Unreal Engine Cinematic Artist (Previz & Camera Work)

Telos Media; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Atrium is seeking a full-time 3D Layout Artist to shape the visual direction of our historical storytelling. You will translate scripts into cinematic 3D layouts and animatics, operate virtual cameras, and define scene pacing and continuity in Unreal Engine.

Work closely with the Channel Director to develop the visual storytelling approach, build environments, and prepare assets for production. Emphasis on storytelling through camera movement, framing, and staging.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in 3D layout, animation, camera work, or related role in YouTube, film or television production.
• Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine, ideally version 5.6.1.
• Strong understanding of cinematic language including composition, framing, camera movement, timing, and transitions.
• Experience with animation blocking and character posing, with understanding of staging to support storytelling.
• Excellent eye for visual storytelling and ability to translate scripts into clear sequences.

Responsibilities

• Interpret scripts and translate them into clear, compelling 3D layouts and animatics.
• Operate virtual cameras to establish framing, camera movement, shot composition, and transitions.
• Define the visual flow of each scene, including timing, pacing, spatial relationships, and continuity.
• Handle animation blocking and character posing to establish clear actions, staging, and storytelling beats.
• Collaborate with Channel Director to develop and refine the visual storytelling approach.
• Build scenes and layouts in Unreal Engine, preparing environments and assets for review and production.
• Explore creative camera techniques to communicate complex historical events and concepts.
• Prepare clear, well-organized layouts and animatics for animators as a foundation for production.
• Organize scenes, assets, and project files within a hands-on production pipeline.
• Review outputs, incorporate feedback, and refine layouts to meet the creative vision.
• Maintain consistency and continuity across scenes and keep assets accessible to the team.

Skills

3D layout

Camera work

Storytelling

Collaborative

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Atrium is a YouTube channel focused on bringing history to life through immersive visual storytelling, from exploring Hitler’s final hours to recreating the conditions of Auschwitz.

We’re looking for a full-time 3D Layout Artist to help shape the visual direction of our content through cinematic scene composition, camera operation, and storytelling.

This is a highly creative role for someone who thinks visually and understands how camera work can transform a script into an engaging viewing experience. You’ll work closely with the Channel Director to translate scripts into compelling 3D layouts and animatics, defining camera movement, scene composition, pacing, and the overall visual tone of each video.

Your work will serve as the blueprint for the animation team, ensuring every scene is thoughtfully composed, visually clear, and intentional before moving into full production.

What You’ll Be Obsessed About

Making every scene work visually.

You understand that great storytelling isn't just about what happens on screen, but how the audience experiences it. You think about camera angles, movement, composition, pacing, character posing, and transitions, always looking for ways to make each moment clearer, more cinematic, and more engaging.

You’re always thinking:

“How can I make this scene more compelling through composition, camera work, and staging?”

And then you make it happen.

What You’ll Do

• Interpret scripts and translate them into clear, compelling 3D layouts and animatics.
• Operate virtual cameras to establish framing, camera movement, shot composition, and transitions.
• Define the visual flow of each scene, including timing, pacing, spatial relationships, and continuity.
• Handle animation blocking and character posing to establish clear actions, staging, and storytelling beats.
• Collaborate closely with the Channel Director to develop and refine the visual storytelling approach.
• Build scenes and layouts in Unreal Engine, preparing environments and assets for review and production.
• Explore creative camera techniques and visual solutions to communicate complex historical events, environments, and concepts.
• Prepare clear, well-organized layouts and animatics that give animators a strong foundation for production.
• Prepare and organize scenes, assets, and project files within a hands-on production pipeline that requires careful manual setup and coordination.
• Review outputs, incorporate feedback, and refine layouts to meet the creative vision.
• Maintain consistency and continuity across scenes while keeping project files and assets accessible to the team.

About You

• Several years of experience in 3D layout, animation, camera work, or a related role in YouTube, film, or television production.
• Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine, ideally version 5.6.1.
• Strong understanding of cinematic language, including composition, framing, camera movement, timing, and transitions.
• Experience with animation blocking and character posing, with an understanding of how staging and body language support storytelling.
• A good eye for visual storytelling and the ability to translate scripts into clear, engaging sequences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage assets, scenes, and project files independently in a hands-on production environment.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to communicate clearly in a fast-moving production environment.
• Comfortable working independently, solving visual challenges, and incorporating feedback without losing sight of the overall creative vision.

Nice to Have

• Working knowledge of Blender for 3D scene preparation or related tasks.
• Experience managing or contributing to 3D animation pipelines.
• Understanding of YouTube retention, pacing, and viewer engagement.
• Interest in storytelling psychology and audience behavior.
• Experience working on documentaries, historical content, or educational entertainment.
• Willingness to contribute across different stages of production when needed.

What Makes You Stand Out

• You think in shots and sequences, naturally translating ideas into visual compositions.
• You understand how camera movement, framing, and character posing can create tension, establish scale, and guide the viewer's attention.
• You balance cinematic ambition with practical production needs.
• You care about pacing, rhythm, continuity, and the purpose behind every shot.
• You actively study great visual storytelling across films, documentaries, and digital content.
• You bring creative ideas and visual solutions, not just execution.
• You know when a scene needs a complex camera move and when a simple, well-composed shot tells the story better.
• You take ownership of your work and keep assets, scenes, and files organized without needing constant supervision.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape the visual identity of a growing YouTube channel, working on stories that bring history and complex subjects to life through immersive 3D environments and cinematic storytelling.

Your work will directly influence how each story is experienced, from the first camera setup to the final animation, helping establish the visual foundation for every video we produce.