ILM Immersive, Interactive Animation Intern, Summer 2026

Job ID 10134300 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Jan. 16, 2026

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Job Summary:

About the Role & Program:

We’re dedicated to building the future of storytelling by merging high-end visual effects with interactive, immersive experiences. Our collaborative and creative team is setting new standards for real-time worlds where movies and games converge. If you’re excited about innovation at the crossroads of film and interactive technology, we invite you to join us.

What You Will Do:

The Interactive team at ILM delivers premium, story-driven immersive entertainment across real-time rendered platforms including immersive cinema, virtual reality, mixed reality, theme parks, and new media. As an Animation Intern, you'll help bring characters, vehicles, and environments to life through high-quality 3D animation for both gameplay and cinematic sequences.

Key Responsibilities:

Create polished gameplay and cinematic animation for 3D characters, vehicles, cameras, and props using hand-key techniques and motion capture data, following guidance from supervisors and leads.
Develop technical skills to ensure animations integrate and read clearly in-game.
Gain familiarity with tools and pipelines, troubleshooting shot files as needed.
Playtest and identify animation-related issues, reporting findings to supervisors and leads.
Stay current with animation techniques to help improve tools and workflow efficiency.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Strong acting and storytelling abilities; solid grasp of animation principles, anatomy, and motion.
Ability to animate convincing physical movement and performances for 3D characters.
Experience working with Maya and Unreal Engine; familiarity with implementing animation in game engines.
Ability to self-manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Effective collaboration and communication skills.
Adaptable and receptive to direction and feedback in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

Broad understanding of various game development disciplines.
Proficiency with Linux.
Experience working with motion capture data.
Knowledge of rigging, and scripting (Python, MEL), and video editing.
Understanding of SCRUM/Agile processes.
Passion for games and immersive media; interest or experience in VR, AR, or VFX production pipelines.

Education:

Junior or Senior year preferred
Major or previous coursework in Digital Art, Game Design & Development, Animation, or a related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program AND returning to school the semester/quarter following the internship OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization

The pay rate for this role in San Francisco is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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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 Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc, which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location San Francisco, CA

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