DreamWorks Feature – Lighter

Remote from
USA
Salary, yearly, USD
89,752 - 130,000
Employment type
Full Time,
Job posted
Apply before
24 Aug 2026
Views / Applies
40 / 4

About NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes high-quality content across various platforms.

Actively Hiring
Verified job posting
This job post has been manually reviewed for authenticity and compliance.

AI Summary

DreamWorks Animation is seeking a Lighter to handle all aspects of lighting and compositing for feature films. The role involves working closely with the CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to achieve visual targets, optimize shots for rendering, and troubleshoot creative and technical issues. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in related fields and experience with lighting and rendering software like Nuke, Katana, or Houdini. The position is fully remote and offers a salary range of $89,752 to $130,000. This role requires strong collaboration skills, organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Role DNA

Job Complexity
Easy Hard
Pace & Pressure
Relaxed Fast-paced
Autonomy Level
Guided Full Ownership
Communication Load
Independent Highly Collaborative
AI Insight The role requires advanced technical skills in lighting and compositing, as well as artistic judgment and problem-solving ability, making it challenging but not the highest difficulty level.

Salary Analysis

Median Market Rate
USD109,876
US Market
USD70k – 150k
0 USD165k
AI Insight The offered salary range of $89,752 - $130,000 is competitive for a mid-to-senior level lighter in the animation industry. The median of $109,876 aligns well with market expectations for experienced professionals.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Lighter position at DreamWorks Animation. With a strong background in lighting and compositing for feature films, I am drawn to DreamWorks' reputation for storytelling innovation and collaborative culture.

My experience includes proficiency in Nuke, Katana, and Houdini, as well as a deep understanding of cinematic lighting principles. I have successfully delivered complex shots under tight deadlines, working closely with CG supervisors and cross-departmental teams.

I pride myself on being a proactive problem-solver and thrive in environments that value transparency and teamwork. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to DreamWorks' upcoming projects and help bring imaginative stories to life.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills align with the needs of your studio.

Can you describe a complex lighting scenario you worked on and how you achieved the desired look?
In my previous role on [Project], I was tasked with lighting a stormy night sequence. I used a combination of ray-traced shadows and volumetric lights in Katana to create mood and depth. I collaborated with the compositing team to ensure seamless integration, and after several iterations, we achieved a dramatic effect that enhanced the story.
How do you approach troubleshooting rendering issues?
I start by isolating the problem—checking the scene for corrupted geometry, incorrect shaders, or memory limits. I use render diagnostics and logs to pinpoint the issue. If it's a performance bottleneck, I optimize by reducing sample rates or using proxy geometry. I document solutions for future reference.
Describe a time you had to collaborate with other departments to complete a shot. How did you ensure smooth communication?
During a complex sequence requiring integration of characters and effects, I set up weekly syncs with animation and FX teams. We shared early renders and established clear naming conventions. By maintaining open dialogue and using a shared review tool, we resolved cross-departmental issues quickly and met the deadline.
What is your experience with shader development and look development?
I have experience creating custom shaders in Houdini and managing material libraries. For a recent project, I developed layered shaders for a character's skin that responded to different lighting conditions. I also worked with surfacing teams to ensure the look matched the art direction.
How do you stay current with new technologies in lighting and rendering?
I regularly follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and experiment with new software releases. I recently completed a course on GPU rendering, which I applied to optimize my workflow. I also participate in internal tech tests to evaluate new tools and share knowledge with my team.

Company Description

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent offers from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.

The Lighter is responsible for all aspects of lighting and compositing of shots under the direction of a CG Supervisor.

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

Job Description

Responsibilities: “What would you say you do here?”

  • Works closely with CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to achieve the visual target for assigned shots and address all lighting notes.

  • Optimizes shots for rendering.

  • Works well with others and fosters a good working atmosphere. 

  • Troubleshoots creative and technical issues as they arise.

  • Responsible for taking shots to completion.

  • As needed, organizes and documents any lighting tools, scripts, or processes.

  • Collaborates with other departments for timely integration of elements into assigned shots.

  • Manages individual shot load based on the schedule to meet deadlines.

  • May help facilitate visual development. This can include working with surfacing, setting materials or shader parameters.

  • Attends dailies and lighting launches as required.

  • Responsible for informing CG Supervisor of any shot issues.

  • Assists with interviews, as required.

  • Participates in the testing of new technologies as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: “What do I need to have in order to do this job?”

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Film, Visual Effects, Animation, Computer Graphics or other related fields and/or equivalent experience.

  • Experience with lighting and rendering.

  • Knowledge of cinematic principles.

Desired Qualifications: “What can I offer?”

  • Experience with ray tracing and lighting software such as Nuke, Katana, and/or Houdini.

  • Experience with compositing.

  • Experience in feature animation.

  • Proven track record of successful collaboration within a team.

  • Strong organizational skills.

  • Proactive and creative problem solver.

Fully Remote: This position has been designated as fully remote, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a non-DreamWorks worksite, most commonly an employee’s residence.

Salary Range: $89,752 – $130,000

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access nbcunicareers.com as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by emailing AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.

For LA County and City Residents Only: NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

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