Lead Matchmove Artist (Fixed Term)

Business Unit: Powerhouse VFX

Position: Lead Matchmove Artist (Fixed Term)

Location: Vancouver, BC (Remote)
*Pay Range: $37.00 - $49.00 CAD hourly

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Matchmove Artist is responsible for overseeing the matchmoving process, ensuring that CGI elements are seamlessly integrated into live-action footage. As a leader within the team, the Lead Artist will manage, mentor, and collaborate with junior artists and outsource vendors to deliver high-quality shots. They work closely with the VFX Supervisor and other departments to ensure the accuracy and technical integrity of matchmove work.

MAIN DUTIES:

The Lead Matchmove Artist will lead and manage the matchmove team, ensuring consistency and high-quality output across all shots. They will track and solve complex camera and object movement for integration into 3D environments, create and deliver high-quality 3D camera solves, object tracks, and matchmove data for integration with live-action footage, and collaborate with the VFX Supervisor and other departments to understand project needs and deliver technical solutions. They will also be responsible for the following:

1. Review and provide feedback on matchmove work produced by junior artists and outsource vendors, ensuring quality standards are met.
2. Manage shot timelines, prioritizing tasks and balancing the workload of the team to meet deadlines.
3. Participate in client meetings, presenting work and discussing technical challenges and solutions.
4. Ensure all tracking data is properly handed off to animation and other relevant departments.
5. Research and develop new tools, techniques, and workflows to improve the matchmoving process.
6. Troubleshoot and solve technical issues that arise within the matchmove pipeline.
7. Provide training and mentorship for junior and mid-level matchmove artists, helping them grow their skills.
8. Work with other departments (e.g., compositing, lighting, and simulation) to ensure smooth integration of CGI elements.
9. Help maintain and optimize the matchmove department's pipeline, ensuring it is efficient and scalable.
10. Participate in internal reviews and offer creative input on shot design and technical execution.

WHAT YOU BRING:

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in 3D tracking and matchmove, with a strong understanding of camera and object tracking techniques. They will be proficient in industry-standard matchmove software (e.g., Maya, 3DEqualizer, PFTrack, Boujou), and bring a deep understanding of 3D coordinate systems, motion capture data, and scene geometry. They must have strong technical skills in 3D software and the ability to work with different file formats and data integration, and have experience leading teams and providing direction, feedback, and mentorship. Additional desired skills include:

1. Solid understanding of live-action filmmaking techniques and how VFX integrates with live-action footage.
2. Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining high-quality work.
3. Strong communication and collaboration skills, working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
4. Experience with scripting and automation tools (e.g., Python, MEL) to improve workflows is a plus.
5. Knowledge of compositing or lighting workflows and how matchmove affects these departments is a plus.
6. Familiarity with VR/AR or real-time rendering techniques is a plus.
7. Experience in stereoscopic 3D (stereoscopic matchmove and camera setup) is a plus.
8. Previous experience working on high-profile or complex VFX-heavy projects is a plus.
9. Strong artistic background or a keen eye for visual storytelling is a plus.
10. Experience with asset management and version control systems (e.g., Shotgrid, FTrack) is a plus.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Company 3, including its various business units and family of brands, provides a full range of Creative Services for content creators, including conceptual design, pre-vis, look development, ideation and rapid prototyping, 3D animation/CGI, motion graphics/designers, matte painting, compositing, dailies and production services, color grading, post-production finishing, marketing/trailers, live-action production, experiences, and more.

Diversity and Inclusion at Company 3:

Creativity has diversity at its core. We celebrate the value of each unique experience by being dedicated to fostering the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where every employee feels empowered and safe to show up to work as their full self.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Please inform the Company's HR representative if you need assistance completing any forms or otherwise need any accommodation or support in order to participate in the application process.