Swaybox Studios→
3D Tracking Artist at Swaybox Studios in New Orleans, LA
Skills
Job Description
Why join Swaybox Studios?
Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Job Summary
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.
Key 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.
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.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.