Crowd TD (All Levels) - ILM London
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10138593 Location London, United Kingdom Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Dec. 12, 2025Job Summary:
Position Summary
We are looking for a Crowd TD who reflects the creative talent, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.
This is a fixed-term contract for up to six months. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK, sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
The main focus of the position will be to create crowd simulations for our CG scenes, using either off the shelf and our own proprietary software to populate cities, large scale environments and choreograph battles.
At ILM, we strive to be an inclusive environment, and we are committed to considering promising individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences for this position.
What You’ll Do:
Choreograph or simulate the behaviour of crowds in shots, meeting the artistic direction of the show supervisor.
Manage the motions and cycles used on your show, including creating blending cycles.
Creatively use existing motion and character variations to create visual diversity within a crowd.
Assist in developing efficient workflows within Houdini, including creating and modifying internal HDAs.
Troubleshoot technical issues within Houdini and the wider pipeline.
Work with Production and your lead to meet the show deadlines.
Communicate with artists across disciplines to work effectively as part of the wider show team.
Attend dailies to present your work and receive feedback from the show supervisor.
Collaborate within the crowd team, sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of the department.
What We’re Looking For:
Strong knowledge of Houdini Software
Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to address technical and artistic challenges
In-depth understanding of cinematic principles and composition
Keen eye for how crowds flock and move / behavioural observations
Background working on high end VFX, animated feature-film and video-games
Experience working with motion capture and/or clip-based animation
Proficiency with Linux
Excellent communication skills
Ability to maintain high quality of work while respecting strict deadlines
Preferred Skills:
Proficiency scripting in Vex and/or Python
Strong understanding of Houdini input/output pipeline
Experience with cloth/hair/muscle simulations
Working knowledge of Maya and rigging
The closing date for applications: 8th January 2026
As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 1 day on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home
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About Industrial Light & Magic:
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. 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.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. 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. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with ILM (UK) Ltd., which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.
ILM (UK) Ltd. 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.