Lead Animator (Feature Animation) – ILM London

Overview

In this role you lead a team to create high-quality animation for digital creatures, vehicles and props, shaping the aesthetic and technical approach under supervision. You will collaborate with the Director and Animation Supervisor, contribute to tool design, and perform hands-on shot work to uphold the production’s look. The role blends mentorship, cross‑team collaboration and creative problem solving in a hybrid work environment. You help scale animation pipelines and mentor talent to achieve outstanding results.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of animators to deliver outstanding animation for shots and sequences
• Interpret and implement direction from the Animation Supervisor
• Guide and support junior to senior animators on a daily basis
• Contribute to aesthetic and technical decisions in collaboration with the team
• Mentor new Animators and help train the team
• Help design and implement animation tools to meet production goals
• Assist Director and Animation Supervisor in establishing character behavior and rig/face performance with rigging
• Perform hands-on shot work and provide reference material as needed
• Attend dailies and provide feedback to production
• Collaborate with other departments (rigging) to align on rigs and facial performances
• Share expertise to help hitting look and quality standards

Key requirements

• Significant proven experience on feature animation projects at Lead level
• Ability to deliver complex shots to the highest quality
• Expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting (facial and body) and film production
• Strong understanding of camera terminology/lensing and storytelling impact
• Proficiency with Maya and other software; Linux experience preferred
• Knowledge of chaining and constraint techniques
• Experience collaborating with Animation Supervisors
• Excellent organization, honesty and communication skills
• Portfolio/demo reel and references

• collaboration
• communication
• mentoring
• Maya
• Linux
• proprietary animation software

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