Job Description
San Francisco, CA · Full-time · In-office (hybrid considered)
THE ROLE AI is changing the VFX landscape fast. We're looking for someone who's already ahead of that curve — aware of the new tools and actively using them to do better work, faster.
This role combines traditional VFX capabilities with emerging AI-driven production. You'll work primarily with Story's Client team, occasionally being pulled in to help with a different creative project.
Some days that means compositing. Others it means producing an asset from scratch with generative tools. Most days it's both.
You'll be embedded in our internal team, working closely with directors, producers, and our existing VFX staff. We want someone who's genuinely excited about finding opportunities to incorporate new techniques!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Composite and integrate VFX elements across a range of project types and styles
- Use AI tools to accelerate traditional VFX workflows — cleanup, generation, enhancement
- Generate full assets when needed using generative video and image tools
- Collaborate closely with directors, editors, and motion designers to ensure VFX serve the final cut
- Stay current on emerging AI tools and bring informed recommendations to the team
- Manage your own files, organization, and delivery pipeline
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Deep understanding of traditional VFX and compositing — the fundamentals are still the foundation
- Hands-on experience with AI-driven tools: Runway, Sora, Kling, ComfyUI, and similar
- Highly iterative mindset — we refine until it's right, and that takes someone who embraces the process
- Fast turnarounds without sacrificing quality
- Genuinely curious about where AI and VFX are heading — and already experimenting
- Self-motivated, collaborative, no ego
- Good communicator who works well across disciplines
HOW WE WORK We move fast and we work hard. Projects are highly collaborative, and the quality bar is something we're constantly trying to raise. You'll be expected to juggle multiple projects at once without losing quality on any of them.
We're a small team, which means your work actually matters and people notice it.
OUR TAKE ON AI This one's a little different for this role — obviously. We believe in real people doing real work, and that applies here too. The goal is always to serve the story, not simply show off the tool.
We're excited about what AI makes possible, and we want someone who shares that philosophy: AI as accelerant, not total replacement.
REQUIREMENTS
- Strong portfolio with VFX and compositing work across multiple styles
- Proficiency in After Effects, Nuke, and/or Blender
- Hands-on experience with generative AI tools — Runway, Sora, ComfyUI, or similar
- Ability to complete a trial project as part of the hiring process
- Based in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate
Prior professional experience and college degrees are not required — your work speaks for itself.
BENEFITS
- Salary: $80,000 – $120,000 depending on experience
- Health care & dental
- Work in a beautiful San Francisco office with a view alongside a small team of exceptional creatives
- Free lunch