Senior Animator – Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, INC; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 79,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented Senior Animator to join their Cinematics team. This role involves creating stunning animated films that captivate audiences, requiring a passion for animation and a strong grasp of body mechanics. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, working alongside a dedicated team to produce exceptional cinematic experiences. With a hybrid work model, this position offers flexibility while contributing to groundbreaking projects. Join a leading company in the gaming industry and make your mark in the world of animation!

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off

Wellness Programs

Potential Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in game development or animation.
• Strong demo reel showcasing quality animations.

Responsibilities

• Animate characters to meet high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with directors and supervisors on cinematic animations.

Skills

3D Animation

Character Acting

Body Mechanics

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Storyboarding

Rigging

Tools

Maya

3D Software

Job description

Job Title:

Senior Animator – Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

Requisition ID:

R025208

Job Description:

Blizzard Entertainment is seeking a dedicated 3D animator to join our Cinematics team in creating the next generation of epic animated films.

What You Bring to the Table

In a fast-paced environment like ours, priorities can shift quickly. This role involves, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

The cinematic animator should be skilled at animating characters to meet Blizzard Entertainment’s high standards of quality. The ideal candidate has a passion for animation and filmmaking, with experience animating a diverse range of characters and creatures in various styles, from cartoony to realistic. A strong understanding of body mechanics and character acting, along with mastery of the 12 principles of animation, is essential. Collaboration is key, and you should enjoy working with a passionate team committed to making exceptional movies and games. Blizzard offers a creative, challenging, and rewarding environment with excellent compensation.

This position is expected to be hybrid, with some on-site work and some remote. The preferred location is Irvine, CA, but we are open to discussing other options based on individual circumstances. The start date is anticipated to be June 2025, with roles available for 5 or 6 months.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• At least 6 years of experience in game development, television, or film using Maya or an equivalent 3D software.
• Experience collaborating with Directors, Animation Supervisors, and Leads to develop and maintain high-quality cinematic animations.

Knowledge & Skills

• A demo reel showcasing high-quality, hand-keyed animations demonstrating solid body mechanics and engaging performances.
• Strong grasp of body mechanics and character acting, with mastery of the 12 principles of animation.

Key Attributes

• Passion for film, animation, and video games.
• Self-motivated with good communication skills and a team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to support and improve the Cinematics team artistically and technically.

Extra Points

• Skills in storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, and composition.
• Technical skills such as rigging, scripting, and pipeline understanding.
• Physical skills like acting, martial arts, or choreography.
• Filmmaking skills including cinematography, pre-visualization, editing, and story writing.
• Understanding of FX, particles, cloth, and hair as they relate to character performance in both 2D and 3D animation.

Your Platform

Blizzard Entertainment, known for franchises like Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, develops and publishes acclaimed games worldwide. We engage millions of players across various platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

As part of Activision Blizzard, we are a leading interactive entertainment company with beloved franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Candy Crush, and Bubble Witch. Our global network connects hundreds of millions of players, making us the largest gaming network worldwide. We foster an inclusive, diverse environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to creating immersive worlds. We offer comprehensive benefits promoting well-being and support for our employees.

Note: The role's duties may evolve as per company needs, and we encourage applications from diverse and underrepresented groups. We also support accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For requests, contact [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusivity.

Rewards

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, wellness programs, and potential relocation assistance. The base salary range is $79,800.00 - $168,800.00 CAD, with actual compensation depending on experience, performance, and location. Incentive bonuses may also be available.