Lead Digital Matte Painting Artist/ Environment Artist - Expression of Interest

Dream Machine FX is seeking expressions of interest for a Lead Digital Matte Painting Artist/Environment Artist role. This remote position involves leading a team in creating high-quality 3D environments for live-action VFX. Responsibilities include mentoring team members, supervising integration of digital environments, and developing workflows. Candidates should have 4+ years of relevant experience and reside in Ontario, Canada, with eligibility to work there.
Location: Ontario - Remote

Reports To: CG Supervisor

Note: This is an Expression of Interest job posting, meaning we are not currently actively hiring for this role but is an opportunity for you to submit your resume for further consideration. When this role becomes available you may receive an email from our HR team or Recruiter. Please note only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in Mavericks VFX.

Overview:

The Lead Digital Matte Painting Artist/Environment Artist is responsible for leading the DMP/Environment team. As an Lead Digital Matte Painting Artist, you will be responsible for creating high-level and diverse 3D environments for use in live-action VFX.

Job Responsibilities:
• Assess and define the most efficient methodology for each environment brief, from 2.5D Matte Painting projection setups to full 3D asset builds.
• Lead, mentor, and support the Environment/DMP team and Artists in their daily tasks.
• Supervise integration of digital environments into shots, ensuring consistent lighting, perspective, and color.
• Coordinate with VFX Supervisors, CG Supervisors, and Production to deliver high-quality work efficiently.
• Apply photography, practical, and digital techniques to create environments.
• Review work and provide clear artistic and technical feedback, incorporating client and supervisor notes in a timely manner.
• Develop workflows and approaches to anticipate and solve creative or technical challenges.
• Maintain consistent standards across projects while promoting best practices and team development.

Qualifications and Essential Skills:
• 4+ years of experience as a Digital Matte Painter or Environment Artist for live-action feature or television, including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of 3D software such as Blender, Maya, and Houdini, and 2D/shading tools like Substance, Adobe Photoshop, Nuke, and Unreal Engine.
• Familiarity with supplementary software, including ZBrush, Gaea, SpeedTree, and other related tools, is a plus.
• Strong Matte Painting and 2.5D projection skills.
• Good visual eye with an understanding of the natural equilibrium of nature and the ability to translate it effectively onto a 2D screen.
• Experience with compositing or scripting is a plus.
• Ability to solve technical challenges independently while maintaining high artistic standards.
• Curiosity and willingness to explore new tools, including AI-assisted workflows and Unreal Engine, and to share knowledge with the team.

Additional Notes:

Due to funding requirements, candidates must reside in Ontario and be legally eligible to work in Canada.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Mavericks VFX, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada as specified and, where applicable, must have a valid work permit that allows the candidate to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Mavericks VFX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

About Us:

Mavericks VFX is a three-time Emmy-nominated VFX firm based in Toronto, Canada. Working as a collection of filmmakers—drawn from a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and talents—we create outstanding visual effects for film and TV. We are proud of our family-vibe, but rely on our strong pipeline and learning from our seasoned artists to produce world class visual effects. If you are seeking to be a part of an exciting team-based environment, we’d love to hear from you.