FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we work with Lunar FX?
We are specialists!
Lunar FX focuses exclusively on matchmove, rotomation and layout. Our highly skilled, experienced team have decades of experience in high end film and TV VFX, working at some of the biggest UK facilities like ILM, Dneg and Cinesite.
Our flexible delivery model allows us to integrate into your pipeline or deliver on the cloud and scale up as and when needed.
We work quickly, accurately and securely, providing the data you need to build your shots with confidence.
Can’t AI provide accurate camera solves and layouts?
Not yet – no.
Although AI can be a great tool and is constantly making improvements in image creation, it is not production ready for high-end VFX.
Complex lens profiles, set builds and motion blur require human supervision, technical precision and an experienced hand.
At Lunar FX we combine our team’s extensive experience with powerful tools (like 3DEqualizer, Maya and Nuke) to consistently deliver accurate, QC’d matchmove and layouts.
Where are you based?
We have two main hubs: our HQ is located just outside of London (offering convenient access to Leavesden, Pinewood, and Shinfield Studios), and we have a satellite office in Austria for managing our European projects. While our experienced artists are based across the UK and Europe, we operate as a remote facility, allowing us to efficiently deliver precision data and creative layouts to clients anywhere in the world.
How quickly can you get started?
We aim to start within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your brief and plates.
Same day may be possible for urgent projects – please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Are you able to accommodate peaks within a production schedule?
Of course!
We have an extensive network of vetted, experienced artists across the UK and Europe and can scale up instantly. Our team can flex to accommodate delivery peaks, increased scope of work, or new requests.
I have a large volume of camera tracks that just need QC’ing, is this something you can help with?
Absolutely.
Our Supervisors are available to QC and/or supervise work from another vendor or facility as and when required. This could be for a short term spike or on an ongoing basis for the duration of a project.
What do you need from us to start:
Matchmove
To begin matchmove work, we typically require:
- Plate sequence / footage
- Lens information (where available)
- Camera metadata
- On-set reference such as survey, lidar, witness cameras or tracking markers
- Any existing solve data or asset packages
If lens grids, camera reports or solved asset packages already exist, we can integrate these into the workflow to accelerate turnaround and improve accuracy.
Don’t worry if not everything is available — we regularly work with incomplete data and can advise on the best approach to achieve a robust solve.
Rotomation
For rotomation, we generally require:
- Plate sequence / footage
- Matchmove camera (if available)
- Animation brief or shot context
- Asset references or character proportions
- Any previs, postvis or creative notes
A clear understanding of the intended use — whether for cloth, FX interaction, CG integration or postvis — helps us tailor the level of fidelity required.
We’re happy to work from loose briefs and collaborate closely to establish the right level of motion and detail for the shot.
Layout
To get started with layout work, we typically require:
- Plate sequence / footage
- Matchmove camera
- Asset information and scene references
- Creative brief or technical requirements
- Environment, set extension or postvis context
Whether it’s environment placement, set extension preparation, postvis or scene assembly, we adapt to your pipeline and can work from anything between rough references and fully developed briefs.
Our goal is to establish a technically solid foundation that keeps downstream departments moving efficiently.
In what formats do you deliver the solved cameras, layouts, object and body tracks?
We deliver in industry-standard formats or per your pipeline preference:
- Cameras + Layouts: Maya ASCII / Alembic / FBX
- Tracks: Alembic caches, FBX or per your pipeline preference
- Nuke scripts with undistorted plates
What is included in your Layout deliverables?
As standard, we provide:
- Accurate camera placement and scene setup
- Proxy geometry placement / LIDAR alignment
- Character / vehicle/ object blocking
- Scene scale validation and naming conventions for easy integration
If you have other, specific requirements, please contact us to discuss further.
Can you solve shots with variable focal lengths (zooms)?
Yes we can.
The team have extensive experience handling zooms and lens breathing, particularly prevalent on anamorphic lenses.
We can use grids which contain all of the information we need.
How do you approach shots that have minimal reference points and / or are heavily motion blurred?
Our team combines a variety of approaches to ensure we can get the most accurate solve possible, even under difficult conditions. These include using masterscenes, projection techniques and proxy geometry references.
What happens if the scope of the work changes?
We adapt quickly!
Our team can scale up to manage increases in complexity or volume and will work with you to reassess any priorities – so you remain in control of the schedule.
All changes will be agreed upon before starting so there are no budget surprises either.
Are you available to go on set to shoot lens grids?
Yes.
Our supervisors can attend shoots in the UK to capture lens grids, set measurements, HDRIs, and other critical data. We have all the necessary equipment for this – so no need for you to supply anything.
If you are shooting outside of the UK please contact us [LINK to ‘Contact us’ page] so we can discuss your requirements.
How do you integrate into our pipeline?
All naming conventions, delivery formats and QC steps are tailored to your pipeline. This ensures our work can be used immediately and feed seamlessly to your downstream departments
For further integration, we can operate as a remote extension of your team. Our leads liaise directly with your production and supervision, keeping our team on track and working to your production schedule.
What does a cloud based delivery look like?
When delivering in the cloud, we set up a secure, TPN approved, cloud workspace for plates, assets, deliveries, and notes.
Assets are organized into shot packages and revisions are tracked with version control and shotgrid.
Once approved, the data can be used immediately.
What is your QC process?
At Lunar FX we have a rigorous QC process to ensure the outgoing work meets our exceptional standards. This includes:
- Pixel deviation check
- Projection tests in Nuke
- Masterscene creation
- Consistency checkers across similar shots across sequences
- Rig overlay for rotomation accuracy
- 2D point stabilisation
Our goal is to ensure the data is pixel-perfect when it reaches you.
What is the maximum pixel deviation you allow for an approved camera track?
As matchmove specialists, we will always aim for sub-pixel accuracy.
The Industry standard is under 1 pixel deviation, but the majority of solves our team produces are consistently tighter.
Do you offer lens distortion correction and un-distortion workflows?
Yes we do.
Our team frequently works with full lens distortion pipelines, delivering both distorted and undistorted renders as required. We can also generate Nuke LD/UD nodes and distortion maps for seamless integration, as well as ST maps if required.
Please contact us to discuss your pipeline requirements.
How quickly can you produce a camera solve for a standard shot?
We would expect a standard shot to be delivered within 24-48 hours of receiving the plates, brief and camera information. More complex shots and sequences with zooms or heavy motion blur are likely to take longer. We will always discuss the scope with you and provide a realistic delivery schedule prior to starting.
I need to ensure our project qualifies for the UK tax credit. Is this something you can help with?
Yes we can.
With a talented pool of artists across the UK and Europe, we are able to assign UK based artists to a project when required.
Please contact us to talk through your requirements.
What measures do you have in place to ensure our data and proprietary footage is secure?
Protecting your footage and data is our top priority.
We stringently follow the TPN-approved protocols to ensure your data is secure.
These protocols include: encrypted transfers, secure cloud servers and NDA compliance.
Files are only accessible to the team assigned to that show and all data is permanently deleted once the project has been delivered.
Do you sign our standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Of course.
Maintaining confidentiality and keeping our clients’ data secure is vital. As a trusted partner in creating high end VFX for some of the biggest studios globally, Lunar FX frequently handles sensitive data and footage.
NDAs are an essential part of maintaining security so we expect to sign these before finding more out about your project or starting work.
How do I get started?
Working with Lunar FX could not be simpler!
Firstly, send us a message via our contact form [LINK to ‘Contact us’ page] and one of our team will be in touch asap to book in a call.
We will discuss your project details, delivery requirements and deadlines. You can choose to send your NDA over for us to sign prior to the call if needed.
Then, share your plate(s) so we can review the scope of the work and provide a clear quote and timeline.
Once approved and we have the plates and any practical camera data we need, our team will make a start and you can expect initial deliveries within 24-48 hours.
Contact us to talk through your requirements.
Or email us at:info@lunarfx.co.uk
Still have questions? We’d love to hear from you.
