Digital Matte Painting Artist

Job Description

The Digital Matte Painting Artist is responsible for the delivery of matte paintings and projection setups through photorealistic environment creation, set extensions, and sky replacements. This role focuses on complex work, technical leadership, tool development, and mentoring team members. 

Works with high autonomy, provides technical direction, and leads by example. Working closely with Environment, Lighting, Compositing, Layout, Production, and DMP teams across multiple locations, the Digital Matte Painting Artist ensures that work meets creative, technical, and schedule requirements. 

Shot Work & Environment Painting 

• Execute advanced matte painting work, including hero environments and complex set extensions 
• Create full establishing shots and cycloramas/six-packs 
• Develop quick mockups and high-detail concepts for creative review 
• Implement advanced compositing techniques for simulating FX 
• Establish look development and colour science for entire sequences 
• Deliver assigned shots on schedule while maintaining a high standard of quality 

Pipeline & Workflow 

• Create templated workflows for team efficiency 
• Establish colour science standards for sequences 

Quality, Continuity & Self-QC 

• Set and maintain a high quality bar; spot issues early and help others raise consistency 
• Create or improve QC checklists/templates and share best practices with the team 
• Anticipate downstream integration needs and solve problems proactively with clear trade-offs 

Creative Development & Workflow optimisation 

• Collaborate with local and global teams, Supervisors, and HoDs to design tools and optimised workflows 
• Support global production teams through documentation and technical guidance 
• Contribute to ongoing workflow improvements through technical problem-solving 
• Support global teams through documentation and technical guidance 

Workflow & Continuous Improvement 

• Drive workflow improvements through tool requests, testing and documentation 
• Mentor others on best practices; help reduce rework through clear processes and checklists 
• Partner with Pipeline/Engineering to improve robustness, performance and usability 

Communication, Collaboration & Mentorship 

• Participate in and, where appropriate, run dailies, presenting work clearly and responding to feedback 
• Communicate proactively with Supervisors, HoDs, and Production to identify risks, dependencies, and technical constraints 
• Support skill development across local and global teams through mentorship and knowledge sharing 
• Work effectively across time zones in a fast-paced production environment 
• Proven track record of mentoring and technical leadership 

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a professional VFX production environment with a focus on Digital Matte Painting 
• Expert-level proficiency in Photoshop and Nuke 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience leading sequences or small teams 
• Cross-site collaboration experience 
• Contribution to R&D or tool development initiatives 

Core Technical Skills 

• Photoshop, Nuke: photorealistic environment creation 
• Additional tools: Maya, Houdini, Unreal 

Soft Skills 

• Clear and effective communication across disciplines and time zones 
• Strong problem-solving skills under production pressure 
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on technical excellence and consistency 
• Highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented 

Additional Information

Need Accommodation?

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

Privacy Notice

Your personal information will be collected, used, and stored for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable privacy laws. 

Pitch Black is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Pitch Black, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local law.