Senior Feature Animator – Expression of Interest – ILM Vancouver

Industrial Light and Magic is accepting expressions of interest for a Senior Feature Animator based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This role sits within the character animation department and involves owning shots from blocking through final polish on a stylized animated feature film. It's a fit for an experienced feature animator who has worked on character-driven, performance-heavy productions and understands what it takes to carry a sequence at a high level.

About the Role

ILM Vancouver is in production on "Oh, the Places You'll Go!", an animated musical feature based on the Dr. Seuss book, directed by Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton and set for a 2028 theatrical release, produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and Bad Robot. The Senior Feature Animator will work within a supervised animation pipeline, taking direction from the Lead Animator and Animation Supervisor while contributing to the visual and performance language of the film. Day-to-day work includes shot execution, dailies attendance, and mentoring junior animators across the production.

Key Responsibilities

Execute high-level character performance and acting for a stylized cast of characters and creatures, maintaining consistency with the directors' creative vision across the feature film production.

Own complex shots and key sequences through the full animation pipeline, from initial blocking to final deliverable.

Attend dailies regularly and provide constructive feedback to peers as part of the broader animation team.

Supervise entry-level and mid-level animators on assigned sequences at the direction of the Animation Supervisor.

Train and mentor incoming animators and provide technical support to show supervisors before and during production.

Deliver work at a consistent level of quality while meeting the scheduling demands of a large-scale feature film pipeline.

What You Bring

Five or more years of professional feature animation experience, or seven or more years in lieu of a college diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or a related field.

Expert-level knowledge of Maya, including chaining and constraint techniques, with proficiency in Linux environments.

A strong demo reel showing character performance work, ideally from stylized animation or musical feature productions.

Deep understanding of traditional animation principles, acting for animation, film composition, and production workflow.

Strong organizational and communication skills suited to a collaborative animation studio environment.

Why This Role

This is a foundational position on a large-scale animated feature backed by Disney, ILM, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, and Bad Robot, with a confirmed theatrical release slate. The hiring range for this Senior Feature Animator position in Vancouver is C$112,200 to C$143,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week, with a full range of medical, financial, and other variable benefits dependent on level and position. The role is hybrid, with two to three days on-site at the ILM Vancouver studio.

Submit your expression of interest now for the Senior Feature Animator role at ILM Vancouver and position yourself for consideration when the production moves into active hiring.