Senior Cinematics Animator

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative studio environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Cinematics Animator for a celebrated game development studio in Queenstown. You will craft narrative sequences and cutscenes that elevate player immersion, bringing characters to life through performance, timing and storytelling in a dynamic studio environment.

You will collaborate with directors, writers and artists, translate storyboards into cinematic sequences, and contribute to the animation pipeline while delivering assets on schedule in Queenstown.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cinematic animation for games.
• Strong portfolio of cinematic character work.
• Proficiency with Maya or 3ds Max and animation pipelines.
• Experience with facial animation and lip-sync is essential.

Responsibilities

• Animate complex character performances, facial expressions, and body mechanics for cinematic sequences.
• Work from storyboards and animatics to create high-quality in-game cinematics.
• Collaborate with Directors, Art Directors, and Technical Animators to realize artistic vision.
• Ensure animation quality, timing, and emotional resonance meet project standards.
• Implement and polish animations within the game engine.
• Troubleshoot animation-related technical issues.
• Stay updated with trends in cinematic animation.
• Provide feedback to junior animators.
• Contribute to development and refinement of the animation pipeline.
• Ensure timely delivery of animation assets per project schedules in Queenstown.

Skills

Cinematics Animation

Character Animation

Facial Animation

Game Engines

Storytelling

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a celebrated game development studio, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Cinematics Animator to join their creative team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is instrumental in crafting compelling narrative sequences and cutscenes that enhance the player's experience. You will be responsible for bringing characters and environments to life through high-quality animation, focusing on performance, emotion, and storytelling. We are looking for an artist with a deep understanding of animation principles, a keen eye for detail, and a proven ability to create believable and impactful character performances. The ideal candidate will be proficient in industry-standard animation software and possess a strong portfolio showcasing cinematic animation work. This position in Queenstown offers a unique opportunity to contribute to visually rich and narrative-driven games, working within a supportive and innovative studio environment. You will collaborate closely with directors, writers, and other artists to deliver breathtaking cinematic moments that leave a lasting impression on players. Your expertise will be crucial in translating storyboards and scripts into dynamic and engaging animated sequences.

Key Responsibilities

• Animate complex character performances, facial expressions, and body mechanics for cinematic sequences.
• Work from storyboards and animatics to create high-quality in-game cinematics.
• Collaborate closely with Directors, Art Directors, and Technical Animators to achieve the desired artistic vision.
• Ensure animation quality, timing, and emotional resonance meet project standards.
• Implement and polish animations within the game engine environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve animation-related technical issues.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in cinematic animation.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to junior animators.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of the animation pipeline.
• Ensure timely delivery of animation assets according to project schedules in Queenstown.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Cinematics Animator or similar role in the game development industry.
• A strong portfolio showcasing high-quality cinematic character animation.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max).
• Solid understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and performance.
• Experience with facial animation and lip-sync is essential.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their animation tools is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and retirement plans.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic studio are provided.
• You will work in a collaborative studio environment in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• Join a passionate team dedicated to creating immersive and memorable gaming experiences.