4 Questions you should ask yourself before becoming a Compositor

First, let's go over what hiring managers/supervisors look for and common questions you should be ready to answer. What got you into Compositing? Be it enjoying watching animation and wondering how things are made behind the scenes. Having a background in a related field helps. Be it you are a graphic designer or an artist who enjoys sketching.

1. What can you do?

-What should you be focusing to present in your first reel? A good demo reel is seamless. Aim for simplicity and realism. Check out this reel here. The idea is simple but it shows that you have an understanding of important technical skills like 3d tracking, projecting, painting and matte creation. For junior positions its understandable that you will lack some skills which will only be acquired through working on projects.

2. How do you work and think? How do you approach a problem?

-One generic interview question is to talk about a challenge that you have faced in the past. It's important to explain how you come up with a solution to tackle your problem. It's important for hiring managers/supervisors to know that you are able to solve on your own.

Problem solving is key and it develops with time. When you are starting out making mistakes empowers you to learn more. In the studio you should be able to work and problem solve on your own but also know when it's time to ask someone ask for help. It's totally okay admit that you don't know something and the reality is that no one knows everything.

3. How will you work within a team? Will we enjoy working with you?

-One generic interview question is to talk about a challenge that you have faced in the past. It's important to explain how you come up with a solution to tackle your problem. It's important for hiring managers/supervisors to know that you are able to solve on your own.

Problem solving is key and it develops with time. When you are starting out making mistakes empowers you to learn more. In the studio you should be able to work and problem solve on your own but also know when it's time to ask someone ask for help. It's totally okay admit that you don't know something and the reality is that no one knows everything.

4. Study online or take the traditional way?

-Getting a formal education in a visual effects school does have its pro's. Physically being around like minded people who are also working towards the same goal as you is an amazing experience.

Your classmates are your first industry connections. Referrals are important in this industry and its a good place to get your first ones. You can also be looking to attend a visual effects school for entirely different reasons like getting a work permit in the country of your choice.

If you simply don't have the resources or you already have an art education perviously that will help you. Then get an industry mentor. Even with an online education it's important to have someone who can give a realist perspective about what's its like to work in the industry.

ABOUT ME
Priya Ayengar is a visual effects Compositor with her experience coming from working in Canada in world renowned studios including Pixomondo, Image Engine and Scanline.

Having worked on notable productions including Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge, Fast & Furious 8 and Midway through the years Priya has gathered valuable industry experience which she will sharing in the coming months.

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