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Production Lighters: How to Set Up a Sequence and Shine
Details
Production Lighters: How to Set Up a Sequence and Shine
APPLICATION GROUP 3
Applications Open:
February 5, 2026
THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR
- Entry level or mid lighting/comp artists who already have an experience either on tv series or feature film and who want to know more about how to manage a sequence from scratch on a feature film
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Informative breakdown on how a sequence is built in light/compsiting in a studio
- How to artistically handle lighting and compositing for an entire sequence
- Where lighting ends and compositing starts, even if they are often nested, and what things could be handled in comp to save time, and vice versa
- Tips and tricks on how to save time by organizing your work and anticipating problems.
- How to be team-friendly by adding sticky notes, explanations, and briefs on your work for your colleagues working with you on the sequence
- An explanation of the different chains of approval
- Which aspects other departments may ask you to handle in lighting or compositing
- Portfolio/reels/personal project feedback
- Circle will be 1h30 every 2 weeks
WHAT NOT TO EXPECT
- Software technical questions/demonstrations
- Fundamentals of lighting and compositing  (You need to already have a professionnal experience either on tv series or film and know more than just basics of lighting, layering and compositing)
- Resume reviews
Qualification Criteria
Entry Level (1-2 yrs of experience)
Early Career (3-5 yrs of experience)
Day / Time
Times Per Month:Â TwiceÂ
Day / Time:Â Monday 5:30 PM
Timezone: EST
* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)
CIRCLE DESCRIPTION
Getting your first sequence/shot to light can be intimidating. How do you organize your work? How can you shine as a production lighter? In this circle, we will demystify the production lighting process, discuss how to artistically complete a sequence from scratch in a feature film, and equip you to be organized, creative, and prepared for what might come your way.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Color keys – Sequence breakdown
- Director launch and feedback/approval + the different chains of approval
- Lighting master shots
- How artistic decisions can also depend on technical aspects
- How to anticipate problems
- How to handle the child shots
- When and how compositing will help
- And more!
We will also spend time on portfolio/reel reviews and feedback on current personal projects, if you have some. I’ll give you tips on what you could improve, and how to recognize where you can improve your work (which can be on professional or personal work).
I will do some Nuke demonstration with some tips but this isn’t a technical circle in the way that I won’t answer specific technical questions about software. This will be an artistic circle, but some technical aspects will be involved as well since some artistic decisions have to be made depending on bids/what the project can afford, what is possible with the software, server capacities, etc.
ADDITIONAL Application Requirements
Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):Â Â
- Personal statement explaining:
- Why did you apply to this circle specifically and what do you think it will bring you?
- Why did you choose lighting and/or comp as a specialty?
Circle Leader
Maud Bourgeais
I’m a senior lighting and compositing artist at Cinesite. After graduating as a CG generalist from ESMA Montpellier in France, I decided to specialize in lighting and compositing. With 10 years of experience in the industry, I’ve worked on feature films, TV series, commercials, and short movies. My most recently released works are Hit Pig, Iwaju, and Firehearts. Upcoming releases are Animal Farm and Smurfs.
What I enjoy in my work is being able to work on animated movies like a child, but I make a living from it. For me, the lighting gives life to a movie! I love the artistic part of my work, which is essential for me to be happy, but also the technical aspects (how to optimize, debug, improve). Sharing knowledge, helping each other to grow, and giving the best of themselves in a team is something super important.
