Creature - Jedi Academy (Open to Canadian Citizens & PR only)

Are you looking to get in the door of the exciting world of VFX? ILM’s Jedi Academy may be just the thing for you!

The Jedi Academy provides the opportunity for recently graduated students or industry artists with up to two years experience to train under our Jedi Masters.

In this paid experience, as the successful applicant, you will be carefully placed into the Creature department and will hone your skills in creature simulation and rigging. You will gain experience through training and mentorship, in a fast-paced and highly collaborative production environment.

To top it off, graduates who successfully complete the program may be offered a Junior Artist position within the studio.

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and we embrace promising individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We are searching for Jedi’s who reflect the innovative spirit, creative talent, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM.

What You Need to Know

• The Jedi Academy role is a paid 6-week placement beginning November 12, 2024

• This role is considered Hybrid, which means you will work onsite at our Vancouver studio and occasionally from home

• You will be required to work full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm

• We do not provide assistance for relocation, housing, transportation, or work authorization for the Jedi Academy

• You must be a Canadian Citizen or hold Canadian Permanent Resident status

• You will have graduated from a relevant course within the last 12 months or have up to two years of VFX experience

What You’ll Do

• Attend live classes based on dept course curriculum, as well as self-led training using ILM's own internal tutorials and documentation

• Replicate rigs and shots from completed projects to learn about ILM's creature pipeline

• Offer day-to-day show support for Creature Technical Directors & Animators under mentorship of Leads, Supervisors, and the Head of Department (HOD)

• Analyze and optimize rigs/sim set-ups

• Assist show Supervisors with quality control/prep

• Strengthen professional habits, including best practices for presenting work in dailies, working as a team, and communicating effectively

• Gain knowledge and appreciation of ILM’s culture and history

What We’re Looking For

• A certificate or degree  in Computer Graphics, Animation, Fine Arts, Design or Photography or a related program, and/or relevant experience working in a similar industry

• Proven ability in one or more CG techniques relevant to the creature dept; rigging, and simulation with CG cloth, hair, fur, muscles, and skin

• Experience with Maya or Houdini is required

• A reel demonstrating character or creature effects, rigging, and technical abilities is required for this role

• Experience refining templates, rig kits, and reusable sim set-ups is a plus

• Knowledge of Linux as well as coding/scripting knowledge (Python, Me, or VEX) a plus

Join ILM

The pay rate for this role in Vancouver is C$25.14 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.