Cinematic Animator Electronic Arts

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.

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, Motion Builder, Unreal Engine (or equivalent)

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

• Time Off: 3 weeks of vacation annually to start, plus 10 sick days.
• Family Support: Paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits (100% of base salary) for new parents (12 weeks maternity, 4 weeks parental/adoption).
• Health & Wellness: Extended medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance.
• Financial Future: Robust retirement planning and savings options.
• Perks: Complimentary EA games and a culture focused on physical, emotional, and career wellness.

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…