VFX Senior Matchmove and Layout Pipeline Technical Director
LAIKA
US
https://montujj.netlify.app/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/montu/
https://youtu.be/XbXQ0Lzyv_U
LAIKA
US
https://montujj.netlify.app/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/montu/
https://youtu.be/XbXQ0Lzyv_U
Montu Jariwala
With over 22 years of experience in the Visual Effects industry, I have contributed to feature films, commercials, and television projects as a Technical Director specializing in tracking, matchmove, layout, and pipeline development.
I focus on designing and implementing advanced, production-proven workflows and Python-based tools that streamline integration, camera tracking, and layout processes across Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and 3DEqualizer. My work has supported large-scale productions by improving efficiency, reducing manual overhead, and enabling teams to handle complex technical challenges with consistency and reliability.
My core expertise includes camera and object tracking, rigid body tracking, character matchmove, and photogrammetry, including geometry reconstruction from reference imagery and HDR data preparation. I have also contributed to environment workflows such as 2D/3D projections and environment compositing, along with developing custom tools that enhance artist productivity and pipeline scalability.
With a background as an artist, I have a strong understanding of real production challenges, which allows me to build tools and workflows that are practical, intuitive, and aligned with artist needs.
I am proficient with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Nuke, 3DEqualizer, SynthEyes and modern development environments including PyQt, Git/GitHub, GitLab.
Throughout my career, I have consistently focused on bridging the gap between creative and technical teams, delivering robust solutions that support high-quality visual effects work under demanding production conditions.
I am currently seeking opportunities as VFX Pipeline Technical Director Role or in Matchmove, Layout, roles where I can contribute my expertise to complex, high-end productions.
Role with the VES
Member
Work Experience
WORK EXPERIENCELAIKA Studios — Hillsboro, OR
VFX Senior Matchmove & Layout Pipeline TD
Aug 2023 – Present
Owned and expanded Matchmove pipeline tools in 3DE, Maya, and Nuke. Built Nuke tracking review and publish tools streamlining shot approval workflows. Adapted to USD pipeline ecosystem while supporting Layout and Survey teams. Scripted consolidation and baking of multiple RealityCapture static camera positions into a single animated camera path.
Encore / Company 3 — Santa Monica, CA
Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD & Department Technical Director
Nov 2019 – Aug 2023
Developed Maya and Nuke Python tools for Animation, Tracking, Matchmove, and Layout. TV credits include Twisted Metal (S1, 10 eps), Dead Boys Detective (S1, 9 eps), Doom Patrol (S4), Black Lightning (S3–S4, 9 eps), Riverdale (S7), Batwoman, Virgin River, The Flash (S7), and more. Feature credits include Fear, Copshop, Shadow Force.
Ingenuity Studios — Hollywood, CA
Tracking / Matchmove / Layout TD
Jan 2019 – Nov 2019
TV credits on award-nominated series: Supergirl (S5 & S6 — Saturn Award winner, 15 wins & 52 nominations), The Flash (S7 — VES nominated), Runaways (S3), Stumptown, Goliath, Grownish. Music video credits: Travis Scott "Highest in the Room" (Billboard #1, VES-verified credit), Taylor Swift "Lover" & "You Need to Calm Down", Camila Cabello, YungBlud.
Method Studios — Santa Monica, CA
Tracking / Layout Department Technical Director
Oct 2013 – Nov 2018
Designed MTT — a Maya-based UI consolidating 100+ tracking utilities, adopted globally across all Method sites worldwide. Built Trackcomp wireframe render tool used globally by Track/Layout teams. Built GSI Importer supporting TCR-1105, TCR-1200, TS-12, and TS-06 survey devices. MCU credits across 8 films: Black Panther (BAFTA Won), Avengers: Infinity War & Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange (Oscar/BAFTA Nom), Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Ant-Man, GotG Vol. 2.
Digital Domain — Venice, CA
Data Integration / Senior Tracking Artist
Feb 2007 – Oct 2013
Six years on Oscar-winning and major studio productions. Oscar-winning work on Benjamin Button and Golden Compass. Senior tracking on Iron Man 3 (environment setup, Nuke projections, HDR, camera & object tracking), Real Steel (Oscar nom, stereo reconstruction, 200+ shots), TRON: Legacy (stereo tracking, on-set survey & HDR), Jack the Giant Slayer, Transformers (Oscar nom), Pirates of the Caribbean (VES Won), Maleficent, GI Joe, Speed Racer.
Rhythm & Hues — Los Angeles, CA
Technical Animator / Creature TD & Matchmove TD
Sep 2005 – Oct 2006
Fur and cloth simulations for photorealistic creature integration on Charlotte's Web (VES Nominated — Outstanding Visual Effects & Animated Character) and Night at the Museum. Matchmove and tracking on Superman Returns and Garfield 2. Camera tracking and CG set photo modeling for Central Park Museum based on survey data.
Giant Killer Robots — San Francisco, CA
Tracking / Matchmove Artist
2005
Camera track, object track, and character matchmove in SynthEyes and Maya on Fantastic Four. Built environment and prop geometry for set, stabilized and undistorted plates.
Escape Entertainment — Alameda, CA
Tracking / Matchmove Artist
Jan 2004 – Jul 2004
Camera track, rigid body track, character rig matchmove, camera calibration, photo modeling, and set fitting on Catwoman and Constantine.
Film Credits
FEATURE FILMSLAIKA Studios (2023–Present)
Wildwood (In Production) — Senior Matchmove & Layout Pipeline TD
Method Studios (2013–2018)
Black Panther — Layout / Tracking TD (2018) · 🏆 BAFTA Won · 3 Oscars
Avengers: Infinity War — Layout / Tracking TD (2018)
Spider-Man: Homecoming — Layout / Tracking TD (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — Layout / Tracking TD (2017)
Doctor Strange — Layout / Tracking TD (2016) · ⭐ Oscar Nom · BAFTA Nom
Captain America: Civil War — Layout / Tracking TD (2016)
San Andreas — Layout / Tracking TD (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron — Layout / Tracking TD (2015)
Ant-Man — Layout / Tracking TD (2015)
Jupiter Ascending — Layout / Tracking TD (2015)
Divergent — Layout / Tracking TD (2014)
Hercules — Matchmove / Tracking TD (2014)
Digital Domain (2007–2013)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2008) · 🏆 Oscar Won · BAFTA Won · VES Won
The Golden Compass — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2007) · 🏆 Oscar Won · BAFTA Won · VES Won
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2007) · 🏆 VES Won
Iron Man 3 — Sr. Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2013)
Oblivion — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2013)
Maleficent — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2013)
Into the Storm — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2013)
Jack the Giant Slayer — Sr. Data Integration / Stereo Tracking Artist (2013)
The Watch — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2012)
Real Steel — Environments TD & Data Integration (2011) · ⭐ Oscar Nom
TRON: Legacy — Data Integration / Stereo Tracking Artist (2010)
The A-Team — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2010)
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2009)
Transformers — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2007) · ⭐ Oscar Nom
We Own the Night — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2007)
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2007)
Speed Racer — Data Integration / Tracking Artist (2008)
Rhythm & Hues (2005–2006)
Charlotte's Web — Matchmove / Tracking TD (2006) · ⭐ VES Nom
Night at the Museum — Technical Animator / Creature TD (2006)
Superman Returns — Matchmove / Tracking TD (2006)
Garfield 2: A Tale of Two Kitties — Matchmove / Tracking TD (2006)
Giant Killer Robots (2005)
Fantastic Four — Tracking / Matchmove Artist (2005)
Escape Entertainment (2004)
Constantine — Tracking / Matchmove Artist (2005)
Catwoman — Tracking / Matchmove Artist (2004)
TELEVISION
Encore / Company 3 (2019–2023)
Twisted Metal S1 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2023)
Dead Boys Detective S1 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2023)
Riverdale S7 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2023)
Virgin River S5 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2023)
Batwoman S2 & S3 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2021–2022)
Doom Patrol S4 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2022) · ⭐ Emmy Nom
Supergirl S5 & S6 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2020–2021) · 🏆 Saturn Won
Black Lightning S3 & S4 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2020–2021)
The Flash S7 — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD (2021) · ⭐ VES Nom
All American · Walker: Independence · SEAL Team · The Villains of Valley View · The Unquiet Dead (2019–2023)
Ingenuity Studios (2019)
Runaways S3 (Hulu / Marvel) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Stumptown S1 (ABC) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Goliath S3 (Amazon) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Looking for Alaska S1 (Hulu) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD · ⭐ Peabody Award
Grace & Frankie S6 (Netflix) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
The Kominsky Method S2 (Netflix) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Grownish S3 (Freeform) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Bless This Mess S2 (ABC) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Single Parents S2 (ABC) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
Fresh Off the Boat S6 (ABC) — Matchmove / Tracking / Layout TD
MUSIC VIDEOS
Ingenuity Studios (2019)
Travis Scott — "Highest in the Room" (Billboard #1 · VES Credit Verified)
Taylor Swift — "Lover" & "You Need to Calm Down"
Camila Cabello — "Liar"
YungBlud — "Original Me"
J.J. Lin — "Wonderland"
Skills & Titles
Visual Effect Technical DirectorCORE EXPERTISE
EXP-01 — Camera & Object Tracking
17 years of production matchmove across feature film, TV, and commercials. Expert in 3DEqualizer and SynthEyes for complex stereo, character, and facial tracking.
EXP-02 — Pipeline Tool Development
13 years building Python tools for Maya, Nuke, and 3DEqualizer. Designed and deployed 100+ tracking utilities at Method Studios, adopted globally across all VFX sites.
EXP-03 — Layout & Survey Integration
Full-production layout pipeline ownership: survey data import, photogrammetry via Agisoft Metashape and RealityCapture, and set geometry creation for CG integration.
EXP-04 — Character Matchmove
Full-body and facial matchmove including skin-tight deformation and CG head/neck replacement on productions such as Benjamin Button and Jack the Giant Slayer.
EXP-05 — USD Pipeline & Modern APIs
Adapted to USD pipeline ecosystems at LAIKA, delivering production tools within modern API frameworks while maintaining continuity for active daily production needs.
EXP-06 — Stereo, HDR & Environments
Stereo reconstruction, HDR prep, Nuke projection setup, and environment comp across 200+ shots on Real Steel, TRON: Legacy, and Iron Man 3.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Core Languages
Python · MEL · TCL · Shell Scripting · HTML / CSS
DCC Software
Maya · Nuke · 3DEqualizer · SynthEyes · After Effects · Photoshop
APIs & Frameworks
OpenMaya API · Nuke API · PyQt / PySide · tde4 API · Houdini Camera API · USD
Photogrammetry & Survey
Agisoft Metashape Pro · RealityCapture · Stereo Reconstruction · HDR Prep
Version Control
Git · GitHub · GitLab · Bitbucket