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Cinematics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PlayStation Global

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role ...

PlayStation Global

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86/hr

In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role ...

Rouge Studios

Cinematic Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Diagnose and resolve technical and integration challenges across cinematics, including streaming, LOD management, world and gameplay states, and player-state transitions, to deliver stable and ...

Gofractional

Senior Writer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$82 - $152/hr

Write, review, and edit dialogue and text for cinematics, in-game scenes, game assets, UI, and other related materials. * Collaborate effectively with other disciplines including designers, engineers ...

New

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft visually stunning, dynamic lighting that supports world-class real-time environments and cinematics-bringing the ...

2K

Lead Lighting Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft visually stunning, dynamic lighting that supports world-class real-time environments and cinematics--bringing the ...

Collabera

Production Artist/ Animator

Irvine, CA

Brings a cinematic eye to convey emotion, weight and momentum in gameplay and cinematics * Solid understanding of pose-driven animation design Qualifications Basic Qualifications:- * Experience ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsCinematics Jobs

Cinematics information

See salary details

$38K

$75.5K

$129K

How much do cinematics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cinematics in the United States is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cinematics?

Cinematics refer to the scripted, visually rich sequences in video games, films, or other media that are used to convey story elements, emotions, or important plot points. These sequences are usually pre-rendered or created in real-time using the game's engine, and often feature high-quality animation, voice acting, and music. Cinematics help immerse the audience by providing context, enhancing storytelling, and creating memorable moments within the overall narrative.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cinematics artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cinematics Artist, you need expertise in storytelling, animation, camera composition, and often a relevant degree in animation, film, or game design. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, Maya, MotionBuilder, and video editing software, as well as experience with motion capture systems, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help artists bring narratives to life and work seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and emotionally engaging cinematic sequences that enhance the overall experience for audiences.

How do cinematics professionals typically collaborate with other departments during the production of a game or film?

Cinematics professionals work closely with various departments, such as animation, audio, lighting, and narrative teams, to bring scripted scenes to life. Collaboration often involves frequent meetings to align on vision, reviewing storyboards, refining timing and camera movements, and ensuring that cinematic sequences integrate seamlessly with gameplay or the overall narrative. Effective communication and a willingness to iterate based on feedback from directors and other stakeholders are key to overcoming challenges and producing compelling sequences. This cross-disciplinary teamwork not only enhances the final product but also provides valuable learning opportunities for those looking to grow within the industry.

What is the difference between Cinematics vs Video Editors?

AspectCinematicsVideo Editors
Required SkillsStorytelling, cinematic shot composition, color grading, post-production effectsEditing footage, cutting, sequencing, basic color correction
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, post-production studios, gaming companiesEditing suites, freelance work, media companies
Industry UsageFilm, gaming, advertisingTelevision, online content, corporate videos

While both Cinematics and Video Editors work with video content, Cinematics focuses on creating cinematic-quality visuals with storytelling and advanced post-production techniques, often for films, games, or commercials. Video Editors primarily assemble raw footage into coherent videos, emphasizing editing skills for various media formats. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the video production industry.

More about Cinematics jobs

What cities are hiring for Cinematics jobs?

Cities with the most Cinematics job openings:

What states have the most Cinematics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cinematics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cinematics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cinematics jobs are:

Cinematics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cinematics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

PlayStation Global

OR • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This is an 8-month contract. This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Cinematic Animator. In this role, the Senior Cinematic Animator is responsible for creating high-quality in-game cinematics that meet the visual and performance standards established by the Animation Director. This role involves driving the cinematic process from script interpretation and scene layout through final implementation in the game engine.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:  

  • Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques, ensuring alignment with schedule and performance benchmarks.
  • Collaborate closely with Animation Directors and Lead Animators to design cinematics that reflect the game's vision and adhere to its unique cinematography style.
  • Contribute to setting and maintaining performance standards and work in tandem with other departments to ensure seamless integration of cinematics into the game engine.
  • Refine and enhance character performances, focusing on both body and facial animation, to create lifelike and engaging scenes.
  • Participate actively in cinematic team feedback sessions, presenting work and incorporating constructive critique.
  • Demonstrate a strong grasp of animation and camera principles essential for crafting a realistic and immersive cinematic experience.
  • Utilize project management tools such as Jira and Flow to effectively track progress and manage workload.
  • Communicate efficiently with the Animation Director and Project Management to report on progress, addressing potential roadblocks to ensure timely delivery of tasks.
  • Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned to support the animation team's goals and objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however this role mentors more junior artists.  

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 

Computer Skills: Advanced knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools (preferred), and a knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine a plus. 

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