Snail Games USA Cinematic Director, Remote
Job Overview Company Name: Snail Games USA Position Title: Cinematic Director (Art Center) Annual Salary Range: $125,000 – $180,000 Employment Type: Full-time Location: Remote (Select States*) Preferred Location: Los Angeles / Beverly Hills Area (For Collaboration) Work Model: Remote with Required Travel (Mocap & Milestones) Tech Focus: Unreal Engine 5 (Sequencer), AI-Assisted Production Snail Games USA – Remote / Beverly Hills, CA Snail Games USA has been a titan in the digital entertainment space since 2009, consistently pushing the boundaries of online gaming and real-time experiences. We are currently looking for a visionary Cinematic Director to act as a cross-project domain authority. Unlike traditional project-embedded roles, this position operates within our Art Center, serving as the architectural mind behind our cinematic standards across our entire portfolio of Unreal Engine projects. You will be responsible for the “Snail Games High Bar,” ensuring that every narrative sequence, from high-stakes trailers to in-game dialogue, meets world-class emotional and technical standards. *Eligible states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, ME, MO, NJ, NV, NC, OH, PA, TX, WA, WY. The Role: Architectural Storytelling & Innovation The Cinematic Director role at Snail Games is a hybrid of high-level strategy and elite-level execution. You are not just directing a scene; you are directing the method by which we tell stories. Core Responsibilities 1. Cross-Project Domain Authority You will oversee the “cinematic health” of multiple projects simultaneously. Your mission is to: Establish Standards: Define and elevate real-time cinematic benchmarks across all Snail Games titles. Identify Risks: Proactively monitor workflows, identifying bottlenecks or quality dips before they impact production. Problem Solve: Develop clear, actionable solution proposals for senior leadership and step in hands-on to stabilize execution during high-priority milestones. 2. Master of the Unreal Pipeline Your technical proficiency must be absolute. You will: Direct in Sequencer: Lead the execution of in-engine cinematics using Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5). Mocap Leadership: Direct motion capture shoots in collaboration with external partners and internal teams, ensuring performances are captured and integrated seamlessly. End-to-End Editing: Independently edit and finalize sequences, ensuring shot composition, pacing, and emotional beats align with narrative goals. 3. AI-Assisted Production Pioneer At Snail Games, we view AI as a “production accelerator.” You will: Leverage Emerging Tools: Use AI-assisted tools to accelerate previs, editorial iteration, and concept validation. Prototype Rapidly: Use AI to test visual approaches and narrative ideas quickly, improving pipeline efficiency without sacrificing the soul of the craft. Candidate Requirements & Expertise We are seeking a leader who can influence without a large reporting structure—a “force multiplier” for our global teams. Minimum Professional Requirements Unreal Mastery: Proven experience leading real-time cinematics specifically within the Unreal Engine environment (Sequencer proficiency is mandatory). Narrative Eye: A demonstrated ability to edit sequences with a focus on emotional clarity, rhythmic pacing, and cinematic weight. Technical Integration: Experience working with motion capture (mocap) performance integration and scalable animation pipelines. Global Collaboration: The ability to provide constructive, clear feedback to distributed teams across the US, Poland, and Suzhou (China). The “Nice to Have” Edge Foundational Builder: Experience building cinematic pipelines from the ground up for early-stage projects. Virtual Production: Familiarity with LED volume workflows or virtual camera (V-Cam) systems. AI Enthusiast: Practical experience integrating AI tools into the previs or narrative prototyping workflow. Industry Context: The Evolution of the Cinematic Director The role of the Cinematic Director has shifted significantly with the advent of real-time rendering. No longer confined to “post-production,” directors at Snail Games are involved in the “live” build of the game. Demographics & Industry Trends Real-Time Shift: Since 2022, there has been a 40% increase in demand for Cinematic Directors with Unreal Engine expertise as studios move away from pre-rendered FMVs (Full Motion Videos) toward in-engine storytelling. Global Workforce: Snail Games embraces the distributed nature of modern development. With teams in Poland and Suzhou, the Cinematic Director must navigate a multicultural landscape. Industry data suggests that hybrid/remote leadership is the fastest-growing sector in game art management, allowing for 24-hour production cycles across time zones. Rewards & Studio Culture: The Snail Games Advantage We believe that a “high bar” for games requires a “high bar” for employee care. Snail Games USA is committed to a culture of balance and security. Health & Financial Security Comprehensive Coverage: Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance. Future Planning: 401(k) program with a competitive company match. Safety Net: Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance included. Work-Life Harmony True Balance: Snail Games is known for a genuine focus on work/life balance, avoiding the “crunch” culture prevalent in the industry. Time Off: Paid company holidays, dedicated vacation time, and separate sick leave to ensure you can recharge when needed. Location & Travel While this is a remote position, it is a role of presence. Travel: You will be required to travel for key production milestones and motion capture shoots at external locations. The Beverly Hills Connection: While remote across eligible states, being near the Los Angeles area is preferred for periodic high-touch collaboration. Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Snail Games USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our cross-border collaboration with teams in Europe and Asia provides a unique cultural tapestry where every voice is heard. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, or veteran status. How to Apply Are you ready to set the standards for the next generation of online gaming? Snail Games is looking for a leader who is as comfortable in a mocap suit as they are in an AI prompt or an Unreal Sequencer timeline. Submission Requirements: Cinematic Reel: Showcasing real-time Unreal Engine work (UE4 or UE5). Please include “before and after” examples of Sequencer work if possible. Resume: Highlighting your experience with distributed teams and pipeline development. Case Study: A brief description of a time you identified a cinematic workflow inefficiency and the solution you proposed to solve it. Join Snail Games USA. … Read more