Cinematic Artist

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Join the award-winning team that created God of War

Santa Monica Studio is seeking a Cinematic Artist for the development of an upcoming new title. Do you love collaborating with talented developers to build genre-defining games? Join us as we embark on a new journey!

The Cinematic Artist contributes to the overall project vision by utilizing camera composition and cinematic motion to present our character performances and story beats to the player. They have practical experience in prototyping, developing, and implementing animated cameras, can effectively balance narrative goals with technical constraints, and have a proven track record of execution from concept to completion.

The Cinematic Artist will work closely with directors, leads, artists, and designers to deliver visually stunning camera work in support of the narrative goals of a large-scale new project.

The ideal candidate has held a junior or mid-level role on at least one published title, has a strong grasp of cinematic language, is comfortable working in Maya and MotionBuilder, and has worked with multiple game engines and animation systems. The ideal candidate is passionate about the craft of cinematography and has a proven ability to combine creativity with technical capability to deliver visually stunning in-game narrative experiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Narrative team with script breakdowns, scene staging, and layout

• Support the Narrative team with both live action and 3D pre-visualization

• Operate the virtual camera when shooting on the motion capture stage

• Process and clean up camera data following motion capture shoots

• Animate focus pulling and depth of field for cinematics

• Hand-animate cameras for cinematics and other narrative moments

• Assist with motion capture shoots, informing the stage crew of prop needs, checking for continuity and keeping track of editing needs for camera

• Give concise and timely feedback to outsourcing teams when needed

• Proactively facilitate requests or information needs regarding animated cameras

• Actively advance skill set and abilities by keeping aware of industry trends and techniques, evaluating competitive products, and learning new software packages and traditional art methods

Requirements

• A demo reel that demonstrates strong knowledge of fundamental cinematography principles

• Background in photography or cinematography

• Skilled in conveying framing ideas using rough storyboards

• High level of proficiency in Maya

• High comfort level with learning and utilizing animation systems and game engine pipelines

• Ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and explore different approaches to shots

• Ability to succeed in a creative, team-oriented environment

• Excellent communication, time-management, and organizational skills

• Ability to reach across multiple disciplines to gather feedback and address cross-functional issues

• An enthusiasm for practical innovation and the ability to bring new ideas to the table

• B.A. in fine arts or relevant curriculum, or equivalent skillset

• 1-3 years’ industry or related experience

Preferred Experience

• AAA experience

• Experience working with MotionBuilder

• Comfortable with basic scripting

• Experience working with proprietary animation engines and toolsets

• Experience with martial arts, acting, or dance

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At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$44.38—$66.59 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.