About the role
Company Overview
That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, the shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices.
Role Overview
The Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator is responsible for creating incredible animations for a AAA title, acting as the go-to person for immersive, narrative moments. The role involves contributing to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative-driven, fluid, and seamless between cinematics and gameplay. This is a short-term contract position slated to end in December 2026.
Responsibilities
- Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5.
- Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately.
- Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events.
- Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay.
- Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically.
- Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging, and pipeline issues.
- Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback.
- Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation.
- Participate in motion capture shoots when needed.
Requirements & Skills
- Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry.
- Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer.
- Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped, and vehicles.
- Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay.
- Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles, and layering.
- Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles.
- Expert knowledge of Maya.
- Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in-engine.
- Experience with facial animation.
- Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best.
- Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Qualities
- Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities.
- Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives.
- Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times.
- Empathic and respected senior member of the team.
- Team-oriented with a desire to assist other animators.
- Promote inclusivity, diversity, and fairness.
- Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback.
Location and Compensation
- Location: Los Angeles or Remote (United States).
- Compensation: Estimated base pay range is $9,000 – $11,000 USD per month.
- Incentive Compensation: Role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share.
Benefits
That's No Moon offers competitive and comprehensive benefits including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) match.
- Flexible PTO.
- Supplemental life and disability insurance.
- Eligibility to participate in benefits may vary based on country of residence and/or part-time or temporary employment status.