3D Tracking Artist

Swaybox Studios • New Orleans, LA

3h

About The Position

Swaybox Studios is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented 3D Tracking / Matchmove Artist to help bridge the gap between live-action footage and CG integration. In this role, you’ll be responsible for extracting motion data from filmed plates, tracking both environments and facial performance, and aligning CG elements with precise real-world movement—whether using lidar scans, measurements, or solving without them. You’ll play a critical role in our highly stylized yet technically demanding productions, including our groundbreaking collaboration with DC Comics, a project that’s set to redefine industry standards in performance-driven storytelling.

Requirements

• 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.
• Proficiency in tracking software such as PFTrack, Syntheyes, 3DEqualizer, MMSolver, and Maya.
• Solid understanding of cinematic language, camera operation, and on-set data acquisition practices.
• Proven ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with rotoanim, facial tracking, and performance capture.
• Familiarity with MoCap data, KeenTools, and Nuke for projection and compositing integration.
• Working knowledge of layout, animation principles, and basic compositing.
• Scripting skills in Python, PySide, PyQT, or MEL to improve workflow or develop internal tools.
• Understanding of stylized performance-driven animation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate 3D camera and object tracking in live-action plates with or without on-set measurements and lidar scans.
• Extract camera motion, object tracking, and character movement (including facial performance) using a variety of matchmove techniques.
• Create rotoanim of CG character rigs to match puppet movement—including subtle facial expressions.
• Hand-key and solve complex motion where automated solutions fall short.
• Deliver clean, usable matchmove data to layout, animation, and compositing departments.
• Collaborate with the VFX and CG teams to troubleshoot tracking challenges and maintain alignment with production needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed