Atlantis Animation is currently seeking a visionary and technically proficient Lead Compositor to join our elite creative team in the breathtaking landscapes of Tenerife. This is a rare opportunity to spearhead the visual finishing of a high-profile global project while living in one of Europe’s most stunning locations.
As we embark on our latest collaboration—the epic animated saga Messi and the Giants—we are looking for a leader who balances artistic excellence with technical mastery. If you have a passion for storytelling through light and color, and the leadership acumen to guide a world-class team, we invite you to explore this role.
Job Overview: Lead Compositor
| Feature | Details |
| Company Name | Atlantis Animation S.L. |
| Project Title | Messi and the Giants (Sony Music Vision / Sony Pictures Television Kids) |
| Position | Lead Compositor |
| Location | Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands (100% On-Site) |
| Contract Type | Temporary Full-Time Employee (No Freelance) |
| Duration | June 2026 – April 2027 (Approx. 10 Months) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time (40 Hours/Week) |
| Language Requirement | Fluent English |
| Work Permit | Valid EU / Spanish Work Authorization Required |
| Estimated Salary Range | €45,000 – €60,000 Gross Annual (Commensurate with seniority/experience) |
Based in the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Atlantis Animation is not just a studio; it is a hub where cutting-edge technology meets boundless imagination. We have established ourselves as a premier European destination for high-quality animated series and feature-length productions.
Our portfolio includes global sensations such as Tara Duncan and the fifth season of Miraculous Ladybug, both of which have reached millions of viewers via Disney Channel and Disney+. We pride ourselves on a culture of “inner magic,” where every artist is encouraged to push the boundaries of what is possible in CG animation.
The Project: “Messi and the Giants”
Join us in bringing to life a captivating new series produced in partnership with Sony Music Vision, Sony Pictures Television Kids, and Leo Messi Management.
Messi and the Giants follows a young boy named Leo who is swept away from his home in Argentina and thrust into a fantastical alternate universe. This project demands a high level of visual sophistication, blending emotional character beats with grand-scale environmental world-building. As Lead Compositor, you will be the final gatekeeper of this visual journey.
The Lead Compositor serves as a vital bridge between the creative vision of the Directors and the technical execution of the Compositing department. You will report directly to the Compositing Supervisor and VFX Supervisor, ensuring that the production stays on schedule while maintaining an uncompromising standard of beauty and consistency.
1. Leadership and Mentorship
A significant portion of this role is dedicated to people management. You will:
- Oversee a dedicated team of compositors, providing daily guidance and technical troubleshooting.
- Assign shots based on individual artist strengths and project priority.
- Conduct daily “dailies” or internal reviews to ensure the team is aligned with the project’s aesthetic.
- Mentor junior and mid-level artists, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.
2. Creative Execution and Quality Control
You are responsible for the “final look” of the series. Your duties include:
- Ensuring every shot meets the creative direction set by the Creative Director and the high expectations of our clients (Sony/Disney).
- Maintaining strict visual consistency across different sequences to ensure lighting, mood, and color palettes remain cohesive.
- Deep-diving into shots to perform quality control, checking for render artifacts, technical errors, or aesthetic mismatches before they reach the Supervisor.
- Developing creative solutions to complex visual problems, enhancing the storytelling through clever use of light, atmosphere, and depth.
3. Technical Workflow and Pipeline
As a Lead, you are expected to optimize the way we work:
- Maintain clean, efficient, and well-documented Nuke scripts.
- Develop and manage “Master Templates” and Gizmos to streamline the workflow for the entire team.
- Collaborate with the Pipeline and Lighting departments to ensure smooth data handovers and to address any upstream bottlenecks.
- Utilize Python scripting (where applicable) to automate repetitive tasks and improve department efficiency.
4. Production Liaison
You will be the voice of the compositing team in production meetings:
- Assist the Producer and VFX Supervisor in bidding shots and estimating time requirements.
- Monitor progress against the production schedule, proactively identifying risks to deadlines.
- Participate in client reviews, effectively communicating technical challenges and creative triumphs.
We are seeking a seasoned professional who has “been in the trenches” of high-end CG production.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of professional compositing experience, with at least two years in a Lead or Senior capacity on CG-heavy projects (Animation, Film, or High-end TV).
- Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Foundry Nuke. You should be comfortable building complex node-based setups that are both powerful and user-friendly for your team.
- Artistic Sensibility: A profound understanding of color theory, cinematography, lighting, and composition. You should know how to guide the viewer’s eye and evoke emotion through the final image.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of multi-pass CG compositing, Deep Compositing, and AOVs. Knowledge of Python is highly desirable to assist in tool development.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. You must be able to articulate complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
- Soft Skills: High level of organization, a calm demeanor under tight deadlines, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.
This is more than just a job; it is a lifestyle choice.
- The Environment: Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a stunning mix of urban culture and natural wonder. From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Teide to world-class beaches, your weekends will be as inspiring as your workdays.
- Work-Life Balance: At Atlantis, we believe that inspired artists produce the best work. We value a structured work week that allows you to enjoy the island’s climate and amenities.
- The Hub: Tenerife is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse for animation and VFX, offering a community of international talent and a supportive local ecosystem.
Application Process
Atlantis Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
How to Apply: Please submit your application including:
1. An up-to-date CV/Resume highlighting your leadership experience.
2. A link to your Demo Reel (please include a breakdown of your specific contributions to each shot).
3. Confirmation of your EU/Spanish Work Permit status.
4. A brief cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for Messi and the Giants.
Note on Location: This position is strictly on-site in Tenerife. Remote work or freelance arrangements will not be considered for this specific vacancy. Successful candidates must be prepared to relocate for the duration of the contract (June 2026 – April 2027).
