Tracking / Matchmove (Lingo)
Definition
Tracking (or Matchmoving) is the process of analyzing a piece of live-action footage to extract the exact movement of the camera (or an object within the frame) in 3D space. By tracking the footage, the VFX software creates a virtual camera that perfectly mimics the movement, lens distortion, and focal length of the real-world camera. This allows the VFX artists to place computer-generated objects into the scene so that they appear solidly anchored to the real-world environment, regardless of how the camera moves.
Contextual Usage
The VFX Supervisor reviews the progress of a shot: "The tracking on the handheld shot in the hallway is slipping slightly — the CG robot appears to slide across the floor instead of walking on it. I need the matchmove artist to refine the camera track and make sure the virtual ground plane perfectly aligns with the practical set."
About this section
Visual effects have become an indispensable part of modern filmmaking, enabling storytellers to create worlds, creatures, and events that would be impossible, impractical, or prohibitively expensive t...
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