Compositor.
VFX compositors seamlessly integrate computer-generated (CG) assets, matte paintings, and live-action footage to make a single moving image, known as a shot. They take all the different assets used such as CG images, live-action footage and matte paintings, and match each layer in light and shadow, colour and grading, perspective, and depth while ensuring each shot maintains continuity within its sequence.
Compositor’s job is to consider the visual aspects of a scene. Realistic lighting is a key one of these. They relight to improve the image’s look and make sure that the CG looks like it is on the plate. Compositor’s work is the last part of the pipeline.
The compositor works closely with the Roto artist. The mattes which roto artists produce serve as important layers for compositors to work with. Prep artists create clean plates for compositors. Roto artists and Prep artists work towards being Compositors.
When I joined UAL, I didn’t know much about the different job roles in the Visual effects industry. I use to think that visual effects was a role. After going to throw all the jobs and their discretion, I realised that I would like to become a Compositor. It is ready exciting to add CG to live-action footage and make it look like it was all shot in real life. Ultimately I would like to open a window into another world throw my work.
Weta Digital (2019), Avengers: Infinity War VFX | Breakdown – Compositing | Weta DigitalYouTube[Online Video]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2w1EaIrRpQ&ab_channel=WetaDigital [ 25th February 2023].
Fireball VFX (2018), Who is the Compositor & Visual Effects Artist and How to Become One | VFX | LESSON 01 [Online Video]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH9jp7RXoX4&ab_channel=FireballVFX [ 25th February 2023].