Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for an exceptional, talented and experienced Cinematic Animator to join our team for a 2 year fixed-term contract. The person in this position will be responsible for character animation in all kinds of narrative moments such as cutscenes, interactive scenes and open world content. You will be responsible for daily cooperation with the designers and other multi-disciplinary team members in order to create content for the game - from quest requirements, through mocap shoot, to finished animation.

You’re probably wondering what it's like to be an animator at CD PROJEKT RED. Well, it’s refreshingly different! We’re giving animators a lot of freedom in terms of creativity – we have our own motion capture studio and animate everything in-house. You’ll have a shot not only at animating humanoids and animals, but also machines and creatures that are a real challenge to bring to life. At RED, every animator is responsible for a piece of the project, so you feel you’re a part of things. If you’ve been looking for a change, you just found it!

Daily Responsibilities

• Being a game developer first, thinking about how your animations are going to look and feel while playing the game.
• Holding responsibility for animations in a given part of the game and collaborating in a multi-disciplinary team to create the best player experience possible.
• Delivering work in accordance with the artistic direction of the project.
• Creating final, high quality narrative animation assets from scratch or motion capture footage.
• Collaborating on a daily basis with Animation Lead.
• Estimating the time required to carry out your own tasks and to meet deadlines.
• Being able to quickly draft animation to prove ideas.
• Providing knowledge and solutions for everyday problems.
• Sharing own experience and helping the less experienced members of the team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in animation for games or the film industry.
• A Demo Reel showcasing narrative character animation, performance or action driven, including if possible facial and emotional performances (please include a clear breakdown of your contributions).
• Solid understanding of animation principles and strong sense of timing, posing, and body mechanics.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality animation using mostly motion capture data and/or keyframe workflows.
• Experience working on cinematic content such as in-game cutscenes, interactive scenes, or storytelling sequences.
• Experience working with motion capture data, processing and/or cleaning data to create good quality results.
• Proficiency in Maya and/or Motion Builder
• Ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, especially alongside cinematic designers, to elevate the narrative of our stories.
• Strong communication skills and ability to receive, seek, and apply feedback constructively.
• Self-driven, with good time management and a sense of ownership over assigned content.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Nice to Have

(These are not required to apply, but will be considered a plus.)

• Experience animating using FACS-based facial rigs or with facial capture systems.
• Basic Technical Animation knowledge or technical proficiency.
• Experience in planning motion capture sessions, working with actors or assisting on stage.
• Familiarity with cinematography, camera language, and shot composition in storytelling.
• Shipped at least one AAA game or major cinematic project.
• Experience working in Unreal Engine, and with sequencer
• Formal education or training in animation or related arts.
• Passion for narrative design and cinematic storytelling in game

Additional Information

Working mode

• Office-First: Working primarily from the Warsaw Dev Office for a minimum of 10 days per month.
• Remote-First: Possibility of remote work from within Europe for select candidates.

Health & Well-Being

• Private medical healthcare — a selection of medical plans with dental care and unlimited rehabilitation to choose from, which are also accessible for your partner and relatives.
• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Annual screenings for cancer prevention covered by the company.
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and various well-being initiatives.
• Sports card — gain access to a wide number of sporting and fitness facilities across the city.
• Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, including childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.
• RED Summer Camp for Kids — a fun summer program for children aged 5–12, majoritively paid by the company.

Perks & Professional Growth

• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.
• Trainings, lectures, and courses — workshops and trainings for each employee, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive subscription benefits, additional medical packages or vouchers and codes to shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
• Gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — ​​canteens.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
• Sustainability is an ongoing commitment for us, and our campus has electric car charging points, green zones, and much more. Read all about it on our Beyond the Game Blog.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code.