Log In
Sign Up
Compositor
Union VFX
Job Summary
The Compositor is a key role within our 2D team, working closely with 2D artists, 3D artists, production, and VFX supervisors to produce high-quality photorealistic images for our high-end feature film and television projects, meeting creative expectations and deadlines. Depending on project needs, the Compositor will seamlessly integrate 3D elements, matte paintings, and live-action footage, paying close attention to lighting and shadow, color and grading, perspective and depth, ensuring each shot maintains consistency within its sequence.
The role may also involve working on projects requiring rejuvenation techniques or 2D effects such as dust particles, lens flares, motion blur, and blue/green screen extractions. The Compositor will participate in client reviews and daily sessions.
In line with Union’s values, the Compositing Artist will proactively foster and maintain a positive and inclusive work environment within the department and help guide and mentor junior members of the 2D team to support their project delivery and growth.
The Compositing Artist will have a strong creative eye and keen sense of visual aesthetics. They will possess excellent time management and organizational skills and be able to provide accurate assessments of their shots and the time required to complete them. Attention to detail, ability to follow instructions and feedback effectively, strong problem-solving skills, and creative approaches are essential.
The Compositing Artist will be proactive, motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively with immediate and extended teams, and know when to escalate issues. They will be adept at building relationships at all levels, finding appropriate solutions, and maintaining regular communication with their supervisor and production to provide updates on any issues. They will have an excellent understanding of a client-service based studio. They will be hands-on, willing to roll up their sleeves, multitask, adapt to changing priorities and situations, and remain calm and professional.
Key Responsibilities
- Take briefings and direction from lead compositors and VFX supervisors to execute assigned shots.
- Work with the VFX supervisor and compositing lead to determine, balance, and apply creative and technical approaches across R&D, lookdev, and final stages.
- Produce high-quality photorealistic images and create smooth transitions between live-action footage and 2D/3D composited elements.
- Perform compositing tasks ranging from simple to complex at all stages of production including pre-comps, temp comps, lookdev, and final.
- Apply 2.5D approaches, projections, and use the 3D environment in Nuke competently.
- Apply knowledge of color space principles.
- Perform paint corrections, rotoscoping, chroma keying, color continuity and grading, grain/noise reduction as needed on assigned shots.
- Assemble live-action plates.
- Work with blue/green screen effects, creating mattes.
- Enhance lighting effects and create convincing shadows within shots.
- Communicate creative and technical ideas clearly and succinctly.
- Maintain an overview of each project and deadlines.
- Work effectively with the compositing team and other departments to deliver work within project goals and creative expectations.
- Manage time efficiently and provide accurate workload estimates and flag any changes in time required.
- Liaise regularly with the 2D lead to plan, troubleshoot, and ensure effective communication and workflow throughout each project.
- Coordinate effectively with 3D artists to ensure smooth interdepartmental workflows and communication.
- Be highly proactive, take initiative to identify problems, find solutions, and move things forward.
- Accurately and efficiently incorporate feedback.
- Ensure assigned shots meet Union QC standards and specific requirements.
- Apply good understanding of technical workflows such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, and automation tools.
- Create clean and organized Nuke scripts.
- Stay updated with evolving 2D tools and techniques.
- Provide assistance as needed during busy periods across multiple projects to get shots and projects across the line.
- Engage proactively and learn to use new technologies and tools.
- Mentor and support junior artists.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Experience in film/TV VFX production in a similar role.
- Good working knowledge of Nuke.
- Attention to detail with a strong artistic eye and good understanding of photography.
- Technical and creative knowledge and understanding of color, light, composition, and design.
- Ability to remain calm and deliver effectively under pressure.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Deep knowledge of VFX pipeline and film/TV production workflows.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
- Positive, flexible, proactive, and enthusiastic approach to all projects and tasks.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Thorough understanding of basic compositing techniques including color correction, blue/green screen extraction, roto, CG and AOV work, and tracking.
- Knowledge of technical and organizational aspects of a studio pipeline.
- Ability to follow instructions and feedback and implement them effectively.
- Strong attention to detail, deadlines, and ability to organize and plan goals.
