Modeler

Job Summary

The Sydney studio of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) leverages the expertise and technological know-how developed over 40 years at ILM, combined with top artists and technicians. 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. The Lead Modeler will create three-dimensional CG characters with an emphasis on anatomy and form, 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.
• Work with the production team (Model and Texture Supervisors, Technical Directors, and Animators) to determine the "look" for an object.
• Collaborate 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.
• 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.
• Act as a technical liaison of the discipline, taking direction from the Model Supervisor.
• Act as a defacto Supervisor in the absence of the Model Supervisor, working with production on scheduling and asset assignments.
• Review the work of the asset team on a regular basis in collaboration with the Modeling Supervisor.
• Attend all relevant meetings to promote effective communication throughout the production team.

Required Skills / Technical Competencies

• 3-5 years of experience with Zbrush, Maya, and facial development.
• Understanding of UNIX is a necessity for navigating ILM’s production pipeline.
• Familiarity with film and video post-production techniques and computer graphic techniques.
• 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 is a plus.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or equivalent with strong traditional art foundations, including but not limited to figure drawing, concept art, and illustration.
• 5 - 8 years of relevant experience (must include 2-3 years of prior experience as a 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.

Company Information

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of 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 the company grow, innovate, create the best stories, and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. With operations in more than 40 countries, employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.