Electronic Arts (EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment, developing and delivering games, content, and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices, and personal computers. EA SPORTS, a division of EA, is responsible for some of the world’s most iconic sports franchises, including Madden NFL, EA Sports FC, NHL®, and EA SPORTS UFC. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and passionate Cinematic Animator II to join our elite team. This role is pivotal in crafting the high-fidelity character performances and narrative sequences that define the “next-level” emotional immersion our players expect. Whether you are working from our state-of-the-art studio in Orlando, Florida, or our creative hub in Vancouver, B.C., you will be at the heart of the action, blending technical precision with artistic soul. Key Position Overview: Cinematic Animator Feature Details Company Name Electronic Arts (EA SPORTS) Job Title Cinematic Animator Work Model Hybrid (3x per week in-office) Primary Locations Orlando, FL / Vancouver, B.C. Employment Type Full-Time, Regular Employee Department EA Studios – SPORTS Core Software Maya, MotionBuilder, Unreal Engine (or equivalent) Compensation & Benefits Structure Electronic Arts is committed to pay transparency and competitive rewarding. The following table outlines the expected base salary range for the British Columbia region. Note that US-based compensation (Orlando) follows a comparable market-competitive structure discussed during the interview phase. Location Expected Annual Salary Range (CAD) British Columbia (Vancouver) $91,100 – $126,900 Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes: As a Cinematic Animator II, your mission is to breathe life into digital athletes and characters. You aren’t just moving joints in a 3D space; you are a digital director and actor combined. You will take ownership of the animation pipeline from the initial “pre-vis” (pre-visualization) phase through to the final implementation within the game engine. The role requires a delicate balance of keyframe artistry and motion capture (mocap) refinement. You will be expected to take raw data from world-class athletes and polish it into a cinematic experience that feels both authentic to the sport and narratively compelling. 1. Feature Ownership & Mocap Integration You will be the primary driver for specific cinematic features. This involves planning motion capture sessions, directing talent to achieve the desired emotional beats, and then meticulously cleaning and enhancing that data. You ensure that the physicality of the performance translates perfectly to the character rigs. 2. High-Fidelity Keyframing While mocap provides the foundation, your expertise in keyframe animation will be vital for exaggerated athletic movements, complex prop interactions (such as handling a football or hockey stick), and environmental traversal. You must have a “feel” for weight, timing, and silhouettes. 3. Visual Storytelling & Cinematography A Cinematic Animator is also a cinematographer. You will be responsible for animating and staging cameras. This includes understanding lens choices, focal lengths, and framing to support the narrative tone and evoke specific emotions from the player. 4. Technical Collaboration & Integration You will work in the “trenches” with engineers and technical artists. Your goal is to ensure that the transition between a high-octane gameplay moment and a cinematic cutscene is “seamless.” You will use tools like Unreal Engine’s Sequencer to implement and trigger animations in real-time. 5. Mentorship and Workflow Optimization As a Level II animator, you are a leader within the craft. You will provide constructive feedback to junior animators and collaborate with tech art to refine rigs, tools, and scripts that make the entire team more efficient. Technical Requirements Soft Skills & Artistic Sensibilities Preferred (Beneficial) Skills At EA, we believe that “Everyone is part of the story.” We are a team where creativity thrives because we invite new perspectives. Equal Opportunity Employer: Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Our Commitment to You: We provide a holistic approach to employee well-being. From leadership that actively seeks to bring out your potential to creating a “safe-to-fail” space for experimentation, we empower you to do your best work. Cinematic Animator job Electronic Arts Apply now See open roles Explore More Animation Jobs
