An Introduction to Compositing 2023

• This course has closed.

Overview

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Screen Ireland, VFXAI and CMAI are currently seeking applicants for an entry level programme in Compositing supported by Skillnet Ireland under the Skills Connect Programme. This programme ran in 2022 and 75% of the participants are currenlty working within the VFX and animation industry. 

As The European Union’s only English-speaking country, supported by the section 481 tax credit, Ireland is a very attractive location for VFX productions. Recent VFX credits in Ireland include renowned productions like The Woman King, Thor Love & Thunder, Wendell & Wild, A Discovery of Witches, Stranger Things, Spiderman: No Way Home and Wanda Vision. The VFX sector in Ireland is growing fast and there is a shortage of home grown talent. The quickest route to start your career in the VFX industry is to train as a compositor. Once working as a compositor, you can progress to different roles and more technical work after mastering the initial foundation skills of compositing.

Check out the fantastic work of Irish VFX studios in this showreel.

What will this course cover?

The aim of this programme is to train participants in the basic steps of rotoscoping, tracking and plate clean-up for the VFX industry.  

Compositors create the final image of a frame, shot or VFX sequence. They take all the different digital materials used (assets), such as computer-generated (CG) images, live action footage and matte paintings, and combine them to appear as one cohesive image and shot. Compositors require a mix of technical, creative skills, and interpersonal skills. The VFX industry is a highly collaborative environment – a single shot will often travel through multiple departments before reaching the Compositing Department – so a Comper must be able to work well in a team.

The 8 week programme breaks down as 6 weeks of online training, then a 2 week in-person placement with a VFX studio in Dublin.

The 6 weeks of online training will be a mix of lectures and hands on demonstrations as well as self-led learning and assignments. The lectures will cover how best to use Nuke to achieve good rotoscoping. The participants are expected to work on assignments that will reinforce the learning from the classes. They will be given different types of footage – e.g. a moving car, people dancing, cast in front of a blue/ green screen. They are given a time estimation on how long to spend on these assignments. The students then submit their scripts/ shots to their supervisor using Shotgrid. These are then reviewed, and individual feedback is provided to the students.

• Week 1 – Introduction to Nuke, shotgrid, the VFX pipeline, compositing/VFX and rotoscoping
• Week 2 – Rotoscoping & tracking 101
• Week 3 – Rotoscoping & tracking 102
• Week 4 – Rotoscoping & tracking 103
• Week 5 –  Cleanup & Paint
• Week 6 – Tracking and transforms, Compositing overview and studio etiquette

Learning outcomes

By the end of the programme , you will be capable of taking on tasks and a role at a junior level in a VFX studio. This is an entry level position, but it is the start of your career in the VFX industry.

Participant profile

We are particularly interested in recent graduates from creative courses in VFX or animation /media courses with a VFX focus. The course is open to anyone interested in getting into the VFX industry and is looking for an entry level position. There is no requirement to have a showreel or portfolio, but if you have any samples of work to showcase your passion and enthusiasm for VFX we would be delighted to review.

Our industry is its most powerful when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We strive to be a diverse workforce where all can thrive and belong. All interested applicants, including minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please note the following important points before applying:

1. Candidates must have access to a computer and separate monitor. They must have good reliable internet connectivity 30Mbps + approx. Wacom graphics tablet is recommended.
2. All candidates must be available on a full-time basis for the entire duration of the programme.
3. The training is remote and is full time Mon to Fri.
4. The studio placement is in-person and will require attendance for 2 weeks in Dublin.
5. Only those who are shortlisted will be called for interview.
6. Candidates must be resident in the Republic of Ireland.

Tutor information

VFXAI

VFXAI promotes Ireland as a VFX centre of excellence and a destination with talent and scale. Founded by Ireland’s largest VFX suppliers, WINDMILL LANE, SCREEN SCENE, EGG, OUTER LIMITS, PIRANHA BAR & ELEMENT VFX , VFXAI showcases the infrastructure and talent available in Ireland. VFXAI represents Irish-based companies primarily in the business of producing digital visual effects, on a commercial basis, for the Irish and International markets. The member companies recognised in the international marketplace as organisations capable of producing award-winning VFX have credits on international feature films, TV and SVOD series. With an eye to the next generation, VFXAI’s interface with Screen Ireland, 3rd level institutions, Enterprise Ireland and The Irish Film Board is central to creating a sustainable stream of industry-ready talent emerging into the market every year.

In particular, VFXAI ensures that Ireland maintains a market-friendly approach to VFX production with the Irish Government’s Section 481 Tax credit support. The strengths of individual member companies are combined through VFXAI while highlighting the substantial offering of talent, scale and incentives available in Ireland to produce exceptional VFX

CMAI

CMAI has been set up to address the gap between the skills gained in Education and bridge the gap with what employers within the creative industries require today from new entrants. Using the latest technologies and pipelines along with tutors working at senior level in the industry, our mission is to give students the best introduction to the practical skills and tools that the industry requires.

We are a team of industry professionals, who have spent the last 3 years developing our courses in conjunction with the major studios in Ireland, we want to ensure we address and go some way to fill the skills gaps that our industry has identified.

Cost

€150

Key Dates

Deadline for Applications – Friday 9^th June 

Applicants notified Tuesday 27^th June 

Course starts (online, remote) – Monday 3^rd July 

Course ends – Friday 11^th August

Studio placement in Dublin – Monday 14^th Aug to Friday 25^th Aug 

Deadline for Applications was Friday 9^th June. This is now closed.