
DNEG, the Academy Award-winning global leader in visual effects and animation, is seeking a visionary Compositing Supervisor to join our premier creative team in Sydney, Australia. As a key leadership figure, you will be the driving force behind the final visual polish of major feature films and high-end television projects.
This is a high-impact role designed for a master of the 2D craft—someone who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and artistic excellence. You will work at the heart of our production pipeline, ensuring that every frame meeting the client’s eye is a masterpiece of integration, light, and storytelling.
Job Summary: Compositing Supervisor
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | DNEG (Double Negative) |
| Position Title | Compositing Supervisor |
| Location | Sydney, Australia (Pyrmont Waterfront District) |
| Job Type | Permanent Staff Position |
| Estimated Salary Range | $160,000 – $210,000 AUD (Based on seniority and portfolio) |
| Work Model | Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) |
| Primary Toolset | Nuke (Advanced), ShotGrid, Proprietary Pipeline |
| Department | Creative Supervision / 2D |
The Vision: Leading the Final Image
At DNEG, the Compositing Supervisor is the guardian of the “final look.” Typically assigned to a specific major production, you will act as the technical and creative anchor for the 2D department. Your mission is to translate the high-level vision of the VFX and DFX Supervisors into actionable, high-quality results produced by your team of artists.
Core Responsibilities:
- Creative Direction: Define the aesthetic approach for complex sequences, setting the benchmark for integration, color grading, and atmospheric effects.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a diverse group of 2D artists, providing clear, constructive creative briefs and maintaining a sustainable workflow.
- Technical Architecture: Design and implement production methodologies and “master scripts” that ensure consistency across hundreds of shots.
- Strategic Bidding: Collaborate with production management to provide accurate time and resource estimates (bidding) for upcoming sequences.
- Pipeline Integration: Work closely with Department Supervisors (FX, Lighting, Environment) to ensure that 3D renders are optimized for the most efficient 2D workflow.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain a critical eye for detail, ensuring all deliverables meet DNEG’s rigorous standards and the client’s specific color pipeline requirements.
Professional Requirements: The Expert Profile
We are looking for a veteran of the industry who has transitioned from a master compositor to a strategic leader. You should possess a deep understanding of the “why” behind the “how” in every composite.
Must-Have Qualifications
- Supervisory Experience: Significant VFX industry experience specifically as a 2D Supervisor or Lead Compositor on major feature films.
- Leadership Track Record: Proven ability to manage, inspire, and supervise a team of artists under the pressure of tight delivery schedules.
- Software Mastery: Advanced, expert-level proficiency in Nuke. You should be comfortable solving the most complex technical hurdles within the software.
- Color Science: A profound understanding of color pipelines (ACES, OCIO), various camera formats, and the technical requirements of global client deliverables.
- Project Management: Experience in production bidding and a demonstrated ability to balance extreme artistic quality with time and budget constraints.
- Collaborative Spirit: Experience working directly with VFX and DFX Supervisors to realize a unified creative vision.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- On-Set Experience: Experience with on-set supervision and data acquisition is a major plus.
- Global Collaboration: Previous experience working across multiple international studio facilities and time zones.
- Mentorship: A passion for training junior and mid-level artists to elevate the overall talent pool of the studio.
- Format Versatility: A background that spans both high-end Feature Film and prestige Episodic TV.
About You: Leadership & Mindset
Beyond technical expertise, DNEG Sydney looks for leaders who embody our culture of innovation and resilience.
- The Visionary Leader: You possess strong leadership qualities and the ability to command a room while remaining approachable.
- The Strategic Problem-Solver: You are proactive and adaptable, able to pivot your approach when creative directions or technical requirements shift.
- The Precise Communicator: You can take a vague creative note and translate it into a precise technical instruction for your team.
- The Calm Professional: You are the “cool head” in the room during the final weeks of a show, ensuring the team stays motivated and focused on the finish line.
Workplace Flexibility & Australian Location
Our Sydney Hub: DNEG Sydney is more than just a workplace; it’s a creative community located in one of the world’s most iconic cities. We believe that the spontaneous “desk-side” collaborations and social connections found in-studio are vital to our success. For this reason, we ask our supervisors to be in the office at least two days per week.
Relocation Requirements: If you are not currently a resident of New South Wales, relocation to Sydney will be required for this permanent staff position. DNEG is committed to building a world-class team in Australia and can discuss relocation logistics with the successful candidate.
Why DNEG?
By joining DNEG, you are joining a global family of over 9,000 creators. From Dune to Oppenheimer, our work sets the standard for the industry.
- Innovative Environment: Work with state-of-the-art proprietary tools and a pipeline that is constantly evolving.
- Inclusive Culture: We believe that embracing our differences is vital to our collective success. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
- Career Longevity: As a permanent staff member, you will have access to long-term career planning and leadership development within the global DNEG network.
How to Apply
Ready to shape the future of visual storytelling? Please submit your CV along with a portfolio or breakdown reel showcasing your work as a supervisor or lead. We look forward to seeing the worlds you’ve helped create.