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