Jedi Academy 2026

Job Summary:

Launch your VFX career at ILM! We're seeking innovative entry-level artists and technicians eager to learn and collaborate on world-class material. Bring your creative talent and passion, and we'll provide the environment to help you thrive.

Position Summary

The London Jedi Academy offers a six-month paid placement to all eligible padawan. Jedi who successfully complete the program may be offered a Junior position within the studio.

The Jedi Academy provides the opportunity for artists and technicians to learn from highly skilled talent in a variety of creative and technical disciplines. Jedi will be carefully placed into a discipline and will provide entry-level support to that team. The successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain experience in a live production environment through training, mentorship, and real shot-work assignments in a fast-paced and highly collaborative studio.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Artists, Supervisors, and Production teams by managing entry-targeted tasks and workflows.
• Assist with data migration, ingesting assets, renaming and publishing.
• Artist - Delivering simple assets/shot work to a good standard and on schedule.
• Technology - work closely with production and software engineers to enable the success and efficiency of the production pipeline.

What are we looking for

• Artist - A portfolio or reel showcasing artistic ability and potential in VFX.
• Technology - A resume outlining your technical knowledge and language skills
• Demonstrated interest and skills in a specific VFX discipline listed below
• A genuine enthusiasm for the art and craft of visual effects.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly.
• Open to receiving mentorship and developing skills.
• Understanding of VFX software and principles.
• Logical thinking and the ability to break down complex tasks.
• A growth mindset with a proactive interest in exploring emerging technologies.

2026 disciplines accepting applications

• Animation
• Compositing
• Creature
• Crowd
• Faceswap
• FX
• Groom
• Layout
• Lighting
• Look Dev
• Modeling
• Mocap
• Motion Editing
• Paint & Roto
• Pipeline / Technical Assistants
• PreVis
• Realtime
• Texture

London Jedi Academy Eligibility

• Open to recent graduates (BA, BSc, MA, VFX short courses)
• OR those with up to 12 months of junior VFX/Animation industry experience.
• Applications must be clearly tailored to a specific VFX discipline
• Must have the right to work in the UK from September 2026 - March 2027 (ILM cannot provide relocation or sponsorship at this level).
• Full-time employment availability from September 2026

Application Requirements

• Submit a CV and cover letter (single file PDF preferred).
• Include a reel or portfolio showcasing your work (artist only position).
• In your cover letter, explain your passion for VFX and your chosen specialisation. Why do you want to join ILM and become a Jedi?
• Please note, you can not edit your application material once submitted

Application Process

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview day at the ILM London studio in late May 2026.
• While we review you for your preferred discipline, our team may identify a fit in an alternative department. Should this opportunity arise, we will discuss the specific role with you in detail.
• The six-month program begins in early Autumn 2026.
• Please note that start dates for Technology positions may be adjusted to an earlier schedule depending on department needs.
• Application Deadline: Monday, May 4th, 11.59 PM BST.

May the Force be with you!

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.