DNEG Job Overview

• Company: DNEG (Double Negative) – A multi-Academy Award-winning VFX studio.
• Primary Location: Montréal, Quebec.
• Work Model: Hybrid and On-site options available.
• Job Type: Full-Time.
• Department: Shot Finishing / Environment Generalist.

DNEG, a multi-Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation studio, is seeking a Digital Matte Painter to join our premier Shot Finishing team in Montréal. This role is a sophisticated blend of traditional artistry and high-end technical execution. You will be responsible for creating the expansive, photo-realistic environments that serve as the backdrop for major Hollywood blockbusters.

As a Digital Matte Painter at DNEG, you don’t just “paint”; you construct reality. You will integrate diverse media—including live-action plates, 3D renders, and digital painting—into seamless, breathtaking landscapes.

Detailed Job Responsibilities

Artistic Environment Creation

You will create photo-realistic 2D and 2.5D matte paintings that act as extensions or total replacements for live-action footage. This involves:

• Painting over CG renders to add “life,” grime, and atmospheric detail.
• Creating original digital landscapes from concept art or photographic references.
• Ensuring all work aligns with the Director’s vision and the established look-dev of the film.

Technical Shot Finishing & Integration

Modern matte painting is highly technical. You will be expected to:

• Utilize Maya for basic 3D modeling and texture projections to ensure parallax and camera movement.
• Manage complex Color Spaces (ACES/Linear) to ensure seamless blending with filmed plates.
• Maintain non-destructive, highly organized Photoshop files for high-speed production environments.

Collaborative Pipeline Involvement

You are a bridge between the 3D assets and the final Composite. You will:

• Collaborate with Lighting and Compositing leads to ensure lighting consistency across environments.
• Troubleshoot technical issues within the projection pipeline.
• Contribute to the Environment Generalist workflow when required for “Shot Finishing.”

Candidate Requirements

he “Must-Haves”

• Industry Experience: At least 3 years of experience working specifically on high-end feature film VFX (Marvel, DC, Dune, etc.).
• Artistic Foundations: A masterful understanding of perspective, composition, depth of field, and the physics of light/color.
• Technical Mastery:

  • Photoshop: High-level digital painting and photo-manipulation.

  • Maya: Working knowledge of texture projections and basic geometry.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate technical needs to diverse departments.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle multiple priorities and meet strict delivery deadlines.

The “Nice-to-Haves”

• Experience in matte painting for high-budget episodic television.
• Knowledge of Nuke (for projections and basic compositing).
• Familiarity with Houdini or Clarisse for set dressing and environment layout.

Professional Qualities (About You)

We are looking for individuals who embody the DNEG culture:

• Proactive & Self-Starting: You identify potential issues before they become “showstoppers.”
• Team-Centric: You are a collaborator who shares knowledge and supports your peers.
• Resilient: You stay calm and focused under the pressure of tight production schedules.
• Growth-Oriented: You have a genuine desire to learn new proprietary tools and evolve your skillset.

Union Information & Benefits

This position is unionized and will be governed by a collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE.

• Membership: You will be required to join the union.
• Dues: Union dues will be applicable once the agreement is in place.
• Protection: You will benefit from standardized working conditions, overtime protections, and health/welfare benefits negotiated by the union.

Why Join DNEG Montréal?

DNEG is home to over 9,000 employees worldwide, with studios from Los Angeles to London. In Montréal, you will work in a world-class facility that prioritizes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We believe that diverse perspectives fuel the creativity required to build the world’s most immersive digital realities.

Recent DNEG Accolades:

• Multiple Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects (Dune, Tenet, Interstellar, Inception).
• A commitment to work-life balance through the new IATSE collective agreement.
• Access to industry-leading proprietary software.

Application Instructions

To be considered for this role, please ensure your application includes:

1. A Resume detailing your feature film credits.
2. A Demo Reel/Portfolio with clear breakdowns of your matte painting contributions (showcasing original plates vs. final paint).