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Cinematic Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Steamroller Animation

NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

... Animation. What you'll do * Craft and execute high-end real-time lighting for cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine 5 with minimal oversight. * Use color theory and composition to establish the ...

Swaybox Studios

CG Modeler

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Required Qualifications: * 3+ years of experience as a set or environment modeler in film, television, or cinematic animation/VFX. * Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, Blender or any standard ...

TrueShort

AI Filmmaker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Projects may include animation, cinematic storytelling, experimental formats, comedy, action, sci-fi, horror, romance, kids & family, and more. We're looking for artists who are excited by ...

AOA

Associate Visualization Designer

Winter Park, FL · On-site

... and cinematic presentations for themed entertainment projects. This role focuses on visual storytelling in Unreal Engine, translating design intent into polished scenes, images, animations, and ...

AlphaSense

Senior Motion Designer

$108K - $123K/yr

As the Sr. Motion Designer on the AlphaSense Brand & Creative team, you will be the bridge between high-end cinematic motion and the future of AI-driven production. You aren't just an animator; you ...

Swaybox Studios

Unreal Technical Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

Required Qualifications: * 5+ years of experience as a Technical Artist or in a comparable technical art role within high-end live action VFX, animation, Virtual Production, or cinematic production.

MrBeast

Editor, Vertical Platforms

Greenville, NC

Adding creative flair: animations, transitions, music, and sound design to enhance the viewing ... Strong sense of cinematic storytelling (music, sound design, drama pacing) * Prior work with ...

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Cinematic Animator information

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How much do cinematic animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 is a cinematic animator?

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cinematic animator?

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 attention to detail are essential in this role.
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Cinematic Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cinematic Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Unreal Lighting Artist (Contract)

Steamroller Animation

NY • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Steamroller Animation

It’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you.

About the role

As a Senior Unreal Lighting Artist, you aren’t just placing lights; you are a visual storyteller. You will be responsible for the final look of cinematic sequences, translating mood, atmosphere, and narrative intent into the technical reality of Unreal Engine 5.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who doesn't wait for a list of instructions but instead looks at a shot and asks, "How can I make this look even better?" You will be embedded with our client’s team, collaborating directly with their Lead/Supervising Artist, while representing the high standards of Steamroller Animation.

What you’ll do

  • Craft and execute high-end real-time lighting for cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine 5 with minimal oversight.
  • Use color theory and composition to establish the emotional tone of a scene based on color scripts and concept art.
  • Independently improve lighting setups, inventing novel solutions for shots to ensure visual continuity across sequences.
  • Fine-tune light properties, surface shaders, and post-process volumes (bloom, fog, color grading) to achieve gold-standard visuals.
  • Navigate a shot-based pipeline to deliver high-quality work within tight production deadlines.
  • Work seamlessly within the client’s internal pipeline, maintaining clear communication and a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Ensure lighting setups are optimized for real-time performance without sacrificing visual fidelity.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience as a Lighting Artist in video games or high-end animation (Senior to Upper-Senior level).
  • Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, specifically using Sequencer and Movie Render Queue (MRQ).
  • A mastery of lighting fundamentals, including color theory, value, and composition.
  • Experience with Maya and version control systems like Perforce or GitHub.
  • Ability to take direction from a Lead/Art Director and translate feedback into beautiful visuals.
  • This role is remote but requires significant overlap with USEastern Time (EST) working hours to collaborate effectively with the project team.
Contract & Equipment
  • Status: This is a 1099 Contract position.
  • Hardware: Artists are responsible for providing their own workstation capable of handling high-end Unreal Engine 5 development. Specific hardware requirements will be discussed during the interview process. Any hardware upgrades required for smooth operations and performance are the responsibility of the artist.
Bonus Skills
  • Experience with Blueprints to enhance lighting or environmental effects.
  • Background in live TV, concerts, or virtual production (AR/XR).
  • Experience in a lead or mentor capacity.
  • Knowledge of secondary software like Photoshop or Nuke for LookDev.
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