Lead Compositing Artist

About the Role

Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced and hands-on Lead Compositor to guide the seamless integration of VFX elements for a revolutionary project in collaboration with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves’ 6th and Idaho. This studio-based role in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers the chance to work on a production that’s both innovative and unforgettable, blending hands-on artistry with cutting-edge visual storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compositing of complex shots, ensuring seamless integration of elements while maintaining the film's visual language and aesthetic.
• Support the Compositing Supervisor in guiding artists and maintaining consistent artistic and technical standards across sequences.
• Collaborate with CG, Character Comp, Tracking, and other departments for smooth handoffs and proper element integration.
• Contribute significant on-the-box compositing work, solving complex challenges and setting best practices for the team.
• Provide feedback, mentorship, and guidance to compositors to foster growth and maintain a collaborative environment.
• Track shot progress, support deadline adherence, and ensure high-quality output.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in artist scripts and assist with workflow solutions.
• Collaborate on pipeline improvements, tool needs, and workflow optimizations.
• Translate creative and technical notes from stakeholders into clear shot direction.
• Participate in dailies, reviews, and team syncs, providing constructive feedback and ensuring efficient note application.
• Create clean, efficient Nuke scripts, templates, and reusable setups for scalable workflows.
• Maintain organized files and adhere to pipeline standards, naming conventions, and documentation practices.
• Contribute to early visual development, look development, and R&D as needed.
• Stay informed on emerging compositing tools, technologies, and industry techniques.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of high-end, live-action film or episodic compositing experience, with a focus on environments and realism.
• Proven experience leading shots or mentoring artists within a compositing team.
• Strong on-the-box compositing skills involving live-action and CG integration.
• Expert-level knowledge of Nuke, including Gizmos, Groups, projections, depth workflows, and advanced techniques.
• Experience compositing both stylized and photorealistic environments with attention to cinematography and storytelling.
• Solid understanding of DMP and CG pipelines within VFX production.
• Experience with OCIO/ACES color workflows.
• Working knowledge of vector-based compositing tools and techniques.
• Strong understanding of visual language, including texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, motion blur, depth of field, and spatial awareness.
• Experience working with LiDAR scans, HDRIs, and photogrammetry.
• Strong understanding of cinematography, photography, and color science, including lenses, lighting setups, and camera workflows.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Nuke particles.
• Familiarity with KeenTools.
• Understanding of lighting workflows within a CG pipeline.
• Experience with Python scripting for Nuke or batch automation.
• Previous collaboration with Technical Directors on pipeline tools or workflow improvements.
• Familiarity with performance-tracking pipelines, rotomation, or hybrid workflows.
• Basic experience with Unreal Engine or other real-time rendering tools.

About Swaybox Studios

At Swaybox Studios, we believe great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities. We foster a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.