Cinematic Director (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Cinematic Director (Gamedev): Leading the creative development and execution of cinematic work for a new unannounced game with an accent on real-time engine implementation and high-quality storytelling. Focus on authoring cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine, directing performance capture, and managing the cinematics team to align with the overall game vision.

Location: Hybrid work week from Irvine, CA studio

Salary: $116,800 - $216,000 Annual

Company

hirify.global is a premier developer and publisher of iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft.

What you will do

• Lead the creative development and delivery of cinematic work for a new, unannounced project, ensuring alignment with vision and tone.
• Personally author, block, and iterate cinematic sequences within a real-time engine like Unreal Sequencer.
• Establish high standards for cinematic storytelling, pacing, staging, camera language, and emotional clarity.
• Partner with audio, music, and voice-over teams to shape performances and ensure impactful cinematic moments.
• Manage and coach the cinematics team, setting priorities and defining efficient workflows and review rhythms.
• Collaborate with creative directors, project leadership, and cross-functional teams to drive narrative alignment.

Requirements

• 10+ years of professional experience in cinematics, game development, animation, or narrative visual media.
• 2+ years of direct people-management experience, including coaching and performance management.
• Proven hands-on ownership of cinematic sequences from previs through final in-engine implementation.
• Deep working knowledge of real-time cinematic pipelines, Unreal Engine, Maya, MotionBuilder, and performance capture.
• Experience directing performance capture sessions and translating narrative intent into actionable direction for actors.
• Must be based in or able to relocate to Irvine, CA for a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Nice to have

• Experience developing or shipping cinematic work for AAA games.
• Experience with multiple in-engine or real-time cinematic pipelines.
• Experience working on story-driven or character-driven games.
• Experience collaborating with external vendors or outsource partners.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including HSA or HRA options.
• 401(k) with company match and tuition reimbursement.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Mental health and wellbeing programs, fitness programs, and discounted games.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule with a mix of remote and on-site days.