Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Render Farm • NLE • LUTs

Motion Tracking

Term from Editing industry explained for recruiters

Motion Tracking is a technique used in video editing and visual effects where software follows the movement of objects or people in video footage. Think of it like placing a digital sticky note that stays attached to something as it moves across the screen. Editors use this to add special effects, stabilize shaky footage, or insert new elements that look natural in the scene. For example, it's how they add text that follows a moving car in commercials or replace screens on phones and computers in movies. Similar terms you might see include match moving, camera tracking, or motion capture.

Examples in Resumes

Used Motion Tracking to stabilize footage and add graphics in marketing videos

Applied Motion Tracking and Camera Tracking techniques for screen replacement in corporate videos

Led team projects requiring advanced Motion Tracking for commercial visual effects

Typical job title: "Motion Graphics Artists"

Also try searching for:

Video Editor Visual Effects Artist Motion Designer VFX Artist Compositor Animation Artist Post-Production Specialist

Where to Find Motion Graphics Artists

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain how you would approach a complex motion tracking shot with multiple moving objects?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should discuss planning the shot, choosing tracking points, handling object occlusion, and troubleshooting common tracking issues. They should mention experience managing difficult scenarios like lighting changes or motion blur.

Q: How do you ensure quality and efficiency when leading a team on motion tracking projects?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate project management experience, quality control processes, and ability to distribute work effectively. Should discuss how they maintain consistency across team members and handle technical challenges.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for handling problematic footage that's difficult to track?

Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for dealing with blur, poor lighting, or perspective changes. Should mention methods like manual keyframing or combining multiple tracking points.

Q: How do you decide which motion tracking method to use for different projects?

Expected Answer: Should discuss evaluating footage quality, project requirements, and timeline considerations. Should demonstrate knowledge of when to use different tracking techniques.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic preparation steps do you take before starting motion tracking?

Expected Answer: Should mention reviewing footage quality, selecting good tracking points, and understanding the desired end result. Should know basic software setup and tracking workflow.

Q: Can you explain the difference between 1-point, 2-point, and 4-point tracking?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic tracking types and when to use each one. Should understand simple position tracking versus perspective and rotation tracking.