Behind the Innovation of ‘Lama’: ILM’s Latest Sci-Tech Academy Award Winner
Tha layered shading system has been the standard at ILM for many years as it continues to impact the wider visual effects and animation industries.
A New Kind of World-Building: Behind ILM’s Award-Winning Partnership with Nerfstudio
ILM visual effects supervisor Vincent Papaix and Nerfstudio creator Matt Tancik discuss their innovative approach to visual effects shot design.
ILM Wins for ‘Skeleton Crew’ and ‘Ultraman: Rising’ at Children’s & Family Emmy Awards
Visual effects artists from across Industrial Light & Magic are recognized for their work.
“The idea was for every frame to be a stunning picture”: ILM Supervisors Talk ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’
Visual effects supervisors Charmaine Chan, Andrew Roberts, and Simone Coco share their experiences working together on the Oscar-nominated Jurassic World Rebirth.
ILM Earns 3 Wins at the 24th VES Awards
Teams from Andor, Sinners, and Avatar: Fire and Ash were recognized at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
ILM Innovates New StageCraft Techniques for 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics: Part 2
ILM artists Ian Milham and Shannon Thomas take us behind the scenes of in the second of a two-part story about the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
ILM Brings StageCraft Magic to the Olympic Games in Paris and Milan: Part 1
ILM artists Ian Milham and Shannon Thomas take us behind the scenes of a breakthrough virtual production shoot in the first of a two-part story about the 2024 Summer Olympics and 2026 Winter Olympics.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘Star Wars: Beyond Victory’
Three artists from the San Francisco studio share insights about their work on the 2025 mixed reality playset from ILM and Lucasfilm.
ILM Contributes to 2 Super Bowl Commercials – ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ & ‘Jurassic Park’
One of the biggest days in American sports is equally renowned for its iconic commercial spots.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘The Eternaut’
Three artists from the San Francisco, Vancouver, and London studios share insights about their work on the 2025 Netflix production, The Eternaut.
ILM Earns 2 Nominations at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards
Frankenstein and The Lost Bus are recognized while ILM also contributes to two other nominated films.
ILM Contributes to All 5 Nominated Films for ‘Best Visual Effects’ at the 98th Oscars
ILM artists for Jurassic World Rebirth and The Lost Bus earn nominations.
Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Studios Announce Leadership Transition
As Kathleen Kennedy steps down from Lucasfilm leadership to return to producing, Dave Filoni will lead the studio as President and Chief Creative Officer alongside Lynwen Brennan as Co-President.
ILM Earns 16 Nominations for the 2026 VES Awards
The 24th annual presentation by the Visual Effects Society will take place on February 25, 2026.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘Tron: Ares’
Four artists from the San Francisco, Vancouver, London, and Sydney studios share insights about their work on the 2025 Disney production, Tron: Ares.
Author Ian Failes Talks Writing the New Book ‘Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation’
Releasing January 13, 2026, the landmark book is now available for pre-order.
ILM Contributes to All 10 Shortlisted Films for Best Visual Effects at 98th Oscars
Avatar: Fire and Ash, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and Sinners are among the selected films.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘Superman’
Learn insights from the artists themselves about the designs for James Gunn’s 2025 blockbuster.
ILM Brings Rocket Raccoon to Life in Real Time
Go behind the scenes of ILM and LIMINAL Space’s ‘Real-Time Rocket’ activation at Disney Accelerator Day 2025.
ILM Partners with Sir Wayne McGregor for “Infinite Bodies” Exhibition at Somerset House
The multi-sensory experience is on view in London through February 22, 2026.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘The Electric State’
ILM.com is showcasing artwork specially chosen by members of the ILM Art Department. In this installment of a continuing series, three artists from the San Francisco and Vancouver studios share insights about their work on the 2025 Netflix production, The Electric State.
Drew Struzan: Appreciating the Artist Who Helped Define Movies and ILM
Drew Struzan’s art became part of filmmaking mythology, from Star Wars posters to ILM’s classic emblem. Drew Struzan distilled movie magic into a single iconic image, often the one audiences saw first. The celebrated creator of hundreds of one-sheet movie posters that blended classic portraiture with cinematic montage passed away October 13 at age 78….
ILM’s Todd Vaziri Breaks Down Visual Effects Shots for Vanity Fair
In a special video, the senior compositor examines moments from a number of iconic films.
‘Star Wars: Beyond Victory’ Now Available and Director Jose Perez III Takes Us Behind the Scenes
ILM’s new Mixed Reality Playset is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets.
Inside the ILM Art Department: ‘Lilo & Stitch’
ILM artists discuss their favorite pieces from the Disney film.
John and Thomas Knoll Share the Origin Story of Photoshop with Adobe’s Russell Preston Brown
Discover Industrial Light & Magic’s influence in helping inspire one of the world’s most iconic pieces of imaging software.
‘Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset’ Arrives October 7, 2025
Industrial Light & Magic has unveiled a new trailer and key art for the podracing adventure that’s coming this fall.
‘Andor’ Wins Visual Effects Emmy
ILM’s Mohen Leo and Scott Pritchard and Lucasfilm’s TJ Falls are among the winners for “Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie.”
A Fantastic Feat: ILM’s Daniele Bigi on the Visual Effects of ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
The ILM visual effects supervisor speaks on ILM’s contributions to the blockbuster film that brought Marvel’s First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Begins Production
Lucasfilm announces the full cast for the Star Wars feature directed by Shawn Levy and coming to theaters in May, 2027.
Welcome to the Rebel Hideout: ILM’s Employee-made ‘Star Wars’ Gathering Place
Learn the inspiring story of a group of dedicated ILM and Lucasfilm employees who turned their dreams into a reality….
Preview of ‘Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation’ Book at San Diego Comic-Con – Updated
New details from ILM’s new 50th anniversary book written by Ian Failes have been unveiled.
ILM Evolutions: Pushing the Boundaries of Interactive Experiences
Celebrating Ten Years of Immersive Entertainment at ILM
Assembling a Starfighter: Exploring ILM’s Role in Creating the TIE Avenger from ‘Andor’
ILM visual effects supervisors Mohen Leo and Scott Pritchard, along with members of their talented crew, discuss the process behind building the TIE Avenger as it journeyed from concept to screen.
“Let the Experts Be the Experts”: TJ Falls and Mohen Leo on the Visual Effects of ‘Andor’ Season 2
The final part of ILM.com’s discussion with Andor’s overall visual effects producer and production visual effects supervisor covers the influence of Rogue One, collaborating with Tony Gilroy, their favorite moments from season two, and more.
“Like Eating an Elephant One Bite at a Time”: TJ Falls and Mohen Leo on the Visual Effects of ‘Andor’ Season 2
In part one of a two-part story, the production’s visual effects producer and visual effects supervisor discuss the effort to create over 4,000 effects shots for the Emmy-nominated Lucasfilm series.
The Circle Is Now Complete: George Lucas Makes San Diego Comic-Con Debut
SDCC’s hottest ticket brought the first-time Comic-Con guest and friends to preview the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and ILM.com was there in the room.
ILM Evolutions: Animation, ‘Ultraman: Rising’ and ‘Transformers One’
Continuing a new series celebrating ILM’s 50-year legacy, featuring new interviews with ILM animation supervisors Rob Coleman, Mathieu Vig, and Stephen King.
How ILM Brought Stitch to Life in Real-Time for the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Premiere
The beloved Disney character can now interact with fans in a whole new way.
ILM Earns 3 Emmy Nominations for ‘Andor,’ ‘Rings of Power,’ and ‘Severance’
Teams from across ILM’s global studios are recognized for their innovative work for television this past year.
ILM Evolutions: Animation, From Rotoscoping to ‘Rango’
New series exploring ILM’s 50-year legacy kicks off with new interviews featuring original Star Wars animator Chris Cassidy and current ILM animation supervisors Rob Coleman and Hal Hickel.
Tackling Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts*’ with ILM Visual Effects Supervisor Chad Wiebe
The visual effects supervisor from ILM’s Vancouver studio shares insights about helping create new characters and bringing the streets of New York City to life.
The Invisible Visual Effects Secrets of ‘Severance’ with ILM’s Eric Leven
ILM teams with Ben Stiller and Apple TV+ to bring thousands of seamless visual effects shots to the hit drama’s second season.
ILM’s Audacious Start in an Empty Warehouse Began 50 Years Ago
On this day in 1975, Industrial Light & Magic was officially signed into existence by George Lucas.
ILM Pioneer Dennis Muren Visits Company’s Original Home for the First Time in Decades
Muren celebrates ILM’s 50th anniversary at the place where it all began.
‘Star Wars’ Celebration 2025: Exploring a Galaxy Far, Far Away on Meta Quest
In honor of Star Wars Celebration, ILM and Meta shared a special first look at their upcoming virtual and mixed reality experience Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset.
ILM’s Jason Smith Wins BAFTA Television Craft Award for ‘Rings of Power’
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power wins for Special, Visual & Graphic Effects in Season 2 of the Amazon MGM Studios series.
ILM 50th Anniversary Merchandise Now Available Online
Clothing and accessories featuring a new commemorative logo designed by Hoodzpah are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
ILM Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Announces New Book at ‘Star Wars’ Celebration Japan
Industrial Light & Magic: 50 Years of Innovation by Ian Failes will be released in November 2025 by Lucasfilm Publishing and Abrams.
ILM Announces ‘Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset’ for Meta Quest
The new experience for the Meta Quest headset will be introduced to fans at Star Wars Celebration Japan.
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Wins Visual Effects Emmy
With ILM as a lead contributor, the Disney+ series took home the award for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program at the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.
“Seizing the Moment” – ILM Leaders Janet Lewin and Vicki Dobbs Beck on the Future of Immersive Storytelling
Industrial Light & Magic’s immersive entertainment team will be fully integrated with the rest of the company to inspire new innovations in cross-platform storytelling.
ILM Earns Two BAFTA Nominations for ‘Gladiator II’ and ‘Wicked’
ILM visual effects supervisors are honored in the Special Visual Effects Category.
ILM Profiles: Tania Richard
The ILM Vancouver artist details her globe-trotting career path from special make-up effects to art direction to effects supervision.
ILM & ILM Immersive Earn 20 Nominations for 23rd VES Awards
ILM teams from around the world earn recognition for projects as diverse as Wicked, Gladiator II, Ultraman: Rising, Deadpool & Wolverine, and What If…? – An Immersive Story.
“That Was Very Gross”: ILM’s Vincent Papaix on the Often Bloody and Weird Visual Effects of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
The visual effects supervisor talks Cassandra Nova, Gambit, and more.
Tim Burton’s ‘Sleepy Hollow’: Giving life to an undying legend
Heads still roll 25 years later in the Tim Burton classic for which ILM brought the iconic headless horseman to the screen.
ILM Celebrates the Career of Compositing Supervisor Jon Alexander
Alexander spent 38 years with ILM as an optical printer operator on feature films to a compositing supervisor on theme park attractions.
‘Ghostbusters 2’: Pushing the Limits with Slimer
Exploring the technical innovations and behind-the-scenes stories that brought Slimer to life in Ghostbusters 2, reaching new heights in animatronics and practical effects at Industrial Light & Magic.
Industrial Light & Magic’s Everlasting ‘Star Trek III’ Starship Designs
Take a deep dive into the history and lore behind the starship designs created by ILM and introduced 40 years ago in The Search for Spock.
Artist Benton Jew Shares ILM Memories and the Story Behind ‘Lighter Darker’
The ILM veteran worked on projects like Jurassic Park and The Mask, and helped create a special Halloween poster that inspired the moniker for ILM’s new podcast.
Marvel Studios ‘Echo’: Staging Non-Stop Action
ILM’s Vancouver & London studios realized everything from ingenious facial replacements to a challenging plate composite for one cohesive action shot.
On Location of ‘The Creator’ with ILM’s Andrew Roberts
The visual effects supervisor was practically a one-man operation as he joined director Gareth Edwards and crew in Thailand and the United Kingdom.
StageCraft Volume Makes Public Premiere at D23
For the first time, ILM’s groundbreaking virtual production technology transports fans inside the Star Wars galaxy.
MEET THE SUPES: FRAZER CHURCHILL
Why did you decide to move to Sydney from London? My wife’s Australian so we’d been thinking about it for a while and the Australian government is getting very serious about incentivising and supporting film production, VFX and animation. It seemed like the perfect time to come. What has been your impression of the Australian…
ILM Executive Profile: Janet Lewin, SVP, General Manager
“I strive to make it easier to innovate — to create a supportive environment for groundbreaking creativity and excellence in production,” explains Janet Lewin, SVP and general manager of Industrial Light & Magic. Formerly vice president of Visual Effects at Lucasfilm, Lewin has spent a combined 26-years at the two companies. She currently oversees the…
2020 CONCEPT ART AWARDS HONORS 3 ILM CONCEPT ARTISTS
Concept Artists Christian Alzmann, Brett Northcutt, and Stephen Todd were among the artists to receive a 2020 Concept Art Award on Saturday, September 12th. Additionally, Alzmann was honored with the LBX Concept Art Luminary Award, recognizing the impact of his work on The Child for The Mandalorian. Check out the winning artwork alongside each honoree’s…
ROB BREDOW ELECTED TO AMPAS BOARD OF GOVERNORS
We are thrilled to report that Rob Bredow, Executive Creative Director & Head of Industrial Light & Magic, is among the six newly elected members to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ 2020-2021 Board of Governors. Additionally, Jessica Teach, San Francisco Executive in Charge, and 12 individuals from our artist and engineering…
ILM to Open New Studio in Australia
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the visual effects division of Lucasfilm Ltd., announced today that the company would be expanding its global footprint to Australia. The studio is opening a new studio in Sydney to better serve its clients and complement its current operations in San Francisco, where the company is headquartered, Singapore, Vancouver, and…
POST VISUAL DEVELOPMENT IN ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
AN OVERVIEW OF THE ILM ART DEPARTMENT IN POST-PRODUCTION Movie fans know the term concept art as one of the earliest stages of filmmaking. Directors and writers collaborate with the ILM Art Department to visualize story beats, characters, design creatures, vehicles, and define a film’s tone and mood. But, even after the cameras have rolled,…
