Cinematic Animation Director


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We are seeking an experienced Cinematic Director with a strong background in TV and film, who brings an exceptional understanding of narrative, cinematography, and visual storytelling. This role will be central in directing cinematic sequences for our game, combining the principles of film with the interactive potential of gaming. Experience in animation for storytelling is a plus but not a requirement.

Overview

Guerrilla is looking for a Cinematics Animation Director with a strong foundation in stylized keyframe animation and a deep understanding of narrative-driven storytelling. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone passionate about creating emotionally engaging sequences and who thrives on working hands-on with animation teams to bring characters to life through performance.

We're looking for an Animation Director who not only champions high-quality stylized animation but also brings creative insight into cinematic storytelling - from expressive acting to compelling scene composition. Your work will help define the emotional tone and visual identity of our narrative content.

Our Cinematics Team

At Guerrilla, our Cinematics and Animation teams are committed to delivering expressive, story-rich content using real-time game technology. We are a multidisciplinary group that includes cinematic designers, animators, layout artists, and tech animation specialists. We work closely with the Narrative, Art, and Gameplay teams to ensure that every cinematic moment is crafted with the same care and purpose as the gameplay itself.

In this role, you’ll be a key creative force leading both internal and external animation teams, focusing on stylized performances that heighten narrative impact and character connection.

What You Will Do

As Cinematics Animation Director, you will:

  • Define and maintain the artistic direction for narrative animation, ensuring a consistent and expressive visual style across all story sequences.
  • Lead and mentor a team of cinematic animators to craft high-quality, stylized keyframe animation that captures personality, emotion, and intent.
  • Collaborate with artistic and technical stakeholders to enhance storytelling through animation, composition, timing, and pacing.
  • Guide the creative breakdown of scripts and storyboards into emotional beats and character performances, supporting animators in interpreting direction into polished animation.
  • Own the performance language of characters across cinematics, ensuring consistency in acting style, gesture, and tone.
  • Supervise and review animation work regularly, providing clear and inspiring feedback while ensuring deliverables meet both aesthetic and narrative goals.
  • Partner with external animation vendors when needed, setting expectations and maintaining quality control across all outsourced content.
  • Work closely with technical teams to ensure that tools and workflows support expressive animation and seamless integration into our real-time engine.

Who You Are

We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Have at least 10 years of experience in animation, with a significant portion in a leadership or directorial role within games, feature animation, or TV series.
  • Specialize in stylized keyframe animation and are confident directing nuanced performances that convey emotional depth and character intent.
  • Have a strong understanding of cinematic language — including camera, framing, pacing, and visual continuity — and can apply it effectively in interactive narrative scenes.
  • Are experienced in building, mentoring, and directing high-performing animation teams, and can offer actionable creative feedback that elevates both individuals and the final product.
  • Have a strong eye for detail, storytelling instincts, and the ability to translate narrative objectives into compelling animated performance.
  • Are deeply collaborative, comfortable interfacing with writers, cinematic designers, editors, and tech teams to ensure that the animation enhances and supports the story.
  • Are proactive, organized, and adept at navigating production realities while never compromising on creative integrity.
  • Possess expert knowledge of Maya (MotionBuilder is a plus) and have experience with in-engine cinematic pipelines.

Plusses

  • Experience in anime-style or stylized Western 3D animation projects.
  • Solid understanding of camera composition and editorial pacing for narrative scenes.
  • Background in storyboarding or Previs for animation or cinematics.
  • Familiarity with cinematic tools such as sequencers, timelines, or shot editors in real-time engines.

Interested?

If you are up for the challenge, hit the “apply now” button to submit your application to us. Be sure to submit your CV, motivation letter, and link to your reel or portfolio that shows your best and most recent work.

Please note: This position is based in our studio in the heart of Amsterdam. Guerrilla offers relocation and immigration support.

 

At Guerrilla, we believe that our team’s varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us create games that resonate with a diverse audience.

As an equal opportunities employer, we strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity.

We encourage everyone to respond as we consider all candidates on the basis of their merit, unique strengths, and perspectives they will bring to the role.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: Does Guerrilla offer remote positions?

A: Unless stated otherwise, our vacancies are based on-site, in our studio in Amsterdam. For qualified candidates, we offer visa, permit, relocation and immigration support. Depending on role, we do offer hybrid work models allowing our employees to work from home one or more days per week.

Q: I don't have any work examples. Can I still apply for a job?
A: It's essential that you can prove to us that you have the necessary skills for the job. Rushing into an application without supplying the required materials won't leave a good impression. In general, it's a good idea to put together an excellent portfolio before you start applying for jobs.  

Q: I have no experience in the games industry. Can I still get a job with you?
A: Games industry experience is certainly a bonus, but it's not always necessary. It's important to put together an excellent portfolio that demonstrates your skills and your understanding of the game development process.  

Q: I applied for a job with you, but I haven’t heard back. What happens now?
A: We aim to respond to all applications within three weeks. Due to the volume of requests, this sometimes takes a little longer. If you have not heard from us within three weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.  

Q: How can I arrange a job interview with you?
A: We receive so many applications that we are only able to arrange interviews with the most suitable candidates. It's important that your application stands out from the crowd. Go ahead, impress us!  

Q: I'm considering working at Guerrilla in the future. Is it possible for me to come for a tour of the studio?
A: Because of the confidential nature of the projects that we are working on, we cannot allow visitors into the studio. The most impressive job applicants will be invited for an interview, and will have an opportunity to visit some of the development areas.  

 

Q: I'm a university student looking for a company that can help me with a (master) thesis assignment. Can we arrange a meeting to look at the different possibilities?
A:We like to help out with university level assignments when we can! However, due to time constraints and deadlines this isn't always possible. Please send a brief e-mail outlining the aims of your assignment and what input you would need from us. We'll let you know if we are able to help you.  

Q: I'm a high school student and I have to do a school assignment on media and entertainment. Can I make an appointment for an interview with one of your employees to discuss this?
A: Due to the sheer number of requests we receive, we regret that we are unable to participate in interviews with school students.  

Q: I have a great idea for a game. How can I submit it to you?
A: All of our game concepts are developed by our internal designers, in conjunction with our publishers. It is company policy not to accept game concepts from third parties.  

Q: I'm still in school and I want to get a job in games in the future. What kind of education and skills do I need to achieve this goal? Can you provide me with information on the schools that teach this discipline?
A: The skills required to work in the games industry are very broad, as there are many areas in which you can work. In development there are roles in art, animation, programming, design, and project management. Other industry roles include sales, marketing, PR, and testing. The most important thing is to get an education in subjects that you enjoy and that you are good at. Your career adviser should be able to give you guidance as to which careers are suitable for an individual with your particular skills.  

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