Motion Capture Technical Director (StageCraft) - ILM London

Motion Capture Technical Director (StageCraft) - ILM London

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Industrial Light & Magic

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate and support motion capture systems during virtual production shoots.
  • Company: Join the acclaimed StageCraft team at ILM London.
  • Benefits: Short-term contract with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology.
  • Other info: Dynamic on-site role with opportunities to work in a creative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative film production and enhance your technical skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Vicon and Xsens motion capture systems required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

ILM London's acclaimed StageCraft team, located at our Townsend Studio, invites applications from experienced Motion Capture TDs for a short‑term contract requiring immediate availability. Under the direction of the StageCraft Motion Capture Supervisor, the Mocap TD will operate and support the motion capture system throughout virtual production shoots and during mocap data processing.

What You’ll Do:

  • Daily operation of Vicon motion capture system in a live action shooting environment
  • Daily calibration of the capture volume
  • Calibration of camera tracking objects
  • Prepare and mark up motion capture performers, props, cameras, and virtual set environments for data capture
  • Assist performers with fitting head‑mounted cameras (HMC)
  • Provide support for setting up and retargeting assets for real‑time
  • Process motion capture data, from tracking to solving
  • Maintenance of markers, tracking objects, and mocap hardware
  • Capturing data with the Xsens MVN inertial mocap system: dressing actors in suits, adjusting sensors and performing calibration, monitoring data quality during the shoot and delivering data to the Moedit team
  • Operating and troubleshooting the Stagecraft Virtual Production tool set with the help of the VP TD team
  • Work with the camera department and stage tech to fabricate tracking objects, and reliably attach tracking objects & other devices to cameras
  • Assist with motion capture camera placement
  • Troubleshoot Vicon data quality
  • Ensure capture of all data, with slate names that are in sync with production
  • Communicate with the StageCraft team on the status of the camera tracking
  • Assist the Mocap Lead with the adjustment of mocap camera placement to ensure coverage
  • Assist with camera offset and lens calibration protocols
  • Routing of video signals

What We’re Looking For:

  • On‑set/Post experience working with Vicon or other optical motion capture systems
  • On‑set/Post experience working with inertial motion capture systems (Xsens)
  • Proven experience in motion capture for film, television, and games, specifically utilizing Vicon Shogun and Xsens
  • Knowledge of realtime technology and virtual production toolset required
  • Proficient in tracking and solving motion capture data
  • Good knowledge of Maya
  • Strong attention to detail, particularly regarding human movement
  • On‑set production experience preferred
  • Must be able to execute technically difficult work and maintain a productive attitude under the pressure of live‑action production
  • Must have knowledge of film production
  • Familiarity with video hardware and signals preferred
  • Must be highly computer literate with Linux and Windows Operating Systems
  • Excellent troubleshooter to diagnose and solve issues in complex integrated systems of computers, video recording systems, software, and other sensor‑driven systems
  • Familiar with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures used in visual effects and film production

This role is On‑site, which means the employee is required to work full‑time on‑site at a company designated location.

Motion Capture Technical Director (StageCraft) - ILM London employer: Industrial Light & Magic

At ILM London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers Motion Editors to thrive in their craft. Our Lacon House studio offers a vibrant environment where creativity flourishes, alongside opportunities for professional growth and mentorship from experienced team members. With a commitment to high-quality standards and innovative projects, we provide a unique platform for animators to develop their skills while contributing to groundbreaking visual effects in the film and gaming industries.

Industrial Light & Magic

Contact Details:

Industrial Light & Magic Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Motion Capture Technical Director (StageCraft) - ILM London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work at ILM or have connections there. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that interview!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your motion capture experience, especially with Vicon and Xsens systems. Include videos or case studies of your work in action. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the technical challenges! Brush up on your troubleshooting skills and be ready to discuss how you've solved complex issues in past projects. Being able to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities during interviews can really set you apart.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to find your details when we’re looking for the right fit for the Motion Capture TD role.

We think you need these skills to ace Motion Capture Technical Director (StageCraft) - ILM London

Vicon motion capture system operation
Calibration of capture volume
Camera tracking calibration
Motion capture data processing
Xsens MVN inertial mocap system operation
Data quality monitoring
Troubleshooting Vicon data quality

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Vicon and Xsens systems. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your motion capture expertise!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're passionate about motion capture and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our StageCraft team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.

Show Off Your Technical Skills:We love tech-savvy candidates! Make sure to mention your proficiency with software like Maya and any troubleshooting experiences you've had. Highlighting your computer literacy will definitely catch our eye.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Industrial Light & Magic

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the Vicon and Xsens systems. Brush up on your knowledge of motion capture technology, especially how it integrates with virtual production. Being able to discuss specific experiences where you've operated or troubleshot these systems will show you're the right fit.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled technical challenges in past projects. Whether it’s calibrating a camera or ensuring data quality during a shoot, having concrete stories ready will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and maintain composure under pressure.

Familiarise Yourself with the Production Environment

Since this role is on-site, understanding the dynamics of a live-action shooting environment is crucial. Research the typical workflow of a motion capture shoot and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a smooth operation from setup to data delivery.

Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are key in this role. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to collaborate with various teams. Practising how you articulate your thoughts can help you stand out as a team player who can bridge the gap between tech and creative departments.