DMP/Environment Artist

020 7494 9513

DMP/Environment Artist

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Role Details

The DMP/Env Artist (DMPEA) is a key part of our CG team and works closely with the Lead Artists to create photo-realistic or stylised digital matte paintings, environments, elements and textures for our feature film and high end television projects.  They will be working with various forms of content including live-action footage, digital still photography and CG elements, and digital painting software. Their work will be integrated into live action plates or stand on their own as DMP plates through the creation of 2D backdrops, 2D extension elements or more complex 2.5D projection setups.
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Working closely with the Lead Artists the DMPEA will assist with and develop the look of their assigned shots or sequences. This may include setup, image reprojection and applying atmospherics and light effects.The DMPEA will have a strong creative eye and a good understanding of form, colour, texture and light and know how these elements work together. They will understand architecture and have a good knowledge and awareness of environments, city spaces and landscapes and how to apply this to deliver the creative vision for the project. They will be collaborative, able to work effectively with other VFX artists, have strong problem solving and communication skills and be able to build relationships at all levels. They will be organised and able to work within the production schedule and manage files and shoot data including photographic and reference data, HDRIs, and photogrammetry.
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The role will require strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately, methodically and patiently. They will need to have the ability to see and plan forward and be proactive. An excellent understanding of a client service studio and the ability to wear several hats and be flexible, often last minute is important. They will need excellent spoken and written communication skills as well as the ability to build relationships at all levels. They will be confident in their approach, proactive and happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in with whatever needs doing. They will be able to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and situations, always remaining calm and professional.
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Key responsibilities:
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  • Create photo-realistic digital matte paintings, textures and models

  • Integrate into live action plates for feature films and high end television projects or to stand on their own as DMP plates through the creation of 2D backdrops, 2D extension elements or more complex 2.5D projection setups

  • Assemble models, digital matte paintings, textures, projections and lights

  • Identify the best approach for matching the quality of the plate photography

  • Modelling, texturing and layout as directed on each project

  • Work from photo reference or concept art when available

  • Creation of assets from photogrammetry data if required

  • Set up DMP projections - including creation of DMP cameras and  geometry for DMP projections in Nuke

  • Gather reference and create mood boards to meet the needs of each project - source high quality references quickly to deliver a digital environment or texture

  • Communicate with production on a regular basis in regards to schedules and deadlines

  • Work in partnership with CG Team and other departments to ensure that shots are delivered to a high standard.

  • Develop textures for CG models and comp assets

  • Assemble models, digital matte paintings, textures, projections and lights into a CG scene for rendering

  • Create models, textures and photo-realistic digital matte paintings or collaborate with specialists in those disciplines as required

  • Troubleshoot technical issues with the CG scene and optimise the renders to work within the resources available

  • Work with a shot Compositor to assemble renders and projections in a compositing application

  • Work to develop the look of a shot, assets or sequence with their Lead Artist

  • Lighting and scene assembly for other shots or assets as required, including characters and animation



Skills, experience and knowledge:
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  • Knowledge of different areas of DMP including 3D, 2D and 2.5D (projection work)

  • Good knowledge of Photoshop, Nuke and Maya

  • Strong knowledge of matte painting techniques including colour space, digital paint techniques, and Photoshop file management (ie. file format, bit-depth resolution, or appropriate layering of elements)

  • Understanding and ability to apply artistic and technical principles of perspective, camera focal lengths, composition, scale, colour and composition

  • Experience working with shoot data; including photographic and reference data, HDRIs, and photogrammetry

  • Excellent attention to detail, organisation, problem solving and communication skills

  • Ability to deliver to deadline and creative brief

  • Some modelling, UV layout and texturing skills

  • Experience with texturing in Substance Painter or Mari a bonus

  • A good understanding for real-world materials and lighting

  • Experience integrating matte paintings into 3D environments using Maya and/or Nuke

  • Able to work as part of a collaborative team in both the studio and remotely and take direction well

  • Flexibility to produce concept art from scratch

  • Solid knowledge and understanding of visual effects pipelines, production, and implementation

  • Knowledge of film resolution and aspect ratios

  • A good understanding of 2D and 3D workflows within a feature film environment

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