Mocap Cleanup Animator
ZenFri Inc
Job Summary
We are seeking 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 contract 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, mirroring the exact likeness of a public figure.
Must Have
- Collaborate with the Animation team to clean, retarget, and polish complex body motion capture data.
- Maintain and enhance performance fidelity, ensuring physicality, timing, and weight of captured movements align with creative direction.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues with mocap data, including misalignments, artifacts, and technical inconsistencies.
- Apply motion data to 3D character models using Maya or MotionBuilder.
- Participate in dailies, rounds, and reviews, implementing feedback to meet artistic and technical standards.
- 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.
Perks & Benefits
- Fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft.
- Grow together, learn together, play together.
- Welcoming atmosphere.
- Culture dedicated to helping you grow and thrive.
- Ample opportunity to advance.
Job Description
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. 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; 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.