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Senior Cinematic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Sound Designer

Glendale, CA · Remote

$95K - $128K/yr

Senior Sound Designer Req ID: 10155659 Senior Sound Designer Disney Digital Entertainment is ... Design, edit, implement, and polish sound effects, ambiences, cinematic audio, and gameplay systems ...

As a Senior VX Designer, you will.... - Apply deep understanding of design principles - including ... immersive, cinematic experiences full of inspiration and insight to enrich our customers daily ...

As a Senior VX Designer, you will.... - Apply deep understanding of design principles - including ... We spark listeners' imaginations, offering immersive, cinematic experiences full of inspiration and ...

Overview: We're looking for a Senior Motion Designer to bring our consumer hardware products to life through cinematic, precision-driven motion graphics. You'll create the launch videos, product ...

Sr. Motion Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Overview: We're looking for a Senior Motion Designer to bring our consumer hardware products to life through cinematic, precision-driven motion graphics. You'll create the launch videos, product ...

Sr. Motion Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... Senior Motion Designer to bring our consumer hardware products to life ... through cinematic, precision-driven motion graphics. You'll create the launch videos, product ...

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 ...

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Senior Cinematic Designer information

See salary details

$59K

$105.9K

$131K

How much do senior cinematic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior cinematic designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior cinematic designer?

A Senior Cinematic Designer is a professional in the video game or film industry who is responsible for creating, planning, and directing cinematic sequences and cutscenes. They work closely with writers, animators, and directors to ensure that storytelling, camera angles, lighting, and character performances are visually compelling and support the narrative. Senior Cinematic Designers often supervise a team, oversee the implementation of cinematic assets, and ensure the final product meets both creative and technical standards. Their expertise is crucial for delivering immersive storytelling experiences in games and films.

How does a senior cinematic designer typically collaborate with other departments in a game development studio?

Senior Cinematic Designers work closely with narrative teams, animators, audio engineers, and game directors to bring story moments to life. They often lead the planning and execution of cinematic sequences, ensuring that visual storytelling aligns with the game's tone and gameplay. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and using shared tools to integrate cinematics seamlessly into the game. Effective communication and cross-disciplinary teamwork are essential, as the role bridges creative vision with technical implementation.

What is the difference between Senior Cinematic Designer vs Cinematic Artist?

AspectSenior Cinematic DesignerCinematic Artist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in film, animation, or related field; extensive portfolioSimilar educational background; focus on artistic skills and portfolio
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with game developers, directors, and animators in game studios or film productionWorks primarily in animation or visual effects teams, often in post-production or game development
Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming, film, and interactive media industriesPrimarily in animation, VFX, and game development sectors

The main difference is that a Senior Cinematic Designer typically oversees the entire cinematic experience, including storyboarding, directing, and integrating cinematic sequences into projects. A Cinematic Artist focuses more on creating individual cinematic assets, animations, and visual effects. Both roles require strong artistic skills and industry experience, but the Senior Cinematic Designer has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior cinematic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Cinematic Designer, you need expertise in visual storytelling, animation, and camera composition, often supported by a degree in film, animation, or a related field and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, as well as proficiency in cinematic tools such as Maya or MotionBuilder, is typically required. Strong collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and bring narrative visions to life. These competencies are vital to crafting impactful in-game and pre-rendered cinematics that enhance player engagement and storytelling.
More about Senior Cinematic Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Cinematic Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Cinematic Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Cinematic Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Cinematic Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 68% In-person, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,882 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Senior Cinematic Designer - Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$108K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Blizzard Entertainment rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 76 rated media


Job description

Team Name:
Cinematics
Job Title:
Senior Cinematic Designer - Temp (SFD / Cinematics)
Requisition ID:
R027599
Job Description:
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a talented Senior Cinematic Designer to assist our Cinematics team in creating the next generation of real-time cinematics. You should have experience designing real time cinematics and supporting a director's vision working within the capabilities of real time engines. You are organized and creative, with the ability to solve problems efficiently.
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person's circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.
This is roughly a 12-month temporary position.
Responsibilities
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Support cinematic design on real-time cinematics through a range of means; 3D storyboards, camera operation, animation performance blends, gameplay transitions, environment set dressing, FX work, and lighting development. Ensure work is delivered on time, to technical standards, and matching Blizzard's high artistic target
  • Collaborate with a director, supervisor, lead, and other creative stakeholders, incorporating their feedback into a cohesive whole
  • Provide solutions to creative problems and be capable of pitching ideas verbally.
  • Communicate clearly with production staff and manage multiple production tasks simultaneously
  • Maintain technical cleanliness in all work. Take personal accountability for deliveries and proactively identify possible technical concerns

Minimum Requirements
Experience
  • 8+ years of professional experience creating complex real-time cinematics for AAA titles

Knowledge & Skills
  • Proficient with a range of skills across cinematic design and capable of working from script all the way to final picture
  • Strong cinematic/filmmaking knowledge and developed sensibilities around storytelling, editing, acting, pacing, composition, lighting, etc.
  • Strong understanding of game engine pipelines, technologies, and capabilities

Key Attributes
  • Capable of growing through peer feedback and providing honest, constructive feedback to others

Extra Points
  • Understand the general themes and style of Blizzard games, cinematics, and franchises
  • Passionate about games, linear media, and storytelling in general
  • Unreal production experience on a AAA title

Required Application Materials
  • Cover letter (optional)
  • Resume (PDF preferred)
  • Demo reel or links to work samples

Your Platform
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Our World
Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!
Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!
The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.
We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.
Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $39.54 - $73.16 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

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About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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