Cinematic Animator
Overview
Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$58-65 Hourly
Start Date:
10.20.2025
This is a hybrid role in Vancouver, BC.
Pay Range: $58/hr – $65/hr
Partnering with Aquent, we represent a premier development studio at the forefront of interactive entertainment. Our team is dedicated to crafting groundbreaking experiences that push the boundaries of digital immersion and storytelling. With a legacy of critically acclaimed action titles, we are committed to innovation and delighting a global audience with unparalleled interactive content.
We are seeking a highly creative and motivated individual to join our team as a Cinematic Animator. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in bringing our narratives to life, crafting breathtaking cinematic sequences that captivate players and immerse them deeper into our worlds. Your expertise will directly influence the emotional resonance and visual fidelity of our projects, pushing the artistic and technical boundaries of storytelling in interactive entertainment.
Your Impact
As a Cinematic Animator, you will play a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling of our projects. You will contribute to every stage of cinematic development, from initial concept to final polish, ensuring that every character movement and camera angle enhances the narrative. This is an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, contribute to the development of cutting-edge animation tools, and leave a lasting mark on beloved interactive experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Create compelling character and creature motions using a blend of key-frame animation and motion capture techniques.
- Collaborate closely with the Lead Cinematic Animator to execute the creative vision and artistic direction of our product.
- Deliver high-quality body and facial animation assets with exceptional speed, precision, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Contribute significantly to animation tests, previs, layout, and the final shot animation process.
- Assist with motion capture shoots, helping to define both technical and creative requirements for optimal results.
- Actively communicate progress, anticipate potential issues, and proactively flag risks to ensure project deadlines are met.
- Collaborate with Engineers, Technical Animation, and Rigging Directors in the ongoing development and refinement of our animation tools, pipelines, and systems.
Must-Have Qualifications
- 3–7+ years of experience creating high-quality character and creature animation for interactive entertainment.
- Strong proficiency in both key-frame and motion capture animation techniques.
- Proven experience animating realistic humans, with a strong emphasis on expressive and accurate facial animation.
- Prior experience working with FACS-based rigs for facial animation is essential.
- A strong grasp of body mechanics, timing, weight, and shot composition to deliver believable character performances.
- A solid understanding of cinematic camera work, especially handheld styles used effectively in storytelling and visual exploration.
- Experience using Maya.
- Familiarity with Unreal Engine, Sequencer, and its interface, coupled with a willingness to problem-solve creatively within the engine environment.
- Ability to work quickly and adaptively, maintaining high quality standards under tight production timelines.
- Proactive communication skills and a collaborative, team-focused mindset.
- Demoreels that powerfully demonstrate experience in realistic body mechanics and facial animation, preferably using real reference.
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Experience with MotionBuilder.
- Technical understanding of animation tools, pipelines, and systems.
About Aquent Talent:
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
Client Description
Join a global technology leader driving innovation and empowering people and organizations worldwide to achieve more. Here, you’ll collaborate with passionate, diverse teams to create impactful solutions that shape the future. The culture prioritizes growth, inclusion, and purpose—where your ideas are valued, and your work drives real change. Wherever your passion lies and wherever your career is headed—you’ll play a role in projects that touch billions of lives. With flexible work options and a supportive environment, you’ll have the tools to thrive both personally and professionally. Be part of something that truly matters.
Why work with AQUENT? Check out our awesome benefits: https://aquent.com/talent/talent-benefits
Aquent is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.