3D Lighting and Compositing Artist (Animation)

TL;DR

3D Lighting and Compositing Artist (Animation): Creating lighting and finessing colours for animation episodes with an accent on defining mood, atmosphere, and highlighting character details through light, colour, and creative problem solving. Focus on efficiently creating lighting scenes in Maya and compositing rendered shots in Nuke, balancing the highest quality with meeting deadlines, taking on challenging shots, and mentoring junior team members.

Location: Remote (UK, outside of M25)

Company

hirify.global is a leading UK animation studio, known for creating bold, fun, and characterful animation and holding B Corp certification.

What you will do

• Create lighting scenes in Maya with assets and composite rendered shots in Nuke to create the final episode shots.
• Tweak provided light rigs, render set-ups, and compositing templates to achieve the required look.
• Optimise render settings to ensure efficiency and monitor renders to stay within budget.
• Work as part of a team, regularly communicating with your Team Lead and the Post Production Supervisor.
• Manage your time efficiently to meet assigned shot deadlines and problem-solve errors and glitches.
• Take on more challenging and technical shots and help mentor junior team members.

Requirements

• Previous experience as an L&C Artist on an animation production, using both Maya & Nuke.
• Strong knowledge of lighting principles and how light is used to meet a creative brief, especially in stylised animation.
• Technical understanding of how lighting works in 3D rendering, including different light types, physically based rendering, ray tracing, and global illumination.
• Understanding of biased rendering for optimisation, colour theory, aesthetics, composition, and camera depth of field.
• Technical understanding of utility passes (Z, Position, Normals) and their use in compositing with Nuke.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, good communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and respond positively to feedback.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of Python scripting.
• Knowledge of After Effects & Shading.
• Experience using FTrack and understanding of a 3D production pipeline.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible, hybrid, and remote working options are available.
• Recognised as a winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV multiple times.
• Inclusive self-funded shorts programme and many fun in-person and remote social events.
• Bi-monthly employee feedback and engagement programme, plus an online wellbeing programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and offers.
• Profit share for employees with 2+ years of service.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive studio that promotes and values diversity.