RESUME
ABOUT ME
I’m an animator currently heading up cinematics at 10:10 Games. I previously worked at Firesprite, as well as Halon Entertainment and TT Games. I’ve been working with 3D packages, game engines and a variety of animation styles for over a decade and have had a keen interest in video game cinematics for as long as I can remember.
Prior to my professional career, I studied computer animation and broader aspects of games development, driven by a lifelong desire to work in the industry. Games, technology and the digital arts are huge passions of mine, and this industry has always been an especially exciting blend of all three.
My particular interest in cinematics stems from a passion for storytelling. Video games are unique in their ability to involve players with characters and worlds unlike any other medium. Cinematics play a key role in supporting grander narratives, delivering experiences that stick in the minds of players long after the credits roll. Many of the most iconic, memorable games are often remembered for their cutscenes, a big responsibility that I’m proud to be involved with.
Pursuing a career in such a vibrant line of work, as well as being part of creative teams full of extraordinary talent has been an immense privilege for me. I’m constantly excited by the opportunity to explore new projects and collaborate with new people, as well as develop myself further as an artist.
SAM BAKER
Animator & Cinematic Artist
EXPERIENCE
10:10 Games
Senior Previs Artist
2023 - Present
I was presented with the opportunity to build a brand new cinematics team and take on this studio's first major project, an opportunity I grasped with both hands. With a breadth of IP to work with, as well as fresh industry talent and greatly enhanced creative freedom, I worked to create a large quantity of in-game cutscenes and marketing assets to a challenging timeframe. I was given the freedom to direct other artists, as well as workshop my own ideas, while also being responsible for establishing a cinematic workflow and style. Leveraging my experience in stylized animated content, I visualized and directed a full game's worth of cinematic content in the space of 10 months.
On top of this, I was responsible for creating extensive marketing assets using in-game assets, garnering healthy views and engagements on social media. This was new territory for me, and enabled me to develop a far better understanding of lighting, rendering and frame composition for use across various mediums.
Projects: Funko Fusion (2024)
Firesprite - PlayStation Studios
Cinematic Artist
2022 – 2023
At Firesprite, I stepped into new stylistic territory with more realistic, grounded digital camerawork. My primary responsibility was taking a scene blockout and adding detail and flair to cinematic cameras. I worked with animators and cinematic designers to plot out sequences and achieve a polished, coherent result that did justice to motion capture performances. This was then implemented in Unreal Engine, where further additions were made to realize the full potential of a shot.
Projects: Unannounced
Halon Entertainment
Senior Previs Artist
2022
Venturing from games to film, I carried my senior responsibilities forward and gained an understanding of a very different pipeline, while developing my skills as an artist and becoming more familiar with core areas of modern previs in feature animation, such as leveraging the power of Unreal Engine and the use of motion capture data.
Projects: Atlas (2024), Unannounced
TT Games Studios
Senior Previs Artist
2019 – 2022
Taking on new responsibilities within my team, I used everything I’d learned thus far to help direct and guide artists towards new ways of working, while continuing to broaden my own creative output. I collaborated with seniors and cinematic directors to establish a consistent, dynamic style that fits the brief, as well as explore new R&D opportunities for future titles.
Projects: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (2022)
Previs Artist
2015 – 2019
The bulk of my time at TT, after passing probation and settling into industry work. I worked with a variety of IPs in creative and fun new ways, learned to interpret scene scripts and directors’ input whilst developing a style of storytelling and shot composition of my own.
Projects: LEGO Worlds (2017), LEGO Ninjago The Movie: The Game (2017), LEGO Marvel Superheroes 2 (2017), LEGO Incredibles (2018), LEGO DC Supervillains (2018)
Junior Previs Artist
2014 – 2015
My first industry role, where I learned the basics of a professional cinematic workflow and built upon my skills in cinematography and staging.
Projects: LEGO Dimensions (2015), LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2016)
EDUCATION
North Warwickshire & Hinckley College
2009 - 2011
BTEC National Diploma in Games Development
Teesside University
2011 - 2014
BA (Hons) Computer Animation – First Class Honours
SOFTWARE & SKILLS
Autodesk Maya · Autodesk 3DSMax · Unreal Engine 4 & 5 · Adobe Premiere · Adobe Photoshop
Animation · Layout & Cinematography · Scriptwriting · Video editing · Scene direction & team management · Marketing (Asset creation)