TV - Digital Matte Lead

Job Description

Responsibilities
The Digital Matte Lead will work in collaboration with the in-house Production Designer and VFX Supervisor, as well as with the overseas Lighting teams, to create a convincing backdrop for the characters to integrate with. The Digital Matte Lead will use their keen eye to subtly shift a painting into the correct mood and tone for a sequence. Our ideal candidate tends to be a generalist -- they can take the environments that are too big to handle in the regular pipeline and utilize their artistic and technical know-how to make every shot really shine! They perform tasks related to integrating added imagery into shots, while preserving a unified sense of lighting, perspective, and color.

Responsibilities

Creative and Technical:
• Create the necessary look as designed by the Director(s), VFX Supervisor, and Production Designer(s) within budget parameters
• Work with rendered CG elements, still photography and digital paint to create believable environments that are to be seamlessly integrated into the film
• Using painting skills and animation software, create 2D and 3D paintings for digital environments
• Works closely with the Visual Effects Supervisor to ensure that plates meet planned concept design requirements
• Partner with Production Management and VFX Supervisor to ensure that requests from Directors are prioritized and provide solutions that can be accomplished within the production schedule
• Provides photographic reference material
• Work hand in hand with Lighting, Modeling, FX and Surfacing to find the most efficient techniques to finalize shots
• Take Art direction well. Work collaboratively as part of a team taking direction from the Matte Painting Supervisor, CG Supervisor, and feedback from the Director as necessary
• Troubleshoot creative and technical issues as they arise
• Help to maintain the directory structure, naming conventions, and files

Managerial:
• Appropriately elevate issues and solutions to Production Management effectively
• Work closely with the Production to manage the Matte Painters, create the schedule and ensure quotas/deadlines are met for both shots and sequences
• Work with the Production to cast shots/assignments
• Help with recruiting and conduct interviews, as needed
• Facilitate meetings with artists to keep the crew informed on show changes and requirements

Qualifications/Requirements
• Strong conceptual understanding of composition, and an eye for light, shadow, and color
• Proficient and a strong understanding on the latest versions of software such as Nuke and Photoshop
• Familiarity with working with AOVs and different passes within an EXR file
• Adheres to deadlines
• Work comfortably in a variety of implementations; be it 2D backdrops, textured elements/fixes and complex 2.5D/3D projections

Desired Characteristics
• 4+ years of VFX/Animation industry experience
• 1+ years of experience leading artists
• Previous experience prioritizing and managing time efficiently for quick turnarounds

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d89ee9-18-216-83-240-42 in your application.