Paint & Roto Artist – Jedi Academy Program 2026

Paint & Roto Artist Job Overview

• Company: Industrial Light & Magic (a division of Lucasfilm, owned by The Walt Disney Company)
• Job Title: Paint & Roto Artist (Jedi Academy Program)
• Job Type: Full-Time (12-Month Paid Contract)
• Location: Moore Park, Sydney, NSW, Australia
• Work Model: Hybrid (On-site Studio Presence Required)
• Seniority Level: Entry-Level / Junior
• Required Experience: Recent Graduate or Early-Career Portfolio
• Salary Range: Competitive / Paid Training
• Reporting Structure: Paint & Roto Supervisor / Training Lead
• Industry: Visual Effects (VFX) & Motion Pictures
• Eligibility: Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident (NSW Resident)

• Executive Summary
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a titan in the visual effects industry and a cornerstone of Lucasfilm, is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Jedi Academy Program specializing in Paint & Roto. Located in the creative hub of Moore Park, Sydney, this prestigious entry-level initiative is designed to identify and nurture the next generation of VFX talent.Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
•  Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is seeking passionate, high-potential artists who embody the innovative spirit and collaborative mindset that has defined ILM for over four decades. As a “Jedi Apprentice,” you will embark on a structured, paid 12-month journey, beginning with intensive technical training followed by hands-on production experience on world-class feature films. This is a rare opportunity to launch your career at the forefront of digital filmmaking, learning proprietary workflows and contributing to the legacy of the world’s leading effects facility.

Company Overview: The ILM Legacy

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas to bring Star Wars to life, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has set the global standard for visual effects for nearly 50 years. From the birth of motion-control photography to the invention of OpenEXR and the revolution of real-time production with StageCraft, ILM has consistently moved the goalposts of what is possible in cinema.

With a portfolio of over 325 feature films, ILM has contributed to some of the most stunning images in film history. As a division of The Walt Disney Company, we benefit from a vast international network of storytellers and technologists. In Sydney, our studio reflects this global excellence, blending a local passion for filmmaking with the massive resources of a worldwide powerhouse. Joining ILM means joining a community that values diversity, inclusion, and the relentless pursuit of “the impossible.”

Role Overview: The Paint & Roto Department

At ILM, the Paint & Roto department is not merely a stepping stone; it is a specialized discipline where artists build long, rewarding, and highly creative careers. This department serves as the foundation of the VFX pipeline, solving complex visual challenges that range from matte creation to procedural plate clean-up.

The Jedi Academy is our premier entry-level program. Successful candidates will not be “assistants”—they will be artists-in-training. You will learn to manipulate live-action plates with surgical precision, utilizing traditional frame-by-frame hand painting alongside emerging automated processes. The program is designed to transform “raw” artistic talent into professional VFX proficiency, focusing on the core fundamentals of photorealism, perspective, and technical problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Outcomes

Technical Execution & Training

• Rotoscoping Mastery: Develop a deep understanding of 2D animation principles to create articulate, frame-by-frame mattes for organic and hard-surface objects.

• Plate Preparation: Learn the art of “Prep,” including the seamless removal of wires, rigs, and tracking markers from live-action footage.

• Hand Painting: Master organic hand-painting techniques to recreate textures and light patterns across moving frames.

• Plate Reconstruction: Break down and rebuild various segments of a live-action plate through the creation and implementation of self-made elements and clean-plate projections.

Artistic Judgement

• Photorealism: Develop a “VFX eye” to judge color, lighting, perspective, and grain structure to ensure all work integrates invisibly into the original footage.

• Procedural Logic: Learn to identify when to use manual paint versus procedural or automated clean-up methodologies to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Pipeline & Collaboration

• Proprietary Tools: Gain exclusive access and training on ILM’s world-class proprietary toolsets and internal pipeline (including integrated Nuke workflows).

• Creative Communication: Learn to speak specifically about your work, detailing the creative vision and technical choices during daily reviews (dailies).

• Team Synergy: Collaborate with senior artists and supervisors, showing a curious learner’s mindset and a willingness to integrate feedback.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in VFX, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or Animation is preferred, but we welcome Fine Arts graduates or self-taught artists with exceptional portfolios.

• Passion for Roto/Paint: A genuine, demonstrated interest in making a career specifically within the Paint & Roto discipline.

• VFX Foundations: A general understanding of the VFX pipeline and a foundational knowledge of filmmaking fundamentals, such as composition and storytelling.

• Legal Status: You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident and currently reside in (or be a long-term resident of) New South Wales.

Technical & Creative Toolkit

• Artistic Talent: A strong creative portfolio or showreel demonstrating a high level of aesthetic skill.

• Adaptability: An eager, open-minded approach to learning new methodologies, including the integration of emerging technologies and AI-assisted processes.

• Attention to Detail: An obsessive focus on the “invisible” details that maintain the illusion of reality in film.

The Jedi Academy Program Details

• Commencement Date: May 4th, 2026.

• Duration: 12 months (paid).

• Training Phase: The first 6–12 weeks consist of intensive, full-time training led by ILM veterans.

• Production Phase: Following training, you will transition to “on-the-job” development, working on active ILM projects.

• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• Model: Hybrid—onsite at our Moore Park studio with occasional work-from-home flexibility.

Benefits and Perks

• Paid Professional Training: Receive a competitive salary while learning from the world’s best VFX supervisors.

• Career Foundation: Graduation from the Jedi Academy is a globally recognized mark of quality and often leads to long-term employment within the Disney/ILM ecosystem.

• Inclusive Culture: Join a studio that believes diversity is integral to success. We prioritize a sense of belonging and value ideas from all levels.

• World-Class Facilities: Work in our state-of-the-art Sydney studio located in the vibrant Moore Park precinct.

Application Process & Timeline

Step 1: The Online Application

• Deadline: Applications close Monday, 16th March 2026.

• Requirements: You must provide:

  1. A Short Cover Letter specifically outlining your interest in Paint & Roto.

  2. A Current CV.

  3. A Reel and/or Creative Portfolio link.

Step 2: Digital Interview (Hirevue)

• Successful applicants will receive an invitation via our online tool, Hirevue, for a digital screening. Please monitor your email (including junk folders) closely after the application deadline.

Step 3: Studio Interviews

• In-studio interviews will commence on Monday, 30th March 2026. This is an opportunity to meet the team and discuss your technical and creative choices in detail.

Step 4: Offers

• Successful candidates will be extended offers in April 2026, with a start date of May 4th.

Industrial Light & Magic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Lucasfilm/ILM, we believe that our people should reflect the vast life experiences of our audiences. Even if you don’t fit every single criteria but are passionate about the role, we encourage you to apply and tell us your story.