Mission:
The Digital Matte Painter creates beautiful, original, photo-real images for feature film, TV, and cinematic projects quickly using a broad range of approaches and techniques, maximizing ownership over the final result.
Objective:
Digital Matte Painters at Distillery VFX primarily create photo-real environments and set extensions using 2D and 3D tools and techniques.
They exhibit a strong foundation in traditional, photorealistic, and digital art skills with an emphasis on landscapes.
They work with live action footage, digital still photography, rendered computer graphic elements, and digital paint to create environments that are seamlessly integrated into assigned shot work.
Responsible for creating original 2D, 2.5D and some 3D content that may comprise part or all of an environment.
Sources suitable reference materials for required assets.
Creates basic concepts and palettes.
Creates photorealistic paintings and elements that match concept and art direction using 2D and 3D tools including camera setup, 3D modeling, camera animation, projection setup, image re-projection, and atmospherics.
Produce work quickly under tight production timelines.
Participates in team reviews of work under development.
Mentors Apprentice and Jr. Artists and must be able to assist them with their shots.
Meets defined milestones within a timeline by attending dailies and participating in creative problem solving.
Creates work self-sufficiently, in many cases from start to finish across a shot.
Core Competencies:
Proficiency in Windows
Strong/Advanced Python scripting required
Experience in one or more of 3dsmax, Maya, Nuke, Houdini, Mari, Shotgun or similar
Direct experience with CG workflows and techniques
Ability to communicate cross-discipline and provide innovative solutions to pipeline issues.
Detail oriented and strong self-sufficient trouble shooter.
Good knowledge of the entire visual effects process, from shooting to modeling and texturing, animation, rendering and compositing
Prefered Competencies:
High level of problem solving and creative thinking skills.
Strong English communication skills.
Ability to quickly learn and leverage new software.
Time management and organizational skills.
Strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking.
Keen artistic eye.
Education & Experience:
Proven technical and artistic ability in multiple 2D/3D techniques, including basic modeling, texturing, lighting, 3D projections, paint overs and compositing.
Proven artistic ability in one or more traditional mediums (impressive portfolio of figure drawing, landscape, animals, painting, composition, perspective, etc.)
Strong knowledge and ability in perspective, photography, and physics of light and motion.
Extensive knowledge of Matte Painting techniques.
Experience with Nuke or equivalent 2D compositing software.
Extensive knowledge in Photoshop.
Some experience in 3D CG (3dsmax/Maya or similar) OR 2D Compositing (Nuke/Fusion)
Comparable software experience considered.
At least three years of relevant professional CG experience.
College level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least five years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.
Who We Are:
Distillery VFX is a full-service boutique visual effects studio in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and an ensemble of experienced compositors and 3D generalists focused on delivering high-end environment and compositing work. Our namesake is derived from our team’s deepest core value: to refine our processes and workflows to their purest and most efficient forms.
What We Offer:
Competitive salary based on experience
A fun, creative and collaborative environment
Learn from the best in the biz
Dog-friendly workplace
Hybrid workplace
Commitment to COVID-19 Safety