What does a compositing supervisor do?
Compositing supervisors are in charge of the department that puts together all the different elements of the visual effects (VFX) shots. They manage the compositors, who do this work, and check it for quality. They are also responsible for ensuring the continuity of colour between shots.
Compositing supervisors are very experienced in compositing. They are experts in taking different digital materials, like computer-generated (CG) images and live-action footage, and combining them to appear as one cohesive shot. They organise the team of compositors to meet the deadlines so the film or TV production company gets the VFX work on time. They may also composite shots themselves if needed.
Compositing supervisors tend to be employed by VFX companies or studios rather than being freelancers.
What’s a compositing supervisor good at?
- A good eye: recognise what makes an image appear realistic in terms of light, colour, composition and perspective
- Knowledge of photography: understand cameras, cinematography and how films are made
- Communication and leadership: be able to manage compositors and share the creative vision of the project with them, inspire them to do their best work, manage their output in terms of quality and deadlines
- Organisation: plan workflows with a view to meeting deadlines, distribute work amongst your team
- Knowledge of VFX programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as Adobe After Effects, Blackmagic Fusion, Blender, Cinema 4D, Houdini, Maya, Nuke, RenderMan and 3ds Max
