Bodytracking is a precise skill. You need to be able to accurately animate complex animation rigs to match the movement of Character or Objects often on a frame-by-frame basis. This requires a mastery of the animation toolset and excellent spatial awareness and timing.
To succeed at this job, you need:
In depth knowledge of matchmove software and terminology.
Comfortable with complex animation rigs and the animation toolset of CG software such as Maya, Houdini, 3DsMax etc.
A broad understanding of VFX pipelines.
Excellent sense of 3D space and time to accurately animate object through space and time.
A great eye for details, with high standards.
Determination to tackle and solve particularly time consuming tasks in an efficient manner.
To be highly motivated, and be able to work within a team.
An ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
Strong communication skills to make sure important information is clearly conveyed within the Matchmove department.
Career Path to Bodytracker : Experience as junior Matchmove Artist.
Career Path from Bodytracker: Matchmove Supervisor, Junior Modeler, CG Generalist.
Education Routes: Bodytrackers often have a degree in Animation, Visual Effects or Motion design. An appropriate Show reel highlighting matchmove experience is important here.