We are looking for an experienced and talented Cinematic Manager to join the development effort on our exciting new game “Project D.”

The project is a third person horror game with experimental narrative, a return to the genre that Sam previously explored with Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Candidates with experience of shipping a third person Unreal title on console are preferred. We're combining AAA experience with indie agility to deliver a big, ambitious game and are assembling a small team to make it happen. You will be joining the project during early development and setting the tone to establish the game's storytelling.

This is a full-time position on a remote team. Our studio is based in Brooklyn, NY and occasional travel to New York City may be required. Because of the collaboration with our Game Director, ET time zones are preferred. Currently, we cannot offer visa sponsorships to non-US citizens, but all are encouraged to apply.

Applicants from traditionally marginalized identities within the game industry are highly encouraged to apply. Half Mermaid Productions does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues using our job application form, please email jobs@halfmermaid.co.

Responsibilities

• Help research and develop efficient MoCap to Unreal Engine pipelines using the latest technology.
• Work closely with the Creative Director and Narrative Designer on developing storyboards to ensure the Director's vision is realized.
• Manage any previz/animatics required.
• Help organize and manage the MoCap schedule.
• Work closely with the Director on the MoCap set to ensure that all captured data is compatible with the game assets and highlight any potential issues.
• Work with Art, Design, and Audio teams to integrate assets into our bespoke Unreal Sequencer tools, ensuring that all actors and cameras are correctly set up and working in game.
• Work with external partners when required to organize and manage clean up, and ensure animation quality is maintained.
• Troubleshoot any issues in the cinematic workflow.

Required Skills:

• A love of narrative-based games and a passion for environmental story-telling!
• Remote work requires a proactive attitude, a high level of self-motivation, great communication skills and the ability to self-organize
• Previous experience in a professional game development environment, with at least one shipped Unreal product as Cinematic Manager or Cinematic Animator
• Experience shooting Motion Capture Sessions and working with MoCap data
• A high level of written and spoken English.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong examples of:
  • Examples of storyboarding
  • Knowledge of MoCap
  • Excellent cinematic skills including pacing, cameras, and composition
  • Examples of realistic character animation/cinematics
  • Understanding of industry-standard animation tools
• Expert proficiency in:
  • Maya
  • Motion Builder
  • Unreal Engine 5 Sequencer and Animation Tools

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Expert technical understanding of current UE5 character and animation tools and workflows, including MetaHuman
• Knowledge and examples of Unreal 5 lighting techniques
• Experience in video editing software (e.g. Adobe Premiere, AfterFX, or equivalent)
• Good understanding of current production processes
• Experience working with external partners

Additional Details:

• Studio: Brooklyn, NY
• Category: Cinematics
• Type: Full-time
• Min. Experience: Senior Level
• Salary: $70,000 - $100,000