Address The Matchmove Artist (MA) is a key role that will work closely with the Matchmove Supervisor (MS) and Head of CG (HCG), Supervisors and CG to help effectively deliver complex shows to meet high creative expectations, deadlines and technical standards. Matchmove is the foundation for our Artists to be able to deliver their shots efficiently, creatively and technically and it is therefore essential that it is done correctly to ensure they are able to implement visual effects so they sit correctly in the shot. The MA will work collaboratively with the lead MS and HCG to execute a broad range of Matchmove tasks in camera, object tracking and roto-animation. They will be responsible for reproducing the geometry and camera/object/body movement of live-action shots to allow seamless integration of CG into the original live action footage and maintain consistent shot quality.
In line with Union company values the MA will be proactive in developing and maintaining a positive, inclusive working environment in the department and will help to guide and mentor the more junior members of the CG team to support them in the delivery of projects and help them learn and grow. They will also participate in Outreach events with other team members and the Talent & Recruitment team as needed.
The MA will have a strong creative eye and technical skills along with the ability to communicate ideas and guide others through the creative process clearly and with diplomacy. They will have a strong sense of 3D spaces and a good understanding of the full workflow, processes and techniques for special effects. They will also have the ability to provide accurate assessments of the workload and the time required to complete tasks and regularly keep in touch with the teams to provide updates or resolve any issues.
The role will require strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately, methodically and patiently. They will need to have the ability to see and plan forward and be proactive. An excellent understanding of a client service studio and the ability to wear several hats and be flexible, often last minute is important. They will need excellent spoken and written communication skills as well as the ability to build relationships at all levels. They will be confident in their approach, proactive and happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with whatever needs doing. They will be happy to work with minimal supervision and therefore be self-directed and motivated, but also know when to escalate issues. They will be able to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and situations, always remaining calm and professional.
Responsibilities:
- Take briefs and direction from CG Supervisors and lead CG Artist to execute assigned shots
- Reproduce the geometry, camera movement and object movement of live-action shots in a 3D environment
- Camera tracking to accurately recreate the movement of the camera so any element put into the scene will track correctly to the original source
- Object tracking to accurately re-create the movement of any rigid/inanimate moving objects ie. a phone or car etc within a shot
- Roto-animation to accurately recreate the movement of anything that is performing or requires a rig ie. a person or an animal etc
- Create 3D geometry to aid with the matchmove and be used by the rest of the team
- Lay out the matchmove scene into the correct 3D position, scale and orientation
- Work collaboratively with other members of the 3D team and other VFX departments
- Utilise onset data including reference images to aid with the solving of the matchmove and support scene creation
- Use the lens grids to accurately recreate lens distortion models
- Advise and mentor junior artists
- Manage workload and workflow individually and across teams
- Maintain consistent shot quality
- Communicate creative and technical ideas and guide teams through the creative process clearly and with diplomacy
Document Matchmove best practice on internal Internet for wider CG team to reference and apply across projects
Skills, knowledge and experience:
- Ability to think and work methodically and patiently
- Strong technical understanding/approach and problem solving skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to reproduce exact camera moves
- Strong understanding of on-set data
- Strong understanding of photography and the effects of different lenses on images
- Understanding of photogrammetry and using reference imagery
- Knowledge of the un-distortion and re-distortion principles and workflows for moving cameras and plates between programs
- Knowledge of how best to utilise onset data including reference images to support scene creation, and the use of lens grids to accurately recreate lens distortion models
- Knowledge of 3dequalizer, Nuke, Maya and/or Houdini
- Skills in other 3D disciplines beneficial
- Willingness to learn new tools, work well within a team and to work efficiently within a production environment
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- A basic knowledge of nuke and slap comping dailies is a bonus
