Steamroller Animation is seeking a talented Motion Capture Cleanup Animator to refine and enhance full-body motion for a hyper-realistic virtual performer in a live musical experience. The role involves cleaning, retargeting, and polishing complex body motion capture data, ensuring natural and authentic movements. The animator will collaborate with various teams, troubleshoot data issues, and apply motion data to 3D character models using Maya or MotionBuilder, maintaining high animation quality.

Must Have

• Collaborate with the Animation team to clean, retarget, and polish complex body motion capture data.
• Maintain and enhance performance fidelity.
• Work closely with Animation Directors, Supervisors, and Leads.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with mocap data.
• Apply motion data to 3D character models using Maya or MotionBuilder.
• Participate in dailies, rounds, and reviews, implementing feedback.
• Minimum of 3 years of production experience in film, games, or performance capture environments.
• Proven experience with motion capture animation cleanup for realistic human movement.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, especially timing, weight, balance, and body mechanics.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya.
• Familiarity with motion capture retargeting workflows and data cleanup pipelines.
• Experience integrating mocap data with cinematic or real-time production workflows.
• Ability to deliver high-quality, realistic animation under tight production timelines.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Applicants must be located in British Columbia.

Good to Have

• Experience working in Unreal Engine or other real-time environments.
• Background in live or virtual production settings.
• Strong understanding of character acting and performance interpretation.

Mocap Cleanup Animator

About Steamroller Animation

It’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you.

About the role

We’re looking for a talented Motion Capture Cleanup Animator to refine and enhance the full-body motion of a hyper-realistic virtual performer for a live musical experience. This role requires a sharp eye for human movement, expert understanding of body mechanics, and a solid command of motion capture workflows to ensure every dance step, gesture, and performance moment feels natural and authentic on stage — mirroring the exact likeness of a public figure.

*This is a contract position*

What you'll do

• Collaborate with the Animation team to clean, retarget, and polish complex body motion capture data for a hyper-realistic digital performer.
• Maintain and enhance performance fidelity, ensuring the physicality, timing, and weight of captured movements align with creative direction.
• Work closely with Animation Directors, Supervisors, and Leads to ensure body motion integrates seamlessly with facial animation and overall performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with mocap data, including misalignments, artifacts, and technical inconsistencies.
• Apply motion data to 3D character models using Maya or MotionBuilder, maintaining consistent animation quality across shots and sequences.
• Participate in dailies, rounds, and reviews, implementing feedback to meet both artistic and technical standards.
• Collaborate with the Performance Capture, Rigging, and Engineering teams to refine mocap pipelines and tools.
• Contribute to previs, layout, and final shot animation when required.
• Maintain professionalism and clear communication with Production and Leadership regarding deliverables and potential challenges.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of production experience in film, games, or performance capture environments.
• Proven experience with motion capture animation cleanup for realistic human movement.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, especially timing, weight, balance, and body mechanics.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya; experience with MotionBuilder is highly valued.
• Familiarity with motion capture retargeting workflows and data cleanup pipelines.
• Experience integrating mocap data with cinematic or real-time production workflows.
• Ability to deliver high-quality, realistic animation under tight production timelines.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Applicants must be located in British Columbia.

Preferred (but not required) Qualifications:

• Experience working in Unreal Engine or other real-time environments.
• Background in live or virtual production settings.
• Strong understanding of character acting and performance interpretation.