Compositor - Junior Prep

Based in Vancouver BC, Image Engine is a world-class visual effects studio led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling. We offer a full range of visual effects services from concept designs and pre-visualization to computer-generated animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects.

Involved from the very first stages of production, our exceptionally talented crew works closely with clients to push artistic and technical boundaries. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation, with a focus on continually evolving our robust production pipelines and pioneering in the area of proprietary software development.

Well-known for our groundbreaking alien animations in Neill Blomkamp’s critically-acclaimed film District 9, we have gone on to produce more award-winning work in The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, Elysium, and most recently, we received an Emmy Award for our VFX work in The Book of Boba Fett.

Our recent productions include The Mandalorian: Season 3, The Three-Body Problem, Willow, The School for Good and Evil, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Moon Knight, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Snowpiercer, Hawkeye, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Mulan, and much more.

**POSITION PURPOSE**

The primary focus of the Junior Compositor is to assist the Compositing Lead & Compositing Supervisor in show-setup related tasks, such as denoising plates, retiming & repo-ing shots to match client editorial reference, and creating fast WIP keys (“Premults”) to pass to upstream departments. The Junior Compositor will also be required to complete high quality composites for feature film based on Image Engine’s production needs. They will work with the Compositing Supervisor/Lead to identify key strengths and areas of development to maximize their time and to assist in task distribution. They will be eager and willing to learn new approaches and technology to execute superior quality work. Junior artists will complete tasks within the assigned time frame. They will use their listening skills to take on feedback for improvement and professional development. They will begin to quality check their work to improve standards and develop as an artist. They will troubleshoot problems as necessary; however, will bring questions forward to Leads and Supervisors as soon as possible to ensure effective use of time and resources.

**DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Focus on show-setup tasks such as denoising plates, retiming & repo-ing shots to match client editorial reference, and creating fast WIP keys (“Premults”) to pass to upstream departments.
- Communicate successes and challenges faced by the team to the Compositing Supervisor
- Take direction from the Compositing Leads & Compositing Supervisors to ensure efficient workflow in completing CompPrep tasks.
- Work primarily with Compositing Supervisor/ leads to effectively solve compositing challenges within the pipeline
- Composite multiple types of shots (live action footage, digital still photography, rendered cg elements and digital paint)
- Work with production and supervisor team to understand and manage schedules and shot deadlines
- Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings
- Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve throughout
- Work with Compositing team to maintain continuity and consistent performance within a show
- Work closely with lighters and matte painters to finish shots so that computer generated elements are seamlessly integrated with live-action plates
- Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
- Promote interdepartmental collaboration

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- 1+ years’ experience in compositing digital VFX for film
- Demonstrated knowledge of Nuke (ie. assemble cg passes, cleanup, keying, roto)
- Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**

**Technical skills**
- Aptitude for technical workflow challenges such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, automation tools, automated dailies, etc.
- Good understanding of photography and film and how the interactions of light, lenses and film emulsions go to make up the image
- Ability to understand black levels, grain structure and any technical issues pertaining to the film format

**Core skills**
- Ability to composite basic shots with increasingly less supervision
- Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
- Excellent time management and communication skills
- Ability to remain calm during peak production periods and maintain the morale of the Compositing team.