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Cinematic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archer

Sr. Motion Graphics Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$163K - $204K/yr

We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four ... Collaborate with video, audio, and VFX contributors to produce polished, cinematic work. Required ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2K - $4K/wk

Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic ...

Framestore

Freelance: CG - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

Maya, Houdini, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Mari, and/or Photoshop * A working knowledge ... Knowledge of cinematic language and technical terminology * Strong communication skills are ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2K - $4K/wk

Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help define the look and feel of fully realized worlds that enhance storytelling and create a rich cinematic ...

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 ...

Framestore

Freelance: CG - Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$600 - $900/day

Maya, Houdini, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Mari, and/or Photoshop * A working knowledge ... Knowledge of cinematic language and technical terminology * Strong communication skills are ...

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How much do cinematic designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cinematic designer in the United States is $26.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cinematic Designer do?

A Cinematic Designer is responsible for creating in-game cutscenes, scripted events, and cinematic sequences that enhance storytelling in video games. They work closely with narrative designers, animators, and game directors to choreograph scenes using camera work, character animations, and visual effects. Cinematic Designers often use game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, leveraging tools such as timeline editors and scripting to bring scenes to life. Their goal is to ensure that cinematic moments are visually compelling and seamlessly integrated into gameplay, enhancing the player's overall experience.

What does a typical day look like for a Cinematic Designer working in the game industry?

A typical day for a Cinematic Designer involves collaborating with narrative writers, animators, and programmers to storyboard, block out, and refine in-game cutscenes or cinematic sequences. You may spend time using tools such as Unreal Engine to choreograph camera movements and character animations, as well as reviewing feedback and making iterative adjustments for pacing or emotional impact. Regular meetings with art and audio teams are common to ensure visual and sound elements align with the overall story vision. This dynamic workflow requires both creative input and technical execution, making each day both challenging and rewarding.

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

To thrive as a Cinematic Designer, you need expertise in visual storytelling, 3D animation, camera composition, and digital art, often backed by a degree in game design, animation, or a related field. Mastery of tools such as Unreal Engine, Maya, MotionBuilder, and cinematic editing software is typically required. Strong collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail help designers excel in dynamic, multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that in-game and narrative cinematics effectively engage audiences and elevate the player's immersive experience.

More about Cinematic Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cinematic Designer jobs? Cities with the most Cinematic Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cinematic Designer jobs? The most popular types of Cinematic Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Cinematic Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cinematic Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cinematic Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cinematic Designer jobs are:
Cinematic Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cinematic Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 6% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 30% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,655 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Real-time Visualization Shotmaker (Project Hire)

Sony Pictures

Culver City, CA

$103K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Real-Time Visualization Shotmaker designs character performances and films them with virtual cameras to create cinematic sequences that reflect the filmmaker's vision. All elements of shot design are utilized in this position, and a seasoned understanding of filmmaking is vital. Working with the visualization Creative Director, and under the Previs Supervisor, the real-time visualization lead drives the production of previs shots and sequences that help to support the director's vision via appropriate use of camera movement, lenses, composition, staging, lighting, and editing.

This role is limited term up to 6 months.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage and generate sequences of shots from storyboards and/or script pages to construct story
  • Work closely with prospective filmmakers, directors, Leads, and/or our Visualization Creative Director to interpret and drive implementing their creative notes
  • Shot creation including orchestrating character blocking, camera positioning, and performance capture
  • Perform motion capture for animation, including quality control and accentuating mocap animation.
  • Ideate and create realistic and compelling character animation following traditional animation principles.
  • Animation of creatures, props, and vehicles within their shot allotment.
  • Reports to the Creative Director

Essential Skills:

  • 5+ years of experience in Unreal animation and camera work in engine
  • Shot and sequence generation with and without the use of storyboards and script
  • A film vocabulary of genre, shot design, sequence progression, camera moves, lighting styles, and acting choices based on years of film viewing, both vfx driven and practical.
  • Speed of work, with the ability to do three regular sized shots a day consistently.
  • Autodesk Maya workflow and UE exporting experience
  • Adobe After Effects compositing proficiency
  • Autodesk Motion Builder (a plus)
  • PFTrack (a plus)

Qualifications:

  • Possess an artistic eye for detail and understand the technical specifications for each project.
  • Understand cinematic language, camera terminology
  • Possess a keen sense of composition, color, and animation timing.
  • Original thinking and ownership over ideas necessary
  • Maintain high consistent standard of quality and speed.
  • Understand shot continuity of sequence to help guide shot creation.
  • Work well on a team and successfully take direction from a supervisor.
  • Adapt quickly and accept change - often must toss out ideas and start fresh.
  • Work well on a team and successfully take direction from a supervisor.
  • Adapt quickly and accept change - often must toss out ideas and start fresh.
The anticipated base salary for this position is $103,740 - $133,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

Sony Pictures does not allow audio recording, video recording or use of AI note-taking tools during interviews. Please be aware these tools may be enabled as a default and can be difficult to disable once the interview has started, so we recommend you check your device and disable these tools prior to the start of your interview. If recording or the use of the tools occurs during the interview and cannot be promptly turned off or disabled, the interviewer may end the interview.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.

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