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Cinematic Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Jose, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Hayward, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Alameda, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sonoma, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Mundelein, IL · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Rosa, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sunnyvale, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Mateo, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal * Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion * Ownership of hero ...

New

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Cinematic Animator information

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How much do cinematic animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for cinematic animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cinematic Animator position, and why are they important?

Cinematic Animators require advanced skills in character animation, storytelling, and a solid understanding of cinematography principles, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, or Unreal Engine, as well as familiarity with motion capture systems, is commonly expected. Creativity, attention to detail, strong collaboration, and the ability to take direction are standout soft skills in this role. Mastery of these areas ensures the animator can effectively translate scripts and storyboards into emotionally engaging, visually compelling cinematic sequences that enhance a project's narrative.

What does a cinematic animator do?

A cinematic animator creates animated sequences for films, video games, or visual effects, focusing on storytelling, character movement, and scene composition. They use software like Maya or Blender and often collaborate with directors and artists to produce visually compelling content. Strong skills in animation principles, timing, and rendering are essential for this role.

How to become a cinematic animator?

To become a cinematic animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, along with strong skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and storytelling. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D is essential, and building a portfolio of high-quality work can help demonstrate your abilities. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in film or game studios can also be valuable for advancing in this field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cinematic Animator?

As a Cinematic Animator, your daily work typically involves creating and refining animated sequences that drive a project’s narrative, often working with storyboards and collaborating closely with directors, writers, and other animators. You’ll use tools like Maya or Unreal Engine to animate characters, block out scenes, and integrate feedback to achieve the desired emotional impact and visual storytelling. Tasks may also include attending review meetings, revising animations based on client or director notes, and ensuring seamless integration with audio and other visual effects. This fast-paced, collaborative environment helps animators continually develop their technical and artistic skills, making each day dynamic and creatively rewarding.

What is a Cinematic Animator job?

A Cinematic Animator creates high-quality animated sequences for video games, films, or other media, focusing on storytelling, character movement, and camera work. They use keyframe animation or motion capture data to bring scenes to life, ensuring they are visually engaging and emotionally impactful. Working closely with directors, designers, and other animators, they refine animations to match the project's artistic and narrative vision.

How much does a film animator make?

Film animators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, and proficiency in tools like Maya or Adobe Animate can influence earning potential.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation Studios has largely shifted focus to 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI), but they occasionally hire 2D animators for specific projects or legacy work. Opportunities for traditional 2D animation are limited and often involve specialized skills in hand-drawn techniques and software like Toon Boom or TVPaint.
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Cinematic Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cinematic Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
3D Animator

3D Animator

M&S Consulting

Pasadena, CA • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

M&S (which stands for Management and Solutions) was conceived in 2002 with the vision of creating highly effective teams of elite consultants to deliver strategic process and technology solutions to enterprise organizations across the US. Our commitment to delivery in complex environments and long-term customer success has merged process and technology into innovative solutions, established deep pockets of expertise, and enabled innovative transformation for evolving businesses.
We have intentionally cultivated steady growth focused on being approachable and helpful to our dearly valued clients and closely cared-for employees. M&S people simply "care hard", and this reflects in our work products, our interactions, and our culture.
Job Responsibilities:
The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline-from modeling through final render-and translating real-world data, engineering concepts, and mission narratives into visually engaging content.
  • Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render
  • Model, texture, shade, and light assets for high-quality scientific and technical visualization
  • Rig and animate mechanical systems, spacecraft, instruments, and robotic processes
  • Develop environments and planetary visualizations to support mission storytelling
  • Render and composite final sequences for video deliverables
  • Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy
  • Translate complex engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives
  • Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback

Required Skills:
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work
  • Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing
  • Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects
  • Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines
  • Strong sense of motion, timing, lighting, and cinematic composition
  • Comfort working from storyboards, pre-vis, or animatics to final delivery

Desired Skills:
  • Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets
  • Background animating mechanical systems, robotics, or engineering processes
  • Experience creating space, planetary, or scientific visualizations
  • Familiarity with real-time rendering workflows (e.g., Unreal Engine pipelines)
  • Experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or technical subject-matter experts

*Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
*This is a remote position
*M&S Consulting proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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