Cinematic Animation Director

Position Type:
Location(s):
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Date Posted:
Job ID:
200142
- We are seeking an experienced Cinematic Director with a strong background in TV and film, who brings an exceptional understanding of narrative, cinematography, and visual storytelling. This role will be central in directing cinematic sequences for our game, combining the principles of film with the interactive potential of gaming. Experience in animation for storytelling is a plus but not a requirement._

**Overview**:
Guerrilla is looking for a Cinematics Animation Director with a strong foundation in stylized keyframe animation and a deep understanding of narrative-driven storytelling. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone passionate about creating emotionally engaging sequences and who thrives on working hands-on with animation teams to bring characters to life through performance.

We're looking for an Animation Director who not only champions high-quality stylized animation but also brings creative insight into cinematic storytelling - from expressive acting to compelling scene composition. Your work will help define the emotional tone and visual identity of our narrative content.

**Our Cinematics Team**:
At Guerrilla, our Cinematics and Animation teams are committed to delivering expressive, story-rich content using real-time game technology. We are a multidisciplinary group that includes cinematic designers, animators, layout artists, and tech animation specialists. We work closely with the Narrative, Art, and Gameplay teams to ensure that every cinematic moment is crafted with the same care and purpose as the gameplay itself.

In this role, you’ll be a key creative force leading both internal and external animation teams, focusing on stylized performances that heighten narrative impact and character connection.

**What You Will Do**:
As Cinematics Animation Director, you will:

- Define and maintain the artistic direction for narrative animation, ensuring a consistent and expressive visual style across all story sequences.
- Lead and mentor a team of cinematic animators to craft high-quality, stylized keyframe animation that captures personality, emotion, and intent.
- Collaborate with artistic and technical stakeholders to enhance storytelling through animation, composition, timing, and pacing.
- Guide the creative breakdown of scripts and storyboards into emotional beats and character performances, supporting animators in interpreting direction into polished animation.
- Own the performance language of characters across cinematics, ensuring consistency in acting style, gesture, and tone.
- Supervise and review animation work regularly, providing clear and inspiring feedback while ensuring deliverables meet both aesthetic and narrative goals.
- Partner with external animation vendors when needed, setting expectations and maintaining quality control across all outsourced content.
- Work closely with technical teams to ensure that tools and workflows support expressive animation and seamless integration into our real-time engine.

**Who You Are**:
We’d love to hear from you if you:

- Have at least 10 years of experience in animation, with a significant portion in a leadership or directorial role within games, feature animation, or TV series.
- Specialize in stylized keyframe animation and are confident directing nuanced performances that convey emotional depth and character intent.
- Are experienced in building, mentoring, and directing high-performing animation teams, and can offer actionable creative feedback that elevates both individuals and the final product.
- Have a strong eye for detail, storytelling instincts, and the ability to translate narrative objectives into compelling animated performance.
- Are deeply collaborative, comfortable interfacing with writers, cinematic designers, editors, and tech teams to ensure that the animation enhances and supports the story.
- Are proactive, organized, and adept at navigating production realities while never compromising on creative integrity.
- Possess expert knowledge of Maya (MotionBuilder is a plus) and have experience with in-engine cinematic pipelines.

**Plusses**
- Experience in anime-style or stylized Western 3D animation projects.
- Solid understanding of camera composition and editorial pacing for narrative scenes.
- Background in storyboarding or Previs for animation or cinematics.
- Familiarity with cinematic tools such as sequencers, timelines, or shot editors in real-time engines.

**Interested?**:
**Please note**: This position is based in our studio in the heart of Amsterdam. Guerrilla offers relocation and immigration support.
- At Guerrilla, we believe that our team’s varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us create games that resonate with a diverse audience._
- As an equal opportunities employer, we strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity._