What does a compositor do?
Compositors are the creators of a frame, shot, or sequence final image. They usually combine various digital elements to produce a believable picture. Following the direction of the style chosen for the set is part of these compositors' responsibilities. These workers create their visual effects and high-quality composites using special effects (SFX) like 2D and 3D animation and CGIs. They use these digital elements to create convincing shadows, enhance a picture's lighting, and static background plates.
Compositor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real compositor resumes:
- Work closely with lighting and fx leads to help achieve an efficient workflow.
- Work include matte extractions, tracking, color correction, paint fixesand integrating cg elements.
- Direct a small VFX team, create consistent, realistic 3D environments/effects; integrate live-action (film) into the CGI.
- Apply FX stage makeup efficiently and quickly for several characters using stage blood, liquid latex, and other FX materials.
- Install signs, and apply graphics to cars, vans, trucks, semi-trucks, boats, and windows.
- Hand cut stencils and hand letter signs.
- Utilize windows xp for documentation and repair procedures.
- Prepare screen stencils, mix and load ink.
- Design recap and cover pages for comic book pdfs.
- Collect, streamline animation assets while addressing or correcting issues.
- Assist with look development for a short animate project using Maya
- Proofread and edit the content of mathematics textbooks and scientific journals.
- Apply makeup and prosthetics on actors for a haunt house attraction.
- Model, texture, and render animation for television commercials and internal projects.
- Composite 2D image and 3D CGI elements to shots dangerous to have on set.
Compositor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Compositors are proficient in VFX, Visual Effects, and Animation.
We break down the percentage of Compositors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- VFX, 19%
Textured and Modeled assets for VFX, Compositing for VR and Stereo Conversion.
- Visual Effects, 13%
Lord of the Rings 3 (Feature Film) CGI & live action visual effects (Shake)
- Animation, 11%
Collected, streamlined animation assets while addressing or correcting issues.
- CG, 11%
Color corrected, matte painted, and adjusted CG renders of plates to better match Escape center plate.
- Maya, 7%
Assisted with look development for a short animated project using Maya
- Mocha, 6%
Utilized Nuke, After Effects and Mocha.
Most compositors use their skills in "vfx," "visual effects," and "animation" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential compositor responsibilities here:
The three companies that hire the most compositors are:
- Scanline VFX3 compositors jobs
- MSG Entertainment2 compositors jobs
- Activision Blizzard1 compositors jobs
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Compare different compositors
Compositor vs. Screen making technician
A screen making technician performs installations and repairs to maintain the smooth flow of operations at manufacturing facilities. Their responsibilities typically include conducting measurements and assessments, setting guidelines, troubleshooting problems, gathering and analyzing data, and maintaining records of all procedures and adjustments. They must also maintain an active communication line with co-workers to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. Moreover, a screen making technician provides technical support to different teams while implementing company standards and regulations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between compositors and screen making technician. For instance, compositor responsibilities require skills such as "vfx," "visual effects," "animation," and "cg." Whereas a screen making technician is skilled in "customer service," "hand tools," "plumbing," and "caulking." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that screen making technicians earn slightly differ from compositors. In particular, screen making technicians are 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a compositor. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Compositor vs. 2nd pressman
A pressman is responsible for maintaining the printing press operations, maintaining the efficiency of the equipment and machinery to produce high-quality outputs. Pressmen ensure the readability and completeness of the content before distribution. They must be knowledgeable of the mechanical industry, spotting inconsistencies with the equipment, and performing immediate repairs or component replacement to avoid delays in operation. A pressman works closely with other printing operators to ensure that the outputs meet the clients' specifications and business' printing guidelines.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real compositor resumes. While compositor responsibilities can utilize skills like "vfx," "visual effects," "animation," and "cg," 2nd pressmen use skills like "troubleshoot," "uv," "lean manufacturing," and "ink fountains."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. 2nd pressmen tend to reach lower levels of education than compositors. In fact, they're 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Compositor vs. Pressman
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from compositor resumes include skills like "vfx," "visual effects," "animation," and "cg," whereas a pressman is more likely to list skills in "safety regulations," "preventative maintenance," "uv," and "web press. "
Most pressmen achieve a lower degree level compared to compositors. For example, they're 5.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Compositor vs. Press technician
Types of compositor
Updated January 8, 2025
