creature td

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the world’s premier visual effects facility and a cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company, is currently seeking a highly skilled Creature TD to join our San Francisco studio. Since George Lucas founded ILM in 1975, the studio has redefined the boundaries of cinema, and the Creature TD role remains at the very heart of that innovation. In this position, you are the architect of life. You bridge the gap between static geometry and a performance that can move an audience to tears or thrill them with terror. As a Creature TD, your work ensures that every hero character, background creature, and mechanical vehicle moves with a level of physical and anatomical fidelity that sets the global industry standard. Job Overview: Creature TD Category Details Position Title Creature TD (Technical Director) Company Name Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Location San Francisco, California, United States Job Type Project Hire Salary Range $90,400 – $118,700 (Base Pay) Core Software Autodesk Maya, Python, Linux Primary Industry Feature Film, VFX, and Immersive Cinema The Creature TD at ILM is a multidisciplinary artist who balances deep technical proficiency with an artist’s intuition for motion. This is a “Project Hire” role, meaning you will be integrated into specific high-profile productions, working alongside the industry’s most talented supervisors to deliver cinematic excellence. Your primary mission is to rig and envelop a diverse range of assets. Whether it is a “hero” character that requires thousands of controls for a nuanced performance or complex vehicles and background props, the Creature TD ensures the technical foundation is unbreakable. Key Responsibilities and Workflow Compensation, Benefits, and Professional Growth Joining ILM as a Creature TD means becoming part of The Walt Disney Company ecosystem, which provides world-class support for its employees. Compensation Component Annual Details / Provisions Base Salary $90,400 – $118,700 (Determined by experience & equity) Incentives Potential for bonuses and long-term incentive units Health & Wellness Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Financial Future 401(k) retirement plans and employee stock options Vacation & Leave Generous paid time off and parental leave policies The ideal Creature TD candidate is someone who views technical challenges as creative opportunities. We require a blend of education and hands-on professional experience. 1. Education and Experience We look for candidates with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience and a diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or a related field. Alternatively, we welcome applicants with 5 years of relevant industry experience in lieu of a formal degree. 2. Technical Requirements 3. Professional Soft Skills ILM is more than a studio; it is a legacy. Over the last 50 years, we have contributed to over 325 feature films and earned 15 Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. By joining us as a Creature TD, you are stepping into a facility that has played a key role in the top-grossing films of all time. We are currently at the forefront of the digital revolution, expanding our horizons into Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Immersive Cinema. As a Creature TD, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that are not just films, but cultural milestones. The Disney Advantage As part of The Walt Disney Company, ILM employees belong to a global entertainment leader. Disney is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every voice is heard. We believe that the best stories come from a team that reflects the world we live in. As an equal opportunity employer, we provide a space where a Creature TD can innovate, grow, and build a career that lasts a lifetime. Creature TD (Project Hire) – Industrial Light & Magic, 2026 Apply now See open roles