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Freelance Motion Capture Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DreamWorks Feature - Crowds Artist

Glendale, CA · On-site

$135K - $161K/yr

The Crowd Artist is responsible for all aspects of shot composition and simulation of crowd ... Create an appealing performance for crowd characters from key framed cycles or motion capture data ...

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115K - $131K/yr

Ability to deliver work in accordance with the artistic direction of the project. Nice to Have: * Experience directing motion capture, particularly for motion matching. * Experience developing motion ...

The ideal candidate has a background in commercial production, filmmaking, VFX, animation, motion ... Exceptional freelancers may be considered for full-time opportunities as our AI team continues to ...

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The ideal candidate has a background in commercial production, filmmaking, VFX, animation, motion ... Exceptional freelancers may be considered for full-time opportunities as our AI team continues to ...

The ideal candidate has a background in commercial production, filmmaking, VFX, animation, motion ... Exceptional freelancers may be considered for full-time opportunities as our AI team continues to ...

Edit Motion Capture data to blend detailed character movement/facial with keyframe skills. * Work ... Collaborate with the Director, Leads, and other artists on the team to create a cohesive vision for ...

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Freelance Motion Capture Artist information

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How much do freelance motion capture artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance motion capture artist in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Motion Capture Artist vs Motion Capture Technician?

AspectFreelance Motion Capture ArtistMotion Capture Technician
CredentialsOften requires a background in animation, acting, or related fields; certifications are optionalTypically needs technical certifications or training in motion capture systems and equipment
Work EnvironmentFreelance projects, studios, remote work, client sitesStudio settings, equipment setup, system maintenance
Industry UsageUsed in gaming, film, VR, and advertising for character animationUsed in capturing, calibrating, and maintaining motion capture systems

While both roles involve motion capture technology, a Freelance Motion Capture Artist focuses on creating animated performances for projects, often working independently. In contrast, a Motion Capture Technician handles the technical setup, calibration, and maintenance of motion capture systems within a studio environment.

What are Freelance Motion Capture Artists?

Freelance Motion Capture Artists are professionals who specialize in capturing and recording human movements for use in animation, film, video games, and virtual reality projects. They work independently, often on a contract basis, collaborating with studios and creative teams to perform or direct motion capture sessions. Their expertise combines acting, technical skills, and knowledge of motion capture equipment to ensure realistic and expressive character animations. Freelance motion capture artists may also help clean up and process captured data, working closely with animators and directors throughout production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Motion Capture Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Motion Capture Artist, you need a solid understanding of human movement, animation principles, and performance capture techniques, often supported by a background in animation, acting, or related fields. Familiarity with motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon, OptiTrack, or Autodesk MotionBuilder is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with directors, actors, and production teams. These abilities are crucial to accurately capturing performances and delivering high-quality, realistic animations that meet client expectations.

How does a Freelance Motion Capture Artist typically collaborate with animation and game development teams during a project?

As a Freelance Motion Capture Artist, you’ll work closely with animators, directors, and technical leads to ensure that captured performances align with the creative vision of the project. Collaboration often involves participating in planning sessions, receiving detailed movement direction, and coordinating with technicians to set up equipment and troubleshoot issues. Effective communication is key, as you may need to deliver raw motion data and sometimes assist with retargeting or cleaning up the files for animators. You’ll likely use project management tools to stay aligned with remote or distributed teams and provide feedback throughout the production process.
More about Freelance Motion Capture Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Motion Capture Artist jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Motion Capture Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Capture Artist jobs? The most popular types of Motion Capture Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Motion Capture Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Motion Capture Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Motion Capture Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 83% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Freelance Recording Engineer / Dialogue Editor to support AAA video game and linear content production on an as-needed basis. This is an in-person production role embedded within our Santa Monica facility.
The engineer will record, edit, mix, and deliver high-quality audio across multiple active projects, including AAA video games, animated series, advertising campaigns, and marketing content. This role requires technical excellence, calm professionalism with talent and clients in the room, and the ability to manage large volumes of assets across concurrent productions.
This position operates within a fast-paced, high-expectation creative environment where precision, organization, and delivery discipline are critical.
Key Responsibilities
Dialogue Recording & Editorial
  • Record voice talent to broadcast and AAA game standards
  • Engineer client-attended sessions with producers, directors, and executives present
  • Perform detailed dialogue editing, cleanup, conforming, and file prep to technical specifications
  • Ensure tonal consistency across large narrative projects

Mixing & Finishing
  • Mix linear television, advertising, and marketing content
  • Prepare stems and final deliverables to spec for broadcast, streaming, and digital distribution
  • Maintain technical QC standards and meet technical delivery standards

Game Production Support
  • Edit and prepare dialogue assets for interactive implementation
  • Manage large asset counts with strict naming conventions and version control
  • Collaborate with sound design, implementation, and production teams
  • Deliver clean, organized, implementation-ready files

Motion Capture/Sound Stage Recording
  • Record dialogue and production audio on motion capture stages
  • Manage multi-channel wireless microphone workflows
  • Manage RF signal chains in challenging environments
  • Manage gain stages to the highest standards
  • Provide live mixes to relevant stakeholders as needed
  • Coordinate with stage technicians, capture supervisors, and production teams
  • Ensure sync integrity at all times

Operational Discipline
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously with shifting priorities
  • Maintain impeccable session organization and documentation
  • Hit delivery deadlines without compromising technical quality
  • Troubleshoot technical issues independently and efficiently

Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience as an audio engineer
  • Extensive experience recording with clients and talent in the room
  • Proven expertise editing dialogue at a high narrative and technical level
  • Strong mixing experience for linear television and advertising
  • Deep familiarity with broadcast and streaming delivery specifications
  • Experience recording on motion capture stages
  • Proficiency with industry-standard wireless microphone systems
  • Advanced Pro Tools proficiency and session management discipline
  • Demonstrated ability to manage large asset libraries and complex session workflows
  • Strong communication skills and calm, client-facing professionalism

Technical Competencies
  • Dialogue cleanup, restoration, and precision editing
  • Loudness standards compliance (broadcast and streaming)
  • Stem printing and versioning workflows
  • Multi-mic wireless coordination and RF management
  • Sync workflows for performance capture environments
  • Asset naming, metadata tagging, and delivery packaging

Personal Attributes
  • Meticulous and detail-oriented
  • Composed under pressure
  • Efficient without sacrificing craft
  • Organized across multiple concurrent productions
  • Collaborative and production-minded

Work Environment
  • On-site only in Santa Monica, CA
  • Embedded within a AAA production pipeline
  • Client-attended sessions are frequent
  • High confidentiality environment