Lead Compositing Artist

SWAYBOX STUDIOS®; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Swaybox Studios in New Orleans, LA is seeking an experienced Lead Compositor to guide the seamless integration of VFX elements across live-action plates. You will lead shot execution, mentor artists, and ensure creative vision and technical quality within a fast-paced production pipeline.

This onsite role requires deep on-the-box compositing skills in Nuke and strong collaboration with CG, Tracking, and TD teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of high-end, live-action film or episodic compositing experience.
• Proven experience leading shots or mentoring artists within a compositing team environment.
• 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 compositing techniques.
• Experience compositing both stylized and photorealistic environments with strong attention to cinematography and storytelling detail.
• Solid understanding of DMP and CG pipelines within a VFX production environment.
• Experience working 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 quickly and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the compositing of complex shots, ensuring seamless integration of elements while maintaining the visual language and aesthetic of the film.
• Guide artists and maintain standards across sequences.
• Collaborate with CG, Tracking, and other departments for handoffs.
• Contribute on-the-box compositing work and share best practices.
• Mentor compositors and foster collaboration.
• Track shot progress and help meet deadlines.
• Troubleshoot scripts and improve workflows.
• Identify pipeline improvements with supervisors and TDs.
• Translate director and supervisor notes into shot direction.
• Participate in dailies and reviews.
• Create clean Nuke scripts and reusable templates.
• Maintain organized files and pipeline conventions.
• Contribute to early look development and R&D.
• Stay informed on new compositing tools.

Skills

Strong on-the-box compositing

Lead shot control & mentoring

Excellent communication

Live-action & CG integration

Tools

Nuke

Job description

Why join Swaybox Studios?

Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/ Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you’ll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that’s equal parts innovative and unforgettable.

Job Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Lead Compositor to help guide the seamless integration of our VFX elements. In this role, you will support the compositing team in maintaining visual consistency across practical and CG environment extensions, props, vehicles, and other FX elements to achieve both photorealistic and stylized composites. Working closely with the Compositing Supervisor, artists, and Technical Directors, you will lead shot execution, mentor compositors, and help maintain efficient workflows while ensuring the creative vision and technical quality of the film are upheld. This position requires strong on‑the‑box compositing skills, experience guiding artists within a production environment, and advanced knowledge of Nuke within a live‑action VFX pipeline. This is a studio-based role working onsite in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the compositing of complex shots, ensuring seamless integration of elements while maintaining the visual language and aesthetic of the film.


• Support the Compositing Supervisor in guiding artists and maintaining consistent artistic and technical standards across assigned sequences.


• Work closely with CG, Character Comp, Tracking, and other departments to ensure smooth handoffs and proper integration of elements.


• Contribute significant on‑the‑box compositing work, solving complex compositing challenges and setting examples of best practices for the team.


• Provide feedback, mentorship, and guidance to compositors to support growth and maintain a collaborative working environment.


• Help track shot progress and support the team in meeting deadlines, while maintaining high-quality output.


• Troubleshoot technical issues within artist scripts and assist with workflow solutions.


• Collaborate with the Compositing Supervisor and TDs to help identify pipeline improvements, tool needs, and workflow optimizations.


• Translate creative and technical notes from the Director, VFX Supervisor, Compositing Supervisor, and stakeholders into clear shot direction.


• Participate in dailies, reviews, and team syncs, providing constructive feedback and helping ensure notes are applied efficiently.


• Create clean, efficient Nuke scripts, templates, and reusable setups that support scalable workflows.


• Maintain organized files while adhering to pipeline standards, naming conventions, and documentation practices.


• Contribute to early visual development, look development, and R&D when needed.


• Stay informed on emerging compositing tools, technologies, and industry techniques.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of high-end, live‑action film or episodic compositing experience, with a strong emphasis on environments and realism.


• Proven experience leading shots or mentoring artists within a compositing team environment.


• 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 compositing techniques.


• Experience compositing both stylized and photorealistic environments with strong attention to cinematography and storytelling detail.


• Solid understanding of DMP and CG pipelines within a VFX production environment.


• Experience working 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 quickly 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.

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

We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.