Senior Cinematic Animator (FTC)

As a Senior Cinematic Animator, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for creating the game's cinematics. You will leverage your experience to collaborate across disciplines, delivering high-quality assets for the project. This role may involve mentoring others and requires taking ownership of cinematic projects as directed by the Animation Director and Lead Cinematic Animator, all within the Animation team's collaborative processes.

Must Have

• Experienced with all phases of cut scene production, including cinematic conception.
• Breaking down scripts to deliver narrative cinematics and scripted events.
• Closely collaborating with the narrative team to ensure cinematics hit key story beats.
• Working with the Animation Director, Lead Cinematic Animator, and wider cinematics team to realize motion captured and key framed animations to a world-class level.
• Inspiring teammates by setting a high standard for cinematography and character development.
• Delivering high quality cinematic animations at every stage of the pipeline, from initial concept to final polish and implementation into UE4.
• Tracking and reviewing work in project management software.
• Regularly communicating with production and leads to maintain schedules and deliver to deadlines.
• Building good communication bridges with other disciplines.
• 3+ years’ experience as a cinematic animator.
• Excellent understanding of cinematics, narrative and character development.
• Ability to improve shots through full performance captured data.
• Understanding of Maya and Motion Builder.
• Strong keyframe skills.
• Solid understanding of the core principles in animation.
• Good working knowledge of UE5 and the cinematic toolset.
• Ability to communicate effectively cross-department and relay feedback appropriately.
• Strong passion for games.
• Excellent understanding of production procedures and software employed in the team.
• Able to manage, plan and organise your own time and meet tight deadlines.

Good to Have

• Strong drawing experience
• Video editing experience

Perks & Benefits

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Cinematic Animator to join our highly talented Animation Team on a Fixed Term Contract until the end of 2027.

Please note:

• We can only offer this role on a fully studio-based, hybrid or fully remote basis.
• You must submit an accessible portfolio link as part of your application. Failure to do so will result in your application not being reviewed.
• If we receive a high number of strong applications, we reserve the right to close the role earlier than anticipated.

Role overview

As a Senior Cinematic Animator, you will be part of the team responsible for creating the games’ cinematics. You will use your experience and work with all disciplines to create and deliver high quality assets for the project. You may be called upon to mentor others. Within the positive spirit of the Animation team’s processes, you will be given ownership and responsibility for cinematic projects, as and when required by the Animation Director and (Associate) Lead Cinematic Animator.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Experienced with all phases of cut scene production, including the early phases of cinematic conception.
• Breaking down scripts to deliver the narrative cinematics and scripted events.
• Closely collaborating with the narrative team to ensure cinematics hit key story beats.
• Working closely with the Animation Director and Lead Cinematic Animator and the wider cinematics team to realise motion captured and key framed animations to a world class cinematic level.
• Inspiring your teammates by setting a high standard for cinematography and character development.
• Delivering on high quality cinematic animations at every stage of the pipeline, from the initial concept to final polish and implementation into UE4, and leveraging your experience with cinematics from TV, film, and games, to maintain the highest quality at all stages.
• Track and review your work in our project management software
• Regularly communicating with production and your leads to maintain schedules and deliver to deadlines.
• There may be times when the business requires you to attend mocap shoots or training.
• Building good communication bridges with other disciplines to facilitate the creation of the best possible cutscenes.

Requirements

• 3+ years’ experience as a cinematic animator.
• Excellent understanding of cinematics, narrative and character development.
• Ability to improve shots through full performance captured data.
• Understanding of Maya and Motion Builder.
• Strong keyframe skills.
• Solid understanding of the core principles in animation with the ability to adapt to different animation styles.
• Good working knowledge of UE5 and the cinematic toolset.
• Ability to communicate effectively cross-department, and relay feedback in an appropriate manner
• Strong passion for games.
• Excellent understanding of production procedures and software employed in the team.
• Able to manage, plan and organise your own time and meet tight deadlines.
• Beneficial to have strong drawing and video editing experience.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration 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 or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.