Website KoalaFX
KoalaFX | Lead Compositor
Location: London / Hybrid
Type: Full-Time
About the Role
KoalaFX is seeking a highly skilled Lead Compositor to join our dynamic, agile VFX team. In this role, you will work closely with the VFX Supervisor, Heads of Departments (HoDs), and film creatives to define and deliver the final look of high-end visual effects sequences. This is a hands-on, leadership position where you will guide the technical and artistic execution of compositing, ensuring the highest quality output for each project.
As a Lead Compositor, your role extends beyond compositing individual shots—you will mentor and guide a team, monitor the progression of sequences, and establish workflows and technical solutions that enhance efficiency and maintain consistency across the project. You will also explore and implement emerging technologies, including AI-assisted compositing tools such as depth/relight, smart mattes, and procedural gizmos, to accelerate production while preserving visual fidelity.
This is an opportunity for someone who combines technical mastery, creative insight, and leadership ability to make a tangible impact on film projects while helping the team grow and innovate.
Key Responsibilities
Composite Complex Shots: Deliver hero and intricate shots in Nuke (or other necessary software) to final quality standards.
Match Live-Action Plates: Maintain accurate lighting, perspective, grain, lens characteristics, and timing to integrate visual effects seamlessly.
Paint, Roto, and Fixes: Utilize clean plate, restoration, and other techniques to remove imperfections or prepare plates for compositing.
Develop Reusable Tools: Build robust Nuke templates, gizmos, and scripts that can be used across sequences to standardize workflows and save time.
Collaborate with Supervisors: Help plan bids, schedules, and reviews, ensuring projects stay on track and meet artistic expectations.
Explore AI & Automation: Apply machine learning tools and automation (e.g., Nuke CopyCat, smart roto, depth/relight aids) to streamline compositing and boost consistency.
R&D & Tool Evaluation: Research and implement new compositing technologies such as depth estimation, matte generation, denoise/upscale solutions, and procedural tools.
Mentorship & Team Leadership: Support junior artists, provide guidance on shot execution, and foster a collaborative, creative environment.
Required Skills & Experience
Advanced Nuke Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform complex compositing work with a reel that showcases seamless, “invisible” effects.
Technical Compositing Fundamentals: Strong understanding of keying, projections, re-lighting, deep compositing, and other core compositing techniques.
Node & Workflow Mastery: Ability to understand and manipulate internal workings of compositing nodes, tools, and workflows to achieve the desired visual outcome.
Creative Translation: Capable of interpreting creative notes and turning them into technically precise execution.
Colour Literacy: Strong knowledge of ACES/OCIO workflows, IDT/ODT awareness, LUT usage, and plate parity.
Editorial Sense: Understanding of pacing, shot continuity, and editorial principles for compositing in the context of the edit.
AI Tools Familiarity: Exposure to AI-assisted video tools, dataset preparation, or machine learning in compositing pipelines.
Communication & Documentation: Clear, calm communication style and the ability to provide actionable notes to team members.
Nice to Have
On-Set Awareness: Experience with HDRI capture, lens grids, witness cameras, and survey basics.
Scripting Skills: Python or TCL experience for tool creation and automation.
Mentorship Experience: Leading small shot pods or supervising peers.
Cross-Department Knowledge: Exposure to lighting, FX, or lookdev practices to enhance shot understanding.
Growth Opportunities at KoalaFX
KoalaFX is committed to accelerating career growth by offering:
Faster Advancement: Opportunities to progress from sequence lead → 2D lead → VFX Supervisor more quickly than traditional studios.
Hands-On R&D: Time to experiment with new compositing and AI tools, exploring innovative solutions.
Tool Ownership: The chance to create, publish, and maintain studio-level templates that become part of the production pipeline.
Cross-Department Learning: Engage in lighting, FX, and lookdev sessions to deepen your filmmaking understanding.
Our approach mirrors larger studio frameworks but offers more ownership, mentorship, and cross-team collaboration, helping ambitious artists grow rapidly.
Filmmaking First
We look for artists who think like filmmakers:
Read performance, lens choices, and plate nuances to deliver shots that feel authentic.
Ensure compositing work is grade-ready and integrates seamlessly with the final film.
Recognize when enough is enough, maintaining a balance between technical perfection and creative storytelling.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
A showreel with shot breakdowns demonstrating your compositing skills.
Your CV detailing experience and relevant projects.
A short note describing one compositing tool, template, or workflow you have built and shared with others.
We encourage applicants who are excited by the prospect of hands-on technical innovation, mentorship, and fast career growth in a collaborative VFX environment.
To apply for this job please visit www.koalafx.co.uk.