Cinematics Director Quebec City (Canada) Gearbox Software Animation Senior (5+ years)

Gamecompanies; Quebec; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game developer is seeking a Cinematics Director to shape the cinematic vision for key in-game moments. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in cinematic storytelling, a strong portfolio, and proficiency in tools like Unreal Engine. This position emphasizes collaboration with narrative and art teams to ensure seamless integration and high production quality.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in cinematic and/or visual storytelling development, preferably in the video game industry.
• Strong portfolio showcasing cinematic storytelling and directing actors.
• Proficient in Unreal Engine and associated cinematic tools.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the cinematic vision for key in-game moments with narrative and art teams.
• Oversee cinematic production pipeline from storyboards to final polish.
• Direct actors during motion capture sessions and collaborate with V.O. Directors.

Skills

Cinematic storytelling

Directing actor performances

Collaboration with narrative teams

Technical direction in cinematics

Education

8+ years in cinematic or visual storytelling

Tools

Unreal Engine

MotionBuilder

Maya

Job description

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is home to a world-class team that entertains the world with award-winning and genre-defining video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling, live experiences, and consumer products. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for developing successful game franchises such as Borderlands , Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands , and Brothers in Arms , as well for continued development of acquired properties including Duke Nukem , Risk of Rain , and Homeworld . The company was founded as Gearbox Software in 1999 by a team of industry veterans and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. The Gearbox Entertainment Company is proud to be part of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ : TTWO). For more information, visit www.GearboxSoftware.com .

What we are looking for

We’re seeking a talented Cinematics Director with experience as either a Director or Associate Director to shape and own the cinematic vision for key in-game moments, while fostering a collaborative environment with our art, animation, and narrative teams. Experience with real-time cinematic tools and pipelines is highly valued. The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to direct actor performances and guide the team from concept to final polish. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like MotionBuilder, Maya, and Unreal Engine is a plus. Applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating a strong reel of cinematic work. If you’re passionate about shaping unforgettable cinematic moments, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

I. Narrative & Vision

Collaborate with Narrative, Art, and Design teams to define and champion the cinematic vision for key in-game moments.

Partner with writers and the Narrative Director to ensure compelling storytelling through cinematic sequences.

Act as a bridge between narrative, art, and gameplay teams, ensuring seamless integration of cinematics into the player experience as established by the Creative Director.

Collaborate with Gameplay Animation to ensure tonal and stylistic consistency between in-game and cinematic moments

II. Production & Technical Direction

Oversee the cinematic production pipeline, from storyboards to final polish.

Collaborate with technical disciplines to optimize cinematics for performance and contribute to internal technology improvements.

Provide clear direction to the cinematics team.

Partner with Production to manage project timelines and budgets effectively, ensuring on-schedule delivery of high-quality cinematics.

III. Performance & Implementation

Participate in the casting process for actors, selecting talent that best embodies the characters and narrative.

Direct actors during motion capture sessions and collaborate with VO Directors on capturing audio performances.

Oversee cinematic implementation, partnering with Designers for seamless integration.

Gather feedback from project and studio leadership to ensure quality and narrative alignment.

IV. Quality & Innovation

Establish and maintain high cinematic quality standards, mentoring the team.

Research and implement new techniques, contributing to studio expertise.

Identify opportunities to improve workflows for future projects.

Qualifications

I. Experience

8+ years of experience in cinematic and / or visual storytelling development, preferably in the video game industry

Demonstrated experience delivering high-quality cinematic sequences for shipped games.

A strong portfolio is essential , showcasing cinematic storytelling, camera techniques, and – critically – the ability to direct actors and elicit compelling performances.

II. Technical skills

Proficiency in Unreal Engine and associated cinematic tools.

Experience with motion capture technologies and pipelines.

Solid understanding of real-time rendering techniques and optimization strategies within Unreal Engine.

Familiarity with game development pipelines and asset management.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Experience managing and collaborating with external vendors (e.g., motion capture studios, voice actors, animation houses).

Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure and contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Passion for games and a deep understanding of narrative storytelling.

Nice-to-Haves

Experience with New IP : Demonstrated experience or a strong interest in working on new intellectual properties, contributing to world-building, and shaping the foundational cinematic language of a fresh universe

Game Development Pipeline Knowledge : A solid understanding of the broader game development process, including art, design, and engineering dependencies, to ensure seamless cinematic integration.

Narrative Design & Storytelling : Experience with or a strong appreciation for crafting compelling narratives and understanding how interactive storytelling differs from linear media

Technical Art / Implementation : Familiarity with how cinematics are implemented in-engine, including understanding performance considerations, optimization, and working with scripting tools

Art Direction Collaboration : Experience collaborating closely with art and animation directors to ensure cinematics align with the game's overall visual style and thematic direction

Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting : A knack for identifying and resolving technical or creative challenges that arise during cinematic production within a game engine

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Gearbox Entertainment is committed to ensuring that all team members work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and one that reflects the diversity of the world it strives to entertain. As an equal opportunity employer, Gearbox Entertainment does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Gearbox Entertainment is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the job application process, please contact us for more information.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

About the company

We are creative video game developers working to entertain the world.

Gearbox Software is an award-winning, independent developer of interactive entertainment. It was founded in 1999 by game industry veterans, and its first release was Half-Life : Opposing Force. Since then, the company has become known for successful game franchises including Brothers in Arms, Borderlands, and Battleborn, as well as acquired properties Duke Nukem and Homeworld.

Gearbox Software's ambition is to entertain the world and it's key driving objectives include the pursuit of happiness for our talent, partners and customers, the prioritization of entertainment and creativity and a measured respect for profitability.

Gearbox Software is headquartered in Frisco, Texas, north of downtown Dallas. With its exceptional public schools, low cost of living, energetic nightlife, fantastic professional and college sports teams, and amazing shopping and restaurants the Dallas metroplex has something for everyone.

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