Lead Modeler

ILM MBI

Lead Modeler

The youngest of all of the ILM studios, the Sydney studio leverages the expertise and technological know-how developed over 40 years at Industrial Light & Magic combined with the top artists and technicians in the region. Knowledge and culture flow freely between the company’s five studios and the global team shares tools and workflow allowing for seamless collaboration on all shared projects. 

As we grow ILM Sydney, we are seeking a Lead Modeler to join the team and be a part of this exciting opportunity. 

With an emphasis on anatomy and form, the Lead Modeler will create three-dimensional CG characters to be painted, enveloped and animated by the creature development team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and build three-dimensional creatures for Animators and Technical Directors

• Design and create hero and background characters, props and objects, and add graphic elements such as color, textures, and other design elements

• Works with production team (Model and Texture Supervisors, Technical Directors and Animators) to determine the “look” for an object

• Collaborating with state-of-the art computer-graphics equipment and software to develop and create graphic designs for animated feature films

• Participate as a team member in developing animation elements and creating computer-graphic images for staging and character animation, and will collaborate with Animators and Animation Directors to develop the artistic approaches to deliver the necessary effects, look and aesthetics required for each Character

• Participate as a team member in determining various design and technical solutions

• Research and design project-specific design applications by studying illustrations and photographs as reference materials to enhance the authenticity of the final product

• Arrange layout elements based upon available space, understanding of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts

• Acts as technical liaison of the discipline, taking direction from the Model Supervisor

• In absence of Model Supervisor acts as defacto Supervisor, working with production on scheduling and asset assignments

• In collaboration with Modeling Supervisor, will review the work of the asset team on a regular basis

• Attends all relevant meetings to promote effective communication throughout the production team

Required Skills / Technical Competencies:

• 3-5 years Zbrush, Maya, and facial development experience   

• Understanding of UNIX is a necessity as to navigate through ILM’s production pipeline

• Familiarity with film and video post production techniques and with computer graphic techniques

• An understanding of the human form/anatomy and structure/silhouette in respect of modeling

Preferred Skills / Competencies:

• Portfolio demonstrating traditional artistic skills including illustration, and sculptural abilities a plus

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or equivalent with a strong traditional art foundations: including but not limited to figure drawing, concept art and illustration.

• 5 - 8 years relevant experience (2-3 years prior experience as Model Lead)

• Previous experience working from 3D scans and/or 2D artwork

• Proven experience creating digital creatures or characters in a feature film or production environment

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.