Senior Layout Artist

About ILM

Founded by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, with studios located in San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Sydney and Mumbai. 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. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema. You can see some of our current projects .

Your role?

We are looking for Senior Layout Artists who have a strong understanding of camera theory, 3D software, and a keen eye for detail. Our Layout team is growing in Sydney and you will be working together with some of the most creative minds. As a highly skilled technical artist you will be responsible for crafting accurate and visually compelling camera moves and character animations within a digital environment. You’ll work with minimal oversight from the Layout Lead, contributing directly to the success of our productions.

What will you be doing?

• Matchmoving and Tracking:

  • Perform complex matchmove tasks, including camera tracking, object tracking, and lens distortion correction.

  • Matchanimate characters to live-action footage, ensuring accurate movement and timing.

  • Solve native stereo plates and create creative stereo solutions.

• Previsualization and Postvisualization:

  • Create previsualization and postvisualization sequences, providing a clear visual reference for the production team.

  • Process inbound and outbound motion capture data.

• Environment Setup and Modeling:

  • Photomodel sets and environments, ensuring accurate geometry and materials.

  • Create set geometry for animation and technical direction.

​Camera Animation and Lighting:

• • Create dynamic camera moves for both live-action and CG sequences.

  • Perform basic lighting and compositing to assess the final look of shots.

• Technical Expertise and Mentoring:

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry tools and techniques.

  • Mentor and train junior artists, sharing knowledge and best practices.

  • Troubleshoot technical issues and develop efficient workflows.

• Collaboration:

  • Work closely with directors, supervisors, and other artists to achieve the desired visual style.

  • Collaborate with on-set teams to capture accurate data and set up matchmove setups.

To be a contributing member of this team, you will have a mix of these skills:

Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong proficiency in 3D software such as Maya and 3DE, with a deep understanding of camera theory, lens distortion, and motion graphics.

• Experience with matchmoving techniques and software like 3dEqualizer, PFTrack, or Mocha.

• Knowledge of lighting, compositing principles, and the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges.

• Excellent problem solving skills including the ability to work under tight deadlines

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate seamlessly with teams.

• A passion for visual effects, with a keen eye for detail

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Desired Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years professional experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience with on-set work, including lidar scanning and motion capture.

• Experience with Nuke or other compositing software.

• Experience in scripting with Python to enhance workflows and solve technical challenges.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of layout and matchmove skills. 

JoinILM

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.