Jedi Academy 2026 - ILM London

This year immerse yourself in ILM’s dynamic and creative production environment by participating in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Launch your VFX career at ILM! We're seeking innovative entry-level artists and technicians eager to learn and collaborate on world-class material. Bring your creative talent and passion, and we'll provide the environment to help you thrive.

Position Summary

The London Jedi Academy offers a six-month paid placement to all eligible padawan. Jedi who successfully complete the program may be offered a Junior position within the studio. 

The Jedi Academy provides the opportunity for artists and technicians to learn from highly skilled talent in a variety of creative and technical disciplines. Jedi will be carefully placed into a discipline and will provide entry-level support to that team. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain experience in a live production environment through training, mentorship, and real shotwork assignments in a fast-paced and highly collaborative studio.
 

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Artists, Supervisors, and Production teams by managing entry-targeted tasks and workflows.

• Assist with data migration, ingesting assets, renaming and publishing.

• Artist - Delivering simple assets/shot work to a good standard and on schedule.

• Technology - work closely with production and software engineers to enable the success and efficiency of the production pipeline.

What are we looking for

• Artist - A portfolio or reel showcasing artistic ability and potential in VFX.

• Technology - A resume outlining your technical knowledge and language skills

• Demonstrated interest and skills in a specific VFX discipline listed below

• A genuine enthusiasm for the art and craft of visual effects.

• Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly.

• Open to receiving mentorship and developing skills.

• Understanding of VFX software and principles.

• Logical thinking and the ability to break down complex tasks.

• A growth mindset with a proactive interest in exploring emerging technologies.

2026 disciplines accepting applications:

• Animation 

• Compositing 

• Creature 

• Crowd

• Faceswap

• FX 

• Groom 

• Layout 

• Lighting 

• Look Dev 

• Modeling 

• Mocap

• Motion Editing 

• Paint & Roto

• Pipeline / Technical Assistants

• PreVis

• Realtime

• Texture
   

London Jedi Academy Eligibility:

• Open to recent graduates (BA, BSc, MA, VFX short courses) 

• OR those with up to 12 months of junior VFX/Animation industry experience.

• Applications must be clearly tailored to a specific VFX discipline

• Must have the right to work in the UK from September 2026 - March 2027 (ILM cannot provide relocation or sponsorship at this level).

• Full-time employment availability from September 2026

Application Requirements:

• Submit a CV and cover letter (single file PDF preferred).

• Include a reel or portfolio showcasing your work (artist only position).

• In your cover letter, explain your passion for VFX and your chosen specialisation. Why do you want to join ILM and become a Jedi?

• Please note, you can not edit your application material once submitted
   

Application Process:

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview day at the ILM London studio in late May 2026. 

• While we review you for your preferred discipline, our team may identify a fit in an alternative department. Should this opportunity arise, we will discuss the specific role with you in detail.

• The six-month program begins in early Autumn 2026.

• Please note that start dates for Technology positions may be adjusted to an earlier schedule depending on department needs.

• Application Deadline: Monday, May 4th, 11.59 PM BST.
   

May the Force be with you!

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.

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