of The Mandalorian. By joining ILM Mumbai, you become part of this history.

2. The Disney Ecosystem

As a part of Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company, our employees work together to create entertainment experiences that are cherished globally. You will work in a professional environment that prioritizes storyteller’s vision and artist’s well-being.

3. Shaping the Future of VFX

The ILM Mumbai studio is a critical hub for ILM’s global operations. You will be working on the same shots as our teams in San Francisco, London, Vancouver, and Sydney, ensuring a truly international standard of work.

Industry Context: The Evolution of Paint & Prep

In 2026, the VFX industry is seeing a massive shift. Traditional “manual” roto is being replaced by machine-learning-assisted tools. ILM is leading this shift by integrating AI into our proprietary software.

• Efficiency: AI-driven roto tools now handle 40-60% of repetitive masking tasks, allowing artists to focus on the “hero” shots that require human creative sensibility.

• The New Skillset: Today’s Junior Artist must not only know how to draw a shape but also how to train and guide an AI model to achieve the desired result.

Summary Checklist for Applicants

How to Apply

If you have the creative sensibility and the sharp eye required to work at ILM Mumbai, we want to connect with you.

Application Process:

1. Prepare your Reel: Highlight your best wire removals and complex rotoscopy.

2. Submit CV: Ensure your experience in Nuke and Silhouette is clearly detailed.