Company: UFX Studios

Job Overview For professional clarity and quick reference, the following table outlines the mandatory logistics and contractual details of this position: Category Specific Detail Position Title Digital Matte Painter Department 2D Department Studio Hub Genval, Wallonia (20km from Brussels), Belgium Contract Type Freelance – Interim Project Start March 2026 Experience Level Mid-to-Senior (3 to 6 Years) Mandatory Residency Resident in Wallonia (Tax Incentive Compliance) Primary Software Adobe Photoshop (Mastery) Secondary Software Nuke (2.5D Projections), Maya (Environment Layout) Application Contact hiring@ufxstudios.com The Mission: Crafting the Unseen Worlds of Cinema UFX Studios is a premier visual effects house dedicated to the art of seamless integration and cinematic world-building. Located in the picturesque town of Genval—just a stone’s throw from the creative pulse of Brussels—we specialize in bridging the gap between imagination and reality. We are currently seeking a visionary Digital Matte Painter (DMP) to join our 2D Department for a series of high-profile feature film and episodic projects starting in March 2026. As a Digital Matte Painter at UFX, you are more than an illustrator; you are a digital architect. You are the artist who takes a simple camera plate and transforms it into a sprawling historical vista, a futuristic cityscape, or a breathtaking natural environment. We are looking for an artist who possesses a “photographic eye,” a deep mastery of light and shadow, and the technical agility to work across 2D and 2.5D workflows. II. The Artistic Vision: Photorealism and Integration At UFX Studios, our Matte Painting philosophy is rooted in invisible integration. Our goal is to create environments so convincing that the audience never suspects the presence of a digital intervention. Whether you are extending a practical set or creating a completely synthetic backdrop, your work must adhere to the laws of physics, optics, and atmospheric perspective. As a DMP artist, you will work from a variety of sources—including concept art, on-set photography, and historical references—to produce assets that serve as the foundation of our VFX shots. You will be expected to resolve unspecified details in a plate and ensure that the digital “paint” matches the grain, color space, and lighting of the original live-action footage. III. Detailed Core Responsibilities This role demands a blend of traditional fine-art sensibility and modern technical rigor. You will lead the environmental aesthetic of your assigned shots, ensuring they meet the high standards of global film production. 1. High-End Asset Creation You will be responsible for creating detailed and photorealistic 2D/2.5D environments. This includes the creation of complex sky domes, distant mountain ranges, urban extensions, and intricate foliage. Your work must convey the intent of the art direction while remaining faithful to the lens and lighting of the production. 2. 2.5D Projection & Camera Mapping In modern VFX, a static painting is rarely enough. A key focus of this role is the preparation of 2.5D projections. You will: Break down your paintings into layers suitable for projection. Work within Nuke to set up camera projections on simple geometry. Ensure that “parallax” is correctly represented, allowing for subtle camera movement within your matte paintings. 3. Lighting and Atmospheric Integration You are responsible for the “light-rig” within your painting. You must ensure that the direction, intensity, and color temperature of the light in your DMP match the live-action plate perfectly. This includes the application of atmospheric haze, fog, and “depth cues” that ground the environment in reality. 4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration The DMP artist is the bridge between CG and Compositing. With CG/Lighting: You will collaborate to ensure that CG elements (like buildings or vehicles) sit naturally within your matte-painted environment. With Compositing: You will provide clean, organized scripts and pre-renders to the compositors, responding to feedback and “tech-checking” your work to ensure it holds up under final color grading. IV. About You: Professional Qualifications We are seeking an artist who has spent years honing their craft in a professional studio environment. While software mastery is vital, we place the highest value on your artistic intuition. Experience: You have 3 to 6 years of experience as a Digital Matte Painter in VFX, animation, or post-production. You understand the “language” of a VFX pipeline. Photoshop Mastery: You are a power user of Adobe Photoshop. You understand non-destructive workflows, advanced masking, and the nuances of photo-manipulation. Nuke Proficiency: Knowledge of Nuke for 2.5D projections is a strong plus. We prefer artists who can “pre-viz” their own projections to check for stretching or occlusion issues. The “Eye” for Detail: You have a solid understanding of composition, perspective, and the behavior of light in the real world. Autonomy & Feedback: You can work independently to solve creative problems, yet you remain flexible and responsive to the Director’s or Supervisor’s feedback. You view “revisions” as an opportunity to push the shot toward perfection. V. Why Work With UFX Studios in Wallonia? Genval is not just a location; it’s a lifestyle choice. Working at UFX offers a unique balance of high-end professional challenge and European charm. The Location: Located just 20km from the heart of Brussels, Genval offers a serene, green environment perfect for creative focus, with easy access to the cultural and social perks of the capital. Wallonia Residency: This role is specifically tailored for residents of the Wallonia region. We take pride in supporting the local creative ecosystem and offering long-term opportunities within the Belgian VFX industry. Project Diversity: From gritty European dramas to international genre series, our slate is diverse and artistically rewarding. Collaborative Culture: Our studio is sized for connection. You won’t be a cog in a machine; you will be a key voice in the 2D department, working alongside supervisors who value your artistic input. VI. Mandatory Application Requirements To be considered for this interim contract starting in March 2026, your application must include: Proof of Wallonia Residency: This is a requirement for our regional production status. Updated Resumé: Detailing your years of experience and previous studio credits. Digital Portfolio/Showreel: We are looking for a breakdown of your DMP work. Please include: Before & Afters: Show the … Read more