Technical Assistant Intern

Job Description

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is offering a 3-month paid internship for a Pipeline Technical Director (TD) or Technical Assistant. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic world of visual effects production. Working closely with experienced Pipeline TDs, artists, and supervisors, you’ll contribute to developing and maintaining the software and technical infrastructure that powers ILM’s creative process.

This internship will provide you with practical experience in:

• Designing, implementing, and optimizing workflows to streamline production pipelines.
• Developing custom tools and scripts to automate repetitive tasks, improve workflow efficiency, and address production challenges.
• Collaborating with the Pipeline TD/Technical Assistant team to enhance and expand production pipelines, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Integrating third-party software and plugins into the pipeline, ensuring seamless compatibility and performance optimization.
• Providing technical support to artists and production teams, diagnosing and resolving pipeline-related issues in a timely manner.
• Documenting workflows, tools, and best practices to facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure consistency across projects.
• Staying updated on the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in the VFX industry, exploring innovative solutions to enhance pipeline capabilities.

To be considered for this internship, you should be:

• Currently pursuing a degree or a graduate degree in Creative Productions, Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field.
• Familiar with programming skills and proficient in Python or other scripting languages commonly used in VFX production, or have coding experience in another language.
• Familiar with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development practices.
• An excellent problem-solver with a strong attention to detail, independent, and a proactive self-starter.
• Able to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Having prior experience with VFX software packages (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Nuke) and/or an understanding of VFX production workflows and techniques is a plus.

This internship offers numerous benefits:

• Mentorship: Work closely with experienced Pipeline TDs who will provide guidance and support throughout the internship.
• Networking: Connect with industry professionals and build relationships within the VFX community.
• Learning Opportunities: Gain practical coding experience in a fast-paced production environment, acquiring highly sought-after skills in the entertainment industry.
• Potential for Growth: Performance during the internship may lead to future opportunities for employment or extended internships.

The internship program will start on August 5th, 2024, and is a 3-month opportunity for an intensive and fully immersive experience. Applicants must reside in NSW at the commencement of the program and provide proof of long-term eligibility to work in Australia. ILM cannot provide assistance for relocation, housing, transportation, or work authorization for the internship.