Outsource Game Cinematic Director - Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

About the role

The Outsource Game Cinematic Director represents Blizzard Entertainment in collaboration with third-party vendors to deliver high-quality cinematics for various IPs. This role involves partnering with internal game teams to define the cinematic's vision, story, and purpose, then managing external artistic teams to execute it within budget, schedule, and quality constraints. As the primary liaison, the director handles all internal and external reviews, feedback notes, revisions (kickbacks), approvals, and escalations, ensuring alignment between Blizzard's creative standards and outsourced deliverables while fostering strong vendor relationships. This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements. This is roughly a 4-month temporary position.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Blizzard stakeholders to understand creative goals and expand ideas to elevate the project and effectively communicate that vision to the external vendor
• Develop and pitch story ideas in collaboration with writers, storyboard artists and editors, incorporating notes from stakeholders in order to get alignment
• Provide clear, detailed direction to external production teams in dailies and reviews, maintaining awareness of production status, timelines, and quality.
• Approve all outsourced assets and shots before final internal review, ensuring they meet Blizzard's quality level
• Partner closely with the project producer to monitor vendor performance against budgets and schedules, escalating issues, negotiating adjustments and providing feedback as needed
• Collaborate with composers, sound designers, and external vendors to replace temp sound with original elements, preserving the piece’s emotional and storytelling intent.
• Guide casting for voice-over with stakeholders and the Voice Over Director, managing external recording sessions as needed.
• Oversee post-production processes with outsourcers, including final edits, VFX integration, and quality checks, ensuring timely delivery and approval.

Requirements

13+ years' experience in cinematic direction or production within the game industry, with a strong portfolio of pre-rendered cinematics (e.g., trailers, in-game sequences). Experience in overseeing an external vendor.