Visual effects (VFX)
Matchmove artist
Also known as: 3D tracker, Body tracker, Camera tracker, Matchmover, Tracking artist
What does a matchmove artist do?
Matchmove artists match computer-generated (CG) scenes with shots from live-action footage so the two can be convincingly combined.
They recreate live-action backgrounds (plates) on a computer in a way that mirrors the camera on the set in every way, including lens distortion. They do this by tracking the camera movements to make sure the real and virtual scenes appear from the same perspective.
Sometimes matchmove artists go to the film set to take measurements and put up tracking markers. Then they use these markers to track the camera movement and work out the relevant coordinates in the 3D scene. They do this using 3D tracking programs like Maya or 3DEqualizer.
Matchmove artists also do body and object tracking, using markers to recreate the movements of people, vehicles or other objects in CG. The motion files created (camera, object or body track) are then passed on to other departments via the VFX pipeline, so that, eventually, they can be seamlessly combined by the compositor.
Matchmove artists are highly accurate and meticulous in their work. It needs to be pixel perfect, so they need an eye for detail. If the CG and live-action movements are not lining up perfectly, they have to find a way to fix this.
Watch and read
- The Importance of Matchmove within the VFX pipeline
- What is Matchmove? Tracking in VFX
- What is Matchmoving in VFX?
What's a matchmove artist good at?
- Maths and physics: understand camera motion in virtual 3D space and how to accurately model it to reconstruct a scene
- Understanding of virtual 3D camera principles: know about filming techniques and lenses, including the principles of distortion, parallax and overscan
- Software knowledge: be skilled at using a variety of relevant tracking and 3D packages and compositing software
- Eye for detail: be methodical and highly accurate in your work, paying closing attention to detail and have strong problem-solving skills
- Communication: communicate well with the VFX departments about schedules and the on-set team filming the shoot
Who does a matchmove artist work with?
Matchmove artists work with the data capture technicians and the live-action production crew to set up markers on set. Matchmove artists’ work is passed on to layout artists, who consider the framing, composition and camera angle of each VFX shot.
How do I become a matchmove artist?
Matchmove artist is an entry level role. It can be a good route into working in another VFX artist role and then becoming a technical director (TD). Matchmove artists often have a degree in computer graphics or a related subject. You also need patience and communication skills as well as software knowledge. You might also get into this role through working as a runner, but you will need to be able to demonstrate some skill using tracking software.
At school or college:
You can take A-levels or Highers in art and design, graphic communication, computer science, maths or physics. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
- T level Digital Software Development
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. You might want to enter the VFX industry through an apprenticeship as an assistant technical director or a junior 2D artist. Have a look at NextGen Skills Academy VFX apprenticeships for school leavers. These involve a lot of learning on the job working in a VFX company.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to ScreenSkills information on VFX apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in VFX.
If you can’t find an apprenticeship with a VFX company, it might be worth getting an apprenticeship in a related industry, such as games or animation, which could give you some experience to help you find your way into VFX at a later point.
Get a degree:
VFX companies or studios generally prefer it if you have a degree in graphic design, or another VFX-specific course for this role. Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in VFX. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the VFX industry.
Watch a lot of films:
As well as technical skill, it’s really important to develop an appreciation for animation and lighting. Make sure you’re familiar with existing VFX work.
Search for jobs:
Look at the ScreenSkills jobs board. Research VFX companies you’d like to work for. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for junior roles the art or pre-production departments. Even if they aren’t, send in your CV and showreel and ask them to bear you in mind for future roles or work experience. Keep looking on job websites too.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Being a roto artist. This is another entry level role which involves tracing areas of each frame within a live-action shot to enable them to be combined with CG elements and generally preparing material to be composited. Or you might be interested in being a data capture technician.
