The Virtual Production Stage Technician will be responsible for the full cycle of systems and operations for ILM’s Virtual Production Stage Department, including but not limited to set up, shooting, processing and management of motion capture data ensuring quality guidelines and time frames are met.

•Prepares stage and systems for shoots according to specifications of data capture supervisor or animation supervisor
•Operates video or motion capture systems during shoots and ensures the integrity of the captured data
•Backs up all shoot data
•Provides regular maintenance on all stage systems by working with ILM in house engineering resources and/or vendors to test, troubleshoot, upgrade and repair hardware and software systems used in the department
•Assists the Virtual Production Department Supervisor and R&D engineers in the research and evaluation of new technology and techniques. Conducts test shoots, process data and assists with the integration of prototype hardware in the process of developing new production techniques
•Assists in development of new process & workflows to ensure the highest efficiencies within the department
•Interfaces with key personnel in the Editorial, CG, Production and Technology departments regarding the development of new systems and well as the state of current systems
•Creates and maintains department training documentation
•Documents software/hardware bugs and identifies important features needed to improve the flow & advance of capabilities of the capture pipeline
•Responsible for maintenance & functionality of on-set capture gear i.e. camera bodies, lenses, tripods etc.
•Regularly attends various department and project meetings to obtain an overview for future needs and to provide guidance regarding system capabilities
•Participates in special projects as needed Required Skills Education / Experience:
BA in Computer Science, Engineering or related

2+ years experience as a Motion Capture Operator or engineer, preferably in a film or television production environment or equivalent/relevant experience

Required Skills / Competencies:
•Full understanding and ability to work on and/or train others to post-process data derived from capture techniques, including processing and applying motion capture data, 3D scan data, photogrammetric images and other data types
•Must be able to execute technically difficult work and maintain a productive attitude under the pressure of live action production
•Must have knowledge of still photography, film, and video production
•Ability to teach and communicate technical information easily
•Ability to learn new tasks and facilities quickly
•Familiarity with video hardware and signals
•Familiar with a variety of the concepts, practices, and procedures used in visual effects and film production
•Excellent communication, interpersonal, and diplomacy skills
•Must be detail oriented, highly organized and be able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner
•Ability to work overtime on an ongoing basis
•Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Preferred Skills / Competencies:
•Experience with optical motion capture systems
•Basic movie lighting and stage rigging skills
•On-set experience a plus
•Video engineering experience
•Programmatically interfacing with and troubleshooting network protocols and communication
•Python skills with ability to write plugins
•C/C++ and device drivers programming
•3D application experience (Maya, MotionBuilder)

Technical Skills:
•Must be highly computer literate with Linux and Windows Operating Systems
•Must be an excellent troubleshooter to diagnose and solve issues in complex integrated systems of computers, video recording systems, software, and other sensor driven systems
•Ability to develop scripts and software for automating tasks required