Junior Cinematic Animator Job Overview

• Company Name: Larian Studios (Creators of Baldur’s Gate 3)
• Project Type: Next-Generation AAA RPGs
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent
• Location: Guildford On-site (Multiple Global Studio Hubs)
• Salary Range: €35,000 – €48,000 / £30,000 – £42,000 (Estimated)
• Experience Level: Junior (1–2 Years Industry Experience)
• Primary Software: Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder

Larian Studio

The Larian Philosophy – Why We Create

Larian Studios is an international team of over 500 employees spread across seven studios globally. Despite our growth, we maintain a “small-studio” feel where the hierarchy is flat, and ideas are welcome from everyone—from the most senior lead to the newest junior.

In the Junior Cinematic Animator job, you aren’t just a cog in a machine. You are a collaborator in a studio that listens to its community and is obsessed with making the best game possible. We believe that cinematic animation is the bridge between the player and the story; it is what makes the emotional stakes feel real and the world feel lived-in.

s is not just a game developer; it is a world-builder. After the global success of Baldur’s Gate 3 and the Divinity: Original Sin series, we have solidified our reputation as a studio that prioritizes quality, narrative depth, and player agency above all else. As we embark on our next ambitious projects, we are looking for fresh talent to help us push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

The Junior Cinematic Animator job at Larian Studios is a gateway for talented animators to enter an environment where “good enough” is never the standard. We are looking for an individual with a passion for high-caliber role-playing games and the technical skill to breathe life into the characters and creatures that inhabit our worlds.

Detailed Key Responsibilities

The Junior Cinematic Animator job involves a blend of technical precision and creative acting. You will be responsible for the “charming and believable” movements that define our characters.

Animation Creation & Polishing

• Mocap & Handkey: You will utilize a hybrid workflow, creating believable performances by cleaning and enhancing motion capture data, as well as crafting expressive handkey animations for stylized or specific character needs.

• Body Mechanics: A core part of your daily task is handling complex body mechanics. This applies to humanoid characters and the diverse array of creatures that often appear in Larian’s fantasy settings.

• Quality Assurance: You will be responsible for the “last mile” of quality—polishing animations to perfection and diligently resolving bugs to ensure the cinematic experience is seamless for the player.

Collaborative Storytelling

• Cinematic Art Collaboration: You will work closely with cinematic artists and lighting experts to help create an emotionally engaging world. Animation does not exist in a vacuum; it must respond to the camera and the environment.

• Adhering to Style: Every Larian title has a specific “flavor.” You must understand and consistently adhere to the established animation style, ensuring that your work blends perfectly with the rest of the production.

Communication & Professionalism

• Blocker Resolution: You are expected to clearly communicate any issues, technical blockers, or resource needs to your lead. Transparency is the only way we maintain our high pace of production.

• Time Management: You will be working toward strict deadlines set by the lead and the production team. High-quality work is essential, but reliability is equally valued at Larian.

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills

To thrive in the Junior Cinematic Animator job, you must have a solid foundation in the “Twelve Principles of Animation” and a willingness to learn the Larian way.

• Industry Experience: You should have 1 to 2 years of professional experience within the video game industry.

• Software Mastery: Expertise in Autodesk Maya is non-negotiable, as it is the backbone of our animation pipeline.

• Motion Capture Fluency: You must have experience working with mocap data—understanding how to keep the soul of the actor’s performance while making it fit the game’s technical requirements.

• Animation Fundamentals: A thorough understanding of both modern and classical animation styles, including staging, acting, and timing.

• English Proficiency: As an international studio, good communication skills in spoken and written English are vital for day-to-day collaboration.

The “Nice to Haves” – Stand Out from the Crowd

If you want to truly excel in your application for the Junior Cinematic Animator job, possessing these additional skills will give you a significant advantage:

1. Game Engine Experience: Prior experience working within Unreal Engine, Unity, or a proprietary engine (like Larian’s 4.0 engine) to see how animations behave in real-time.

2. MotionBuilder Knowledge: Familiarity with MotionBuilder for heavy mocap editing and rigging workflows.

3. Technical Aptitude: An interest in the “how” behind the “what.” Knowing Python or MEL to help automate tasks or troubleshoot character pipelines is highly valued.

4. Storyboarding & Layout: Experience with the initial stages of cinematic creation—staging shots and planning the visual flow of a scene.

5. Artistic Training: Formal art training (traditional drawing, sculpture, or acting) that informs your understanding of form and movement.

Life at Larian – What We Offer

Larian is a studio built by developers, for developers. When you take on the Junior Cinematic Animator job, you gain access to:

• Expert Mentorship: Our managerial team consists of highly experienced veterans at the top of their fields who are dedicated to your growth.

• Global Community: Share your hobbies and passions with like-minded colleagues across our seven global locations.

• Inclusive Environment: We host a wide variety of activities, from board game nights to studio-wide celebrations, ensuring you feel like part of the family from day one.

• Commitment to Quality: You will never be asked to ship something you aren’t proud of. We take the time necessary to make our games great.

Working Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role. Larian Studios believes that the “magic” happens in person—through spontaneous brainstorming sessions, desk-side feedback, and the shared energy of a creative office. Being present in the studio is essential to support the high level of collaboration and creativity required for our cinematic sequences.