Abstract: Systems and methods for partitioning a set of animation objects using a node in a render setup graph are provided. The render setup graph may be used to configure and manage lighting configuration data as well as external processes used to render the computer-generated image. The render setup graph may include a dependency graph having nodes interconnected by edges along which objects and object configuration data may be passed between nodes. The nodes may be used to provide a source of objects and object configuration data, configure visual effects of an object, partition a set of objects, call external processes, perform data routing functions within the graph, and the like. The objects can be partitioned based on attributes of the objects and associated configuration data. In this way, the render setup graph may advantageously be used to organize configuration data and execution of processes for rendering an image.