Remote Animation Layout Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Snail Games strives to create the new high bar for gameplay experience in online gaming. We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed to pushing the boundaries of the industry.

Snail Games USA is seeking a Senior Real-Time Cinematic Artist to join the Art Center Cinematics team. This role is centered on cinematic camera work, shot layout, Unreal Sequencer execution, and previs, working closely with the Cinematic Director to turn rough creative direction, storyboards, references, and editorial beats into clear, reviewable in-engine sequences for game trailers, in-game cinematics, and cinematic gameplay moments.

You will collaborate with dedicated lighting, VFX, mocap, and animation partners, while your primary ownership remains building strong, feasible cinematic sequences directly in Unreal Engine. The ideal candidate has a strong cinematic eye, moves quickly from rough direction to usable shot passes, and understands how to balance creative ambition with real production constraints.

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Remote - Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Los Angeles area preferred.

• Block and refine cinematic shots directly in Unreal Engine with the Cinematic Director.

• Create camera animation and shot layouts in Unreal Sequencer.

• Turn storyboards, references, and rough direction into reviewable in-engine sequences.

• Build fast previs/layout passes using available environments, temp assets, and placeholder animation.

• Explore camera language, staging, timing, scale, and shot feasibility.

• Identify which shots are production-safe, technically feasible, or reference-only.

• Export rough cuts, playblasts, and review passes for creative feedback.

• Keep shots, versions, Sequencer files, naming conventions, and review exports organized.

• Track shot status, dependencies, blockers, and follow-ups so cinematic work stays visible and actionable.

• Partner with animation, VFX, lighting, design, technical art, and production to flag dependencies and risks.

• Help establish practical cinematic workflows and reusable Unreal setups.

• Shipped at least one video game title

• Professional experience creating real-time cinematics, previs, cinematic layout, or game trailers.

• Strong Unreal Engine experience, especially Unreal Sequencer.

• Experience with Maya/Motionbuilder

• Strong cinematic eye for camera, staging, timing, scale, composition, and continuity.

• Ability to turn rough direction into clear, reviewable in-engine shot passes.

• Experience building shots with existing assets, temp animation, and unfinished environments.

• Ability to evaluate shot feasibility and communicate dependencies clearly.

• Strong organization across shot lists, sequences, versions, exports, review notes, dependencies, and follow-ups.

• Portfolio or reel showing cinematic camera work, layout, previs, or real-time sequence construction.

• Experience creating game trailers or promotional cinematics.

• Experience with in-game cinematics or cinematic gameplay sequences.

• Background in cinematic layout, previs, animation layout, trailer capture, or virtual production.

• Experience with Movie Render Queue, virtual cameras, mocap, or performance capture workflows.

• Experience helping establish cinematic pipelines, shot conventions, or reusable Unreal setups.

• Familiarity with short-form vertical video or social-first cinematic content.

$90,000 - $120,000 Annually

• True focus on work/life balance

• Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave

• Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD

• 401k with company match

Work Authorization Requirements

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future (including H-1B).

Additional Information

As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as "Mature Content"). Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.