Matte Painter

Description

Key Purpose of the Job:
To (re) create photo realistic matte paintings that are to be used as an element to either embellish or replace live action footage.

Needs to Do:
Work with live action footage, digital still photography, rendered cg elements and digital paint to create believable environments that are to be seamlessly integrated into the film.
This will require an artist who is comfortable in a variety of implementations, be it 2D backdrops, textured elements/fixes and complex 2.5D/3D projections.
At times, they may also be asked to learn new proprietary software.

Needs to Know:
• Thorough knowledge of advanced matte painting techniques including colour space, digital paint techniques and Photoshop file management (be it file format, bit depth resolution or appropriate layering of elements).
• A good understanding and application of basic perspective as a basis for a form building/correcting strategy in the creation of the digital environments.
• Technical proficiency in photography with an emphasis on composition, depth, lighting and colour.
• Working knowledge of the basic principles of 3D texture projections in Maya.
• A minimum of 3 years experience on feature films. Experience in matte painting for television would also be taken into account.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.