Bardel Entertainment is looking for an elite Senior Digital Matte Painter (DMP) to join our Vancouver-based Feature Animation team for a high-impact, short-term contract. This role is designed for a veteran artist who can merge classical painting fundamentals with cutting‑edge 2.5D and 3D workflows. As a Senior Artist, you will be a cornerstone of the environment team, responsible for creating breathtaking vistas and seamless background extensions that define the cinematic scale of our latest feature project. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an Emmy Award®-winning studio’s legacy during a crucial production phase. Job Overview & Quick Reference Category Details Company Name Bardel Entertainment Department Feature Animation (3D DMP / Environments) Job Title Senior Digital Matte Painter (DMP) Location Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Work Model Hybrid Production (BC Residency Required) Employment Type Full-time (Short-term Contract) Contract Duration 2 Months (Starting ASAP) At Bardel, we recognize that senior‑level expertise deserves a premium package. Even for short‑term contracts, we ensure our artists are supported with industry‑leading benefits. Component Estimated Range / Details Annualized Equivalent $88,400 – $109,200 CAD Health & Wellness Comprehensive Extended Health & Wellness from Day 1 Retirement RRSP Matching Program Work Environment Flexible hybrid model (Studio/Home) Tech Stack Access to high‑end hardware and proprietary pipeline tools Note on Compensation: The salary range reflects our current expectations. Final offers are tailored based on your portfolio strength, years of feature experience, technical certifications, and specific project needs. Our Story: 35 Years of Creative Evolution For over three and a half decades, Bardel Entertainment has been more than just an animation studio—it has been a crucible for creative evolution. While we have grown into an internationally acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning powerhouse with studios in Vancouver and Montreal, we remain grounded in the “craft.” We believe that the intersection of fresh ideas and advanced technology is where magic happens. From the irreverent humor of Rick and Morty to the epic world‑building of The Dragon Prince and the stylized charm of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, our work is diverse, challenging, and globally beloved. Joining Bardel means entering an environment that empowers you to experiment, lead, and contribute to the highest tier of animated entertainment. Detailed Job Description: The Senior DMP Role As a Senior Digital Matte Painter , you are the “architect of the horizon.” You are responsible for overseeing and executing the creation of stunning digital paintings that must blend invisibly with 3D computer‑generated environments. This role sits at the delicate intersection of the Art Department and the Compositing Department. You will work under the guidance of the CG Supervisor, Art Director, and DMP Lead to ensure that every environment not only meets the technical “check‑boxes” but also elevates the emotional storytelling of the film. For this senior position, we aren’t just looking for someone who can paint; we need a technical problem‑solver who can build complex Nuke scripts and mentor the next generation of artists. High‑End Asset Creation: Produce top‑tier digital matte paintings across various styles. This includes “old‑school” fully painted backgrounds, stylized/graphic looks, and detailed overpaints on 3D renders to add texture and life that 3D alone cannot achieve. Nuke Integration: You won’t just “hand off” a PSD file. You will produce full Compositing (Comp) scripts in Nuke , assembling multiple projections and 2.5D setups. These setups must be pre‑rendered and optimized for a seamless hand‑off to the Lighting and Final Comp teams. Color Science: Maintain strict adherence to color space management and conversion protocols. You ensure that your paintings maintain their integrity across the entire pipeline, from your monitor to the final theater screen. Team Guidance: As a Senior Artist, you are a beacon of knowledge. You will assist junior and mid‑level artists in troubleshooting their projections or refining their painting techniques. Creative Stewardship: Participate in “dailies” and “rounds,” providing constructive feedback that helps push the entire team’s quality higher. Workflow Optimization: Identify areas where the DMP pipeline can be improved. Whether it’s a new script for Nuke or a brush‑set for Photoshop, you contribute to the collective “toolbox.” Cross‑Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Layout and Lighting departments to ensure your matte paintings respect the camera’s focal length, movement, and lighting direction. Stakeholder Alignment: Ensure your work aligns with the Art Director’s vision. You must be able to take a concept sketch and “finish the thought” into a production‑ready asset. Deadline Management: In a fast‑paced 2‑month contract, time is of the essence. You will manage your tasks with high autonomy, ensuring that milestones are met without sacrificing the “Bardel Standard” of quality. Profile: What You Bring to the Team The Technical Toolkit The Big Three: Expert‑level knowledge of Photoshop (for painting), Nuke (for 2.5D projections), and Maya (for basic geometry and scene assembly). Advanced Tools: Experience with Katana , Houdini , or ZBrush is considered a significant asset and will put your application at the top of the pile. Procedural Mindset: A strong interest or experience in developing procedural environment workflows to handle large‑scale vistas efficiently. Pipeline Literacy: A deep understanding of the end‑to‑end animation pipeline. You should know exactly how your work affects the artists “downstream” in Lighting and Compositing. Artistic & Professional Background Portfolio Excellence: A reel or portfolio demonstrating a mastery of light, color, perspective, and atmosphere. We want to see environments that feel “lived‑in” and vast. Problem‑Solving: The ability to look at a complex sequence and decide whether it should be a 2D painting, a 2.5D projection, or a full 3D build based on the camera move. Adaptability: You are comfortable working in various art styles—from hyper‑realistic to highly stylized/painterly looks. Mentorship: A genuine willingness to share your “secret sauce” with others and help the studio grow as a whole. Vancouver is a global hub for visual effects and animation, and Bardel is at the center of it. Location Note: This role is open specifically to candidates currently based in British Columbia (BC) . Flexible Culture: We offer a hybrid production model that respects your time and your need for a focused working environment. Immediate Impact: Because this is an “ASAP” start for a 2‑month window, you will see your work move through the pipeline quickly, providing immediate professional gratification. What to Send Our Way To be considered for this Senior role, please provide: A Tailored CV: Highlighting your feature film credits and technical proficiencies. Portfolio/Reel: Specifically highlighting matte painting work. Please include “breakdowns” that show your Nuke projection setups or “before and after” overpaints. Final Word At Bardel, we believe that through creativity and collaboration, we can accomplish anything. If you are a Senior DMP Artist who thrives on high‑stakes projects and loves the challenge of creating world‑class environments, we want to hear from you. Don’t wait—get your application in and let’s create something legendary together! #J-18808-Ljbffr