Compositor — Final Frames for Animation (Remote)

Disney; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Surprise Studios Animation, a Disney company subsidiary, is seeking a Compositor in Des Moines, IA to create final composites for animated scenes and support daily stand‑ups and director reviews. The role is a union position under IATSE 839, emphasizing collaboration and technical excellence.

The compositor will refine mats, lighting, and finishing passes using Maya, Nuke, After Effects, and Photoshop, contributing to the director’s creative vision and maintaining proper documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience with Maya and Nuke.
• Proficiency in After Effects and Photoshop.
• Strong knowledge of matte, cryptomatte, and essential finishing layers.
• Ability to paint independently with commercial and proprietary lighting, rendering, and compositing tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field (preferred but not mandatory).
• Experience with Houdini and FX abilities is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability in digital touch‑up and portrait skills.

Responsibilities

• Compose final frames and illustrate for final composites.
• Attend daily stand‑ups (dailies) and series launches as needed.
• Participate in Director overview conferences as needed.
• Execute the Director’s creative vision through collaboration with team members.
• Assist in developing techniques to create and manage layers/mattes using compositing software and maintain documentation.

Skills

Digital touch‑up

Portrait skills

Finishing techniques

Independent painter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Nuke

After Effects

Photoshop

Houdini

Job description

Surprise Studios Animation, a Disney company subsidiary, is seeking a Compositor in Des Moines, IA to create final composites for animated scenes and support daily stand‑ups and director reviews. The role is a union position under IATSE 839, emphasizing collaboration and technical excellence.

The compositor will refine mats, lighting, and finishing passes using Maya, Nuke, After Effects, and Photoshop, contributing to the director’s creative vision and maintaining proper documentation.