What software programs and techniques do you need to learn to get a job as a compositor for feature films?
Software Programs:
- Nuke by The Foundry
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- Keylight by The Foundry
- Primatte Keyer by Red Giant
- Ultimatte Keyer
- Shake by Apple
- Experience with Autodesk Maya (a plus)
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Photoshop
- Flame
What you need to know:
- Knowledge of film resolution and aspect ratios
- Understanding of color, contrast and lighting design
- Knowledge of projection mapping
- Node based compositing using Nuke, Shake, Fusion
- Blue screen green screen extractions
- Keying in Keylight, Primatte or Ultimatte
- Integrate elements into live action plates
- Using matte paintings and live action plates
- Matte extensions from blue/green screen Photography
- Use scripts (programming experience a plus)
- Transform elements
- 2D/D Camera Tracking Stabilization
- Grain & Degrain
- Plate speed up/slow down manipulation
- Matte edge processing and integration
- QC black levels, grain, color and mattes
- Paint fixes and Rotoscoping
- Integration of live action, miniature and CGI Sources
- Composite design
- Photography
- Lighting
- Color Grading
- Multi-platform environment
- Matte paining & texture painting is always good too
- Real world understanding of physics, math, proportion, depth, light and color
What you should have on your demo reel:
- Artistic Skills
- Knowledge of color
- Knowledge of lighting
- Knowledge of perspective
- Knowledge of scale
- Knowledge of composition
A compositor for feature film makes approximately between $55,000 to $100,000, depending on experience. A compositor will normally work under a contract which will expire in a set period of time.
