About Us

Position Summary

The Creature Lead handles all simulations associated with CG Creatures, including the rig, cloth, hair, muscle and skin. The Creature Lead will also be responsible for all Rigid Body Dynamics and Rigid Body Simulations that are necessary for CG Character interactions. Ensuring all delivered work/shots maintain the group’s rigorous standards and assist with the creative vision of the Director on their given project.

The Creature Lead also shares responsibility for maintaining the Creature pipeline with other Leads, working closely with representatives across ILM’s global locations to ensure parity and compatibility where needed, whilst also advising locally on best practices and established standards of workflow that will benefit and create efficiency.

In collaboration with fellow Leads and senior artists the Creature Lead actively looks for opportunities for innovation and improvement of ILM’s creature pipeline, toolset and workflow whilst maintaining the ability to move shots and data efficiently through the pipeline and across locations.

Primary Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for running the Creature Team on their given project.

• The Creature Lead is responsible for all simulations relating to Creature builds, including creature rig, cloth, hair, muscle and skin. Responsibility also extends to all Rigid Body Dynamics/Simulations necessary for creatures.

• Work closely with Production and Supervision to accurately bid and schedule work for the creature dev team.

• Clearly brief developers on R&D and pipeline requirements for the creature/dev team for their project / show.

• Responsible for leading and mentoring the team of Creature Dev TD’s, monitoring team progress and results.

• Maintain high technical standards and strive to maintain an up-to-date understanding of ILM’s workflow standards, advancements and best practices. Share responsibility for communication and training artists alongside other Creature Leads and ILM training department.

• Proactively reaching out to representatives across ILM’s locations on issues related to both shot production and pipeline development. Regularly update studio staff and leadership teams on progress.

• Assist with the recruitment/placement of Creature/dev artists to ensure the right fit, skills and experience required for the project and team.

• Play a key role in discussions and activities relating to the adaptation and evolution of the ILM pipeline in London studio and across the group.

Key Peers or Relationships

VFX Supes, CG Supes, Anim Supes, 2D Supes, Pipeline, R+D and Production, Creature Team