Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; Auckland, New Zealand, and a new studio in Manizales, Colombia. 

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn't a metric—it's a must!    

This is a full-time position that is based hybrid out of our in Irvine, CA, Campus, with a 3-day onsite requirement. 

Role and Responsibilities 

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is seeking a talented and motivated Cinematics Animator to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled animator with a talent for crafting expressive, lifelike narrative performances that feel grounded and authentic, avoiding the pitfalls of the uncanny valley, and a deep understanding of game development pipelines.  

The Cinematics Animator will play a crucial role in creating high-quality animations that enhance gameplay experiences and storytelling, while also mentoring junior team members and driving innovation in animation techniques. 
 

Responsibilities 

• Work closely with the Art Director, Animation Lead, Technical Artists, and Narrative Designers to deliver visually stunning animation work in support of the creative goals of the project. 

• Create performance-driven narrative 3D previsualization during the early development phase. 

• Conceptualize, produce, and refine animation assets that strike a balance between artistic style and gameplay functionality. 

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and Animation Lead to shape character arcs, visual storytelling, choreography, and sequence timing. 

• Partner with Designers and Engineers to optimize animations for technical performance and visual quality, ensuring smooth integration into the game engine and resolving any related issues. 

• Animate characters, creatures, and props using keyframe techniques, including expressive facial animation and lip sync when needed. 

• Edit, clean, and enhance motion capture data, including both body and facial performance, captured on stage. 

• Prepare and organize navigation and narrative move-lists for motion capture sessions. 

• Coordinate with the Character Tech Art team to improve rigging systems, animation tools, and workflow efficiency. 

• Anticipate and support animation-related requests, providing information and solutions throughout the production pipeline. 

• Continuously develop skills and industry knowledge by researching trends, studying competitors, and learning new software and traditional art techniques. 

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent experience 

• 4+ year of professional experience as an Animator 

• A strong demo reel that demonstrates expert knowledge of fundamental animation principles and acting skills, and the ability to create a full range of lifelike performances from the subtle to the dramatic and powerful 

• Credited on at least one title as a cinematics animator or similar role 
   

Preferred Skills 

• Deep passion for animation with a strong grasp of visual storytelling, blending creative vision with technical expertise to craft compelling in-game animated experiences 

• Skilled in conveying weight, timing, and posing using both keyframe animation and motion capture editing 

• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Maya and Motion Builder 

• Comfortable learning and navigating complex animation systems and real-time game engine workflows 

• Capable of quickly prototyping, iterating, and refining animation style and functionality 

• Thrives in a collaborative, creative team environment 

• Strong communication, time management, and organizational abilities 

• Adept at collaborating across disciplines to incorporate feedback and resolve cross-functional challenges 

• Solid understanding of production pipelines, paired with the talent and motivation to consistently deliver high-quality work 

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.       

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