Freelance: Layout / Tracking TD - New York

Framestore; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 73,800 - 110,700; Full time

Job summary

Framestore in New York is seeking a Layout/Tracking TD for a freelance assignment from October 2026 through February 2027. Remote work is acceptable within the USA, with hybrid encouraged and occasional in-office presence on request. Ideal candidates are NY-based with valid US work authorization at hire.

The role focuses on establishing and maintaining foundational 3D scene data for VFX shots, ensuring accuracy for seamless integration by animation, lighting, and FX teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of tracking/layout experience for commercials, episodic, or feature films.
• Strong knowledge of Maya with solid understanding of the visual effects pipeline.
• Experience with 3D tracking software such as 3DEqualizer.
• Solid understanding of camera language and cinematography principles.

Responsibilities

• Accurately track camera footage and objects to integrate CG elements into live-action plates.
• Process and ingest environmental reference data, including LIDAR and photogrammetry.
• Prepare and integrate assets from external vendors, such as cameras, body tracks, and proxy geometry.
• Ensure continuity of scale and environment across sequences.
• Collaborate with supervisors to achieve the creative and technical vision for camera language and staging.
• Creatively rework tracks, rerack or stitch cameras, and augment scene layouts.

Skills

Maya

3DEqualizer

Camera tracking

Cinematography

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Feedback adaptivity

Tools

Maya

Nuke

Photoscan

Reality Capture

Python / MEL

Job description

This is a freelance position within the New York team, candidates must be available from roughly October 2026 thru February 2027. Remote work is acceptable (from within the USA), but hybrid is encouraged and you may need to come into the office upon request. Ideal candidates will be based in the New York area, and must have valid US work authorization at time of hire.

The Layout/Tracking TD is responsible for establishing and maintaining the foundational 3D scene data for visual effects shots. This role ensures the accuracy and efficiency of all initial scene elements, preparing them for seamless integration by subsequent departments such as animation, lighting, and FX, often by solving complex technical and creative challenges and creative problems.

What You’ll Do

• Accurately track camera footage and objects to integrate CG elements into live-action plates
• Process and ingest environmental reference data, including LIDAR and photogrammetry
• Prepare and integrate assets from external vendors, such as cameras, body tracks, and proxy geometry
• Ensure continuity of scale and environment across sequences
• Collaborate with supervisors to achieve the creative and technical vision for camera language and staging
• Creatively rework tracks, rerack or stitch cameras, and augment scene layouts
• 3+ years of tracking/layout experience for commercials, episodic, or feature films
• Strong knowledge of Maya with excellent problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of the visual effects pipeline
• Experience with 3D tracking software (e.g., 3DEqualizer or similar)
• Strong knowledge of cinematography principles (camera lenses, movement, etc.)
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to maintain continuity within the sequence
• Ability to take direction and feedback, and to work effectively in a team environment
• Self-disciplined and punctual in a remote work environment

You might also have

• Experience with photogrammetry software, particularly Photoscan and Reality Capture
• Solid understanding of Nuke
• Mel and/or Python knowledge is a plus
• Camera and character animation experience is a plus

Accessibility Statement

Our New York studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

New York Employees Pay Range:

$400 - $600 per day

The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of New York. The range is posted in accordance with the New York Pay Transparency Bill. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of New York City. Pay is dependent on the applicant's relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.