Surfacing Artist

About DNEG Animation

DNEG Animation is a world-class studio that creates high-end animated feature films and episodic content for audiences all over the world. The team works on projects ranging from complex graphic novel adaptations to beautifully-stylized films, including shows like The Garfield Movie, Entergalactic, and Nimona.

Location and Work Model

• Location: Montréal, Quebec
• Work Model: Hybrid Remote

Key Purpose of the Job

The Feature Animation division aims to compete with the highest industry standards. Environment Surfacers are required to deliver outstanding assets, both creatively and technically, ensuring delivery within established time frames. Candidates must demonstrate high skills to adapt to any style or design and possess a solid foundation in the technical aspects of environment surfacing creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality CG environment assets through texturing, look development, and grooming, using provided reference material while maintaining the required visual style and production standards.
• Submit and present work clearly in dailies and production reviews, communicating creative and technical decisions. Receive, understand, and address artistic and technical feedback.
• Quality check work before handing off to downstream departments using DNEG protocol.
• Learn and become familiar with DNEG Surfacing Department workflows and pipeline tools.
• Follow workflows set by show leads and supervisors.
• Attend project-specific reviews, department assemblies, and other mandatory meetings.
• Share new workflow ideas with the team.

Job Requirements

• Experience working on feature animated films of varying artistic styles.
• Production experience as an Environment Surfacer including some or all of: props, architecture, terrain, and vegetation.
• Strong sense of color and texture balance with the ability to adapt to any look or style.
• Ability to work closely with Surfacing Leads and Supervisors to ensure the quality and technical viability of environment assets.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, suggestions, and questions to other team members.
• Knowledge of grooming tools and understanding of their general use in environments.
• Proficient in Mari (preferred) and Substance, with some knowledge of Photoshop.
• Production experience in modern ray-tracing or path-tracing software such as RenderMan or Arnold.
• Demo reel with descriptive breakdown illustrating knowledge and experience in painting, illustration, or design.

Additional Skills

• Degree in Computer Animation or relevant course.
• Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to explore, test, and adopt new workflows, tools, and techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of texturing, lookdev, and grooming.
• Knowledge of Solaris and Houdini.

Union Information

This is a unionized position and will be covered by a collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE in the coming months. As a unionized employee, you will be required to join the union and will benefit from the conditions set out in the collective agreement. Union dues will be required once the collective agreement is in place.

Diversity and Inclusion

DNEG believes that embracing differences is a vital component of collective success. The company is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they matter and belong. Applications are welcome from all, regardless of background, experience, or disability. Accommodations are available upon request during the application process.