Compositor

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Compositor

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Role Details

The Compositor is a key role in our 2D team and they work closely with the 2D team, 3D artists, production and the VFX Supervisors to produce high quality photorealistic images for our feature film and high end television projects that meet creative expectations and deadlines.  Depending on project requirements they will be responsible for seamlessly integrating CG assets, matte paintings, and live-action footage on shots and matching each layer in terms of light and shadow, colour and grading, perspective and depth, while ensuring each shot maintains continuity within its sequence.  They may also work on projects that require de-aging techniques or 2D effects such as dust particles, lens flare, motion blur, and graphics and blue/green screen extractions.  They will also take part in client reviews and daily sessions. 

In line with Union company values the Compositor will be proactive in developing and maintaining a positive, inclusive working environment in the department and will help to guide and mentor the more junior members of the 2D team to support them in the delivery of projects and help them learn and grow.

The Compositor will have a good creative eye and a strong sense of visual aesthetics.  They will have excellent time management and organisational skills and be able to provide accurate assessments of their shots and the time required to complete them.   They will have strong attention to detail, be able to take direction and feedback well and act efficiently on it and have a strong ability to problem solve and develop creative approaches. 

The Compositor will be proactive, self-motivated, able to work independently as well as collaboratively with both their immediate and wider teams and know when to escalate issues.  They will be adept at building relationships at all levels, finding appropriate solutions and regularly keeping in touch with their lead and Production to provide updates on any issues.  They will have an excellent understanding of a client service based studio. They will be proactive, happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with whatever needs doing, and be able to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and situations, always remaining calm and professional.


​Responsibilities:

  • Take briefs and direction from Lead Compositors and VFX Supervisors to execute assigned shots.

  • Work with the Visual Effects Supervisor and the Compositing Lead to determine, balance and apply the creative and technical approaches through rnd, lookdev and to final.

  • Produce high quality photorealistic images and create seamless transitions between filmed footage and composited 2D and 3D elements.

  • Deliver simple to complex compositing tasks at all stages of the production process including pre-comps, temp comps, lookdev through to final.

  • Proficiently apply 2.5d approaches, projections and use 3D environment within Nuke.

  • Apply knowledge of colour space principles.

  • As required on assigned shots; paint fixes, rotoscoping, chroma keying, colour and grading continuity, graining/degraining images.

  • Stitch plates (live-action footage) together.

  • Work with blue/green screen effects, creating mattes.

  • Enhance lighting effects and create convincing shadows within a shot.

  • Communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas clearly and succinctly.

  • Keep in touch with the bigger picture of what is happening on each project and the deadlines. 

  • Work efficiently with the compositing team and other departments to deliver work within established project targets and to creative expectations.

  • Manage time effectively and give accurate assessments of the workload and any changes to the time required to complete tasks, escalate any issues.

  • Liaise regularly with 2D lead to plan, troubleshoot and ensure efficient communication and workflow throughout each project.

  • Liaise effectively with 3D artists to help ensure smooth cross department workflows and communication.

  • Be highly proactive, use initiative to identify problems, find solutions and make things happen.

  • Take on board and accurately and efficiently action feedback.

  • Ensure assigned shots meet Union QC standards and show specific requirements.

  • Apply good understanding of technical workflows such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts and automation tools etc.

  • Create clean and organised Nuke scripts.  

  • Stay up-to-date with evolving 2D tools and techniques.

  • Provide assistance as required in crunch times across multiple projects to get shots and projects across the line.

  • Proactively engage with and learn to use new technologies and tools.

  • Mentor and support more junior artists.


Skills, knowledge and experience:

  • Experience in film/ TV VFX production in a similar position.

  • Good working knowledge of Nuke.

  • Detail oriented, with a good artistic eye, good understanding of photography.

  • Technical and creative knowledge and understanding of colour, light, composition and design.

  • Ability to remain calm and deliver effectively under pressure.

  • Excellent problem solving skills.

  • Excellent organisational and communication skills.

  • Thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline and film/ TV production workflows.

  • Ability to perform multiple tasks, prioritise and manage time effectively.

  • Positive, flexible, proactive and enthusiastic approach to all projects and tasks.

  • Very strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Thorough understanding of core compositing techniques including  colour correction, blue & green screen extraction, roto, CG and working with AOVs, and tracking.

  • Knowledge of the technical and organisational aspects of a studio pipeline.

  • Ability to take direction and feedback and efficiently action it.

  • Attention to detail, deadlines and the ability to organise and plan goals is important.

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