Cinematic Director - Freelance

Introduction:

• Join CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. As we embark on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for 2025-2028, we're seeking a talented freelance Cinematic Director to help us create ground-breaking experiences that captivate players worldwide.

Department:

• Animation

Locations:

• Europe

Remote status:

• Fully Remote

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Leadership & In-Game Vision:

• Act as the primary creative consultant for in-game cinematic sequences, ensuring the final output meets the project's quality standards.
• Provide expert-level review and input on in-engine cutscenes and narrative sequences, moving them toward final release quality.
• Partner with the Chief Creative Officer and internal Cinematic Director to align on the creative vision and ensure narrative consistency across all deliverables.

Technical Consultancy & Mentorship:

• Provide professional guidance to internal teams and freelancers, using your expertise to elevate character performances and cinematography.
• Advise on the integration of high-fidelity Maya-based animations into the Unreal Engine pipeline to ensure state-of-the-art visual results.
• Offer constructive feedback and technical solutions to overcome production hurdles.

Internal Alignment:

• Communicate creative requirements clearly to internal leads, ensuring all stakeholders understand the visual goals for the service period.
• Propose improvements to current cinematic workflows based on industry best practices to facilitate project completion.

Key Requirements:

• 7+ years of professional experience in cinematic direction for AAA games.
• A proven portfolio or reel demonstrating mastery of performance directing and cinematography in a shipping environment.
• Deep knowledge of Maya-to-Unreal animation workflows.
• Ability to operate as an independent consultant, managing your own schedule and tools while meeting project milestones.
• Exceptional leadership skills and the ability to influence creative outcomes across multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable:

• Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine’s Sequencer for review purposes.
• A deep passion for Action-RPG or Soulslike storytelling.

What we offer:

• Freelance opportunity.
• Remote work with flexible schedules, allowing you to work alongside talented individuals from around the world.
• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or social status.
• A chance to be part of something ground-breaking as we shape the future of gaming.

Recruitment Process:

• Application reviewed by Talent Acquisition and the hiring team (CV, portfolio, and application answers).
• Initial call with Talent Acquisition Specialist to discuss experience, expectations, and remote working; administrative questions included.
• Usually 1 or 2 technical interviews with the hiring team covering experience, skills, and project specifics (NDA signed before project details are shared).
• A test may be requested on an individual basis, with instructions provided if required.
• If successful, an offer presentation call with the Talent Acquisition Specialist and line manager to discuss the offer and onboarding.

We are an equal opportunities employer, hiring and developing our best talent based on merit. Accessibility is at the heart of our games, and we are committed to not discriminating against people based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or social status. Should you require adjustments or flexible arrangements to interview, or take up a role with us, please let us know in your application and we will accommodate to the best of our ability.

About CI Games:

• Established in 2002, CI Games is an independent video game developer and publisher known for titles like the Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. Its third-party publishing arm, United Label, publishes games such as Röki, Eldest Souls, and the Tales of Iron franchise. CI Games has operated with fully remote teams since 2020, with most employees based throughout Europe.

Founded: 2002
Co-workers: 180