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Motion Capture Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Big Shot Pictures

Mocap Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role sits at the intersection of motion capture, performance, and stylized real-time animation. You'll work primarily in Unreal Engine, processing mocap data and animating characters to produce ...

New

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Strong Camera, Character Animation, and Motion Capture editing skills. * Proficient in animating stylized character animation. * Strong communication skills in client-facing situations, including but ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

OptiTrack

Technical Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Experience with motion capture, animation, virtual production, robotics, biomechanics, or related industries. * Experience with 3D applications such as Maya, MotionBuilder, Blender, Unreal Engine, or ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

Virtuos

Management Trainee

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... and motion-capture animation. As a member studio of Virtuos, CounterPunch can provide a full range of services in 3D art and game development services to our clients, on top of our animation ...

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All JobsMotion Capture Animation JobsMotion Capture Animation Jobs in California

Motion Capture Animation information

See California salary details

$10

$38

$69

How much do motion capture animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion capture animation in California is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Motion Capture Animation vs Character Animator?

AspectMotion Capture AnimationCharacter Animator
Required CredentialsOften requires knowledge of motion capture systems, animation software, and sometimes specialized certificationsRequires skills in animation software, storytelling, and character rigging, with some familiarity with motion capture data
Work EnvironmentStudio settings with motion capture suits and equipment, often collaborativeDesktop-based, working with animation software, sometimes in a studio or remote
Industry UsageUsed in film, video games, and VR to create realistic character movementsUsed in film, TV, and game development for character animation and performance

Motion Capture Animation focuses on capturing real actor movements using specialized equipment, translating them into digital animations. Character Animators create performances manually or refine motion capture data to animate characters. While both roles involve character animation, motion capture specialists work primarily with physical data capture, whereas character animators focus on artistic interpretation and manual animation techniques.

How do motion capture animators typically collaborate with directors and actors during a production?

Motion capture animators work closely with directors and actors to ensure movements are accurately captured and match the creative vision of the project. Animators often attend rehearsals, provide feedback on performance capture, and help set up technical equipment. They collaborate with directors to discuss shot composition and storytelling, while guiding actors on how to perform for optimal data capture. This collaborative process ensures that the final animation integrates seamlessly with the project's artistic goals.

How to get a job in motion capture?

To get a job in motion capture, candidates typically need a background in animation, computer graphics, or related fields, along with skills in 3D modeling and familiarity with motion capture software such as Vicon or OptiTrack. Building a strong portfolio demonstrating experience with motion capture data and understanding of human anatomy can improve job prospects. Internships or entry-level positions in animation studios or VFX companies can also provide valuable experience and industry connections.

Will AI replace motion capture?

AI is increasingly used to enhance motion capture processes by automating data cleanup and improving animation accuracy, but it is unlikely to fully replace traditional motion capture roles. Skilled professionals are still needed to operate equipment, interpret data, and refine animations, especially in complex or high-quality productions. Combining AI tools with human expertise remains essential in the field of motion capture animation.

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

To thrive as a Motion Capture Animator, you need expertise in animation principles, an understanding of human movement, and a background in computer graphics or a related field. Proficiency with motion capture software (such as Vicon, OptiTrack, or MotionBuilder) and familiarity with 3D animation tools like Maya or Blender is essential. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately capturing, refining, and translating real-world performances into compelling digital animations for films, games, and virtual experiences.

What jobs pay 700 a day?

In motion capture animation, highly experienced professionals such as lead animators or specialized technical directors can earn around $700 per day, especially for high-profile projects or freelance work. These roles often require advanced skills in animation software, industry experience, and sometimes certification, with pay rates varying based on project scope and client budgets.

What is motion capture animation?

Motion capture animation, often called 'mocap,' is a technique used to record the movements of real actors and translate them into digital character animations. This technology uses specialized suits and sensors to capture an actor's motions, which are then mapped onto 3D models in computer graphics software. It's widely used in film, video games, and virtual reality to create realistic and lifelike character movements. Motion capture helps animators save time and achieve a higher level of realism than manual animation alone.

How much do mocap actors get paid?

Motion capture actors typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, with experienced professionals or those working on high-profile projects earning higher rates. Salaries can also vary based on union membership, project scope, and location, with some actors earning annual salaries in the range of $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
What are popular job titles related to Motion Capture Animation jobs in California? For Motion Capture Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Motion Capture Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Capture Animation jobs in California are:
Motion Capture Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Capture Animation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 10% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Mocap Animator

Big Shot Pictures

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the company builds global animation franchises across all platforms – from digital to theatrical, gaming to streaming, and consumer products to experiences.


About The Role

We're looking for a hands-on Mocap Animator to join our team and own the production of short-form animated kids and family content for social media. This role focuses on heavy iteration with augmented motion capture, shaping raw performance data into stylized characters that feel alive.


This role sits at the intersection of motion capture, performance, and stylized real-time animation. You'll work primarily in Unreal Engine, processing mocap data and animating characters to produce polished, on-brand clips at a rapid pace.


You'll be an integrated member of a small, dedicated social content team while also collaborating closely with our larger animation production team.


This is a contract role which would report in-person at our studio in Los Angeles


Responsibilities

  • Animate stylized characters for short-form social content with quick turnarounds for vertical format delivery
  • Process, clean, and retarget motion capture data for use in Unreal Engine
  • Stay current with up-to-date tools native to Unreal Engine, including Motion Capture, Retargeting, and Sequencer
  • Utilize generative tooling where appropriate to achieve clean output systems at scale
  • Collaborate closely with creative leads and the broader animation production team to translate concepts into finished animated clips efficiently
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve pipeline issues independently
  • Iterate rapidly based on feedback without losing quality


Required Qualifications

  • Strong animation fundamentals: you understand timing, weight, and performance even when working from mocap
  • Hands-on experience with motion capture workflows: capture session prep, data cleanup, retargeting, and integration
  • Familiarity with third-party markerless motion capture systems, such as Captury or MoveAI
  • Comfortable working at social media pace: fast cycles, short formats, high output, vertical format
  • Experience with outside-the-box hybrid workflow systems
  • Able to work across the full chain from capture to final render without hand-holding
  • Self-directed and resourceful: you can identify what's broken and fix it


Nice to Have

  • Experience working with Blender
  • Rigging experience within Unreal Engine (Control Rig proficiency a plus)
  • Background in or exposure to CG animation pipelines for episodic or series content
  • Background or understanding of social media content (Tik Tok, Instagram, Youtube)

Apply