3D Tracking Artist

Key Responsibilities

• Perform accurate 3D camera and object tracking in live-action plates with or without on-set measurements and lidar scans.
• Implement best practices in our tracking pipeline, ensuring the environment and object tracking are seamlessly matched to the camera and puppet facial performances.
• Hand-key and solve complex motion where automated solutions fall short.
• Deliver clean and tight matchmove data, including STMaps, to layout, animation, and compositing departments.
• Create rotomation of CG character rigs to match puppet movement, as needed.
• Maintain output quality and momentum in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with the VFX and CG teams to troubleshoot tracking challenges and maintain alignment with production needs.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years experience as a matchmove or tracking artist in film, episodic, or high-end VFX.
• Expert knowledge of matchmoving principles: camera focal lengths, lens distortion, film backs, rolling shutter, parallax, and real-world camera behavior.
• Strong proficiency in 3DEqualizer and Maya.
• Basic knowledge of Nuke to create slapcomps for presentation and handoff to the compositing team.
• Prior experience with rotomation.
• Deep understanding and experience with object and face tracking using KeenTools.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly to unique or proprietary workflows.
• In-depth knowledge of layout, cinematic language, camera operation, and on-set data acquisition practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.
• An artistic mindset and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback, whether that’s with draw-overs, over the shoulder adjustments, or team meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using PFTrack, Syntheyes, and MMSolver.
• Familiarity with performance capture, and Nuke for projection and compositing integration.
• Working knowledge of rigging workflows, animation principles, and stylized performance-driven animation pipelines.
• Scripting skills in Python, PySide, PyQT, or MEL to improve workflow or develop internal tools.