Lead Compositor — Cinematic VFX for Live-Action

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

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.