Video games
Visual effects and animation
Digital experiences
Becoming a tracking artist
Also known as: Matchmove Artist
Crédit: Ismaël St-Pierre, projet personnel
The tracking artist job is to integrate computer-generated images into live-action film sequences with the greatest possible precision. To do this, motion capture and visualization artists reproduce the filming conditions on a computer, remaining faithful to the camera's rendering, in particular by taking into account any optical distortion caused by the lens. Motion capture and visualization artists may use location sensors placed on sets, characters, or objects during filming to accurately track the camera's movement and determine the corresponding coordinates in the 3D scene.
The motion capture and visualization artist comes into play at the beginning of production. Their role is particularly technical. It is a role offered as an entry-level position in the industry.
Crédit: SYNTHÈSE Photo: Priss Auvray
Duties and responsibilities
Analyze the original camera movement and reproduce it virtually in a shot or scene.
Determine the position, orientation, and movements of the camera so that artists can then integrate graphic elements into the shot.
Apply markers to key objects that will serve as reference points for the various elements of the shot.
If you like
Photography and the study of perspective
Visual effects
The film and animation production process
Qualities and skills
Qualities
Collaboration: this role has an impact on several other functions (animation, modeling, environment, visual effects), so collaboration is essential in order to deliver work that supports several artists in their work.
Attention to detail: each camera shot is complex, unique, and very often includes a multitude of graphic elements to consider.
Modesty/perseverance: those in charge of a production often change their minds. The artistic and visual direction of a shot is often subject to change, so it is necessary to be able to adapt to a changing creative vision.
Common tools and software
2D and 3D design software
3DEqualizer
Houdini
Maya
Nuke
PFTrack
SynthEyes
Team members
Animators
Model artists
Rotoscoping artists
Opportunities for advancement
Animator
Visual effects artist
Environment artist
Team leader—motion capture and visualization artist
Study programs
Some of the skills required to work as a motion capture and visualization artist can be developed through the following programs. Find out about the specific features of each school to see which one best suits your interests:
Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
Technical training (3 years)
Dessin animé
Cégep du Vieux MontréalGraphisme et motion design
Collège BartTechniques d'animation 3D et de synthèse d'images
Cégep Limoilou, Cégep de Matane, Cégep du Vieux Montréal, Collège Bart, Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Collège Institut Grasset, Collège O'Sullivan, Collège Dawson*Techniques d'intégration multimédia
Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, Cégep de Jonquière, Cégep de Lanaudière à L'Assomption, Cégep de l'Outaouais, Cégep de Matane, Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Collège de Maisonneuve, Collège Montmorency, Cégep de Sainte-Foy*Techniques cinématographiques et télévisuelles
Collège Bart
Salary
In the province of Quebec, no official data is currently available for the profession of tracking artist. However, for comparison purposes, visual effects (VFX) artists earn between $20/hour for beginners and $47.98/hour for experienced professionals, with a median salary of $28.57, according to data from the Government of Canada (2024).
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