Set Extension Artist [Vancouver]

<p> Disney Animation's Set Extension Artists use their knowledge of CG tools and strong painting skills to seamlessly extend digital environments in a 3D World. Learn more about our filmmaking process here.<br /> We currently have opportunities for Set Extension Artists to join our Vancouver, BC Studio starting in April 2026.<br /> To apply for this position, you must upload a resume and a reel with a shot breakdown, featuring samples of stylized digital matte painting (Set Extensions) and samples of shots done as a generalist. Samples of traditional painting are a plus. Please note, stylized matte paintings and shots should be of priority on your reel, even if they're personal work showcasing your versatility and personal artistic sensibilities.<br /> <br /> Responsibilities<br /> • Organically execute art directed dimensional, pre-lit, view-dependent artwork seamlessly integrated with fully CG environments<br /> • Work with the Environment Team and Production Designers to extend the environments digitally to match the stylized art direction of the film<br /> • Create appealing backgrounds, landscapes, and environments in a 3D world using digital rendering and painting programs such as Maya, Photoshop, Nuke, Houdini, Clarisse, etc. as well as GI rendering and Disney's proprietary software<br /> • Extrapolate art direction such as design, architectural style, lighting, and graphics which adhere to the Production Designer's overall vision<br /> • Support the technical aspects of the workflow by proactively troubleshooting solutions in collaboration with other technical departments<br /> • Supportively and thoughtfully collaborate with the Art, Layout, Modeling, Look Development, and Lighting teams, demonstrating a generalist skillset that utilizes a variety of techniques to achieve the final vision of the shot and overall film<br /> • Interpret concept art and color keys into stylized yet believable final imagery<br /> • Design environments for shots that are extrapolated from more generalized concept art<br /> • Setup entire shot extensions from scratch<br /> • Leverage your artistic sensibilities to deliver finished high-quality, appealing digital paintings using techniques such as composition, value structure, color theory, perspective, lighting, atmospherics, real world lighting, and material response<br /> • Translate the essence of concept art, narrative ideation, and other reference materials provided by the Art Department, understanding the heart and intention of the concept as well as what aspects are important and where there is room to change/plus the work<br /> • Light self-generated 3D assets as well as existing show assets using Dlight, Maya, and Hyperion<br /> • Create fully-realized high resolution HDR digital matte paintings<br /> • Create fully composited set extensions in Nuke utilizing 3D projections, creative compositing, post production motion blur and DOF<br /> • Take art direction from various sources and collaborate with multiple departments to achieve the final shot with an open and professional demeanor<br /> • Further the department's 2d & 3d skillsets by exploring and establishing new approaches and risk failure responsibly<br /> • Modeling as needed, especially complex terrain generation<br /> • Texture and shader generation as needed<br /> Requirements<br /> • Professional experience required, stylized feature animation experience preferred<br /> • High skill level in painting, composition, perspective, and color theory<br /> • Extensive Knowledge of a 2.5D workflow with multiple projection cameras<br /> • Extensive knowledge of both 2D and 3D workflows and thought processes with a willingness to learn new workflows<br /> • Extensive knowledge of Mac OSX and Linux as well as programs such as Photoshop, Maya, Nuke, and various renderers<br /> • Ability to work iteratively in a fluid and fast-paced environment, take direction easily, and willingness to participate as a member of a highly collaborative team<br /> • Ideal candidates possess secondary craft skills or come from a generalist background<br /> • Extensive knowledge of real-world lighting and materials<br /> • Preferable background in tradition drawing and painting<br /> • Extensive understanding of shot and painting composition, with preferable knowledge of cinematography<br /> • Solid understanding of photography and its terminologies, with the ability to integrate separate photos into a cohesive final image<br /> • Ability to solve complex problems with creativity and innovation<br /> • Bachelor's degree or comparable experience<br /> The hiring range for this position in British Columbia, Canada is C$90,400 to C$150,500 CAD per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.<br /> <br /> Disney Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's ''Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,'' to the upcoming fall 2024 feature, ''Moana 2.'' Among the studio's timeless creations are ''Pinocchio,'' ''Sleeping Beauty,'' ''The Jungle Book,'' ''The Little Mermaid,'' ''The Lion King,'' ''Frozen,'' ''Zootopia,'' and ''Encanto.''<br /> <br /> This position is with Walt Disney Animation Studios Vancouver Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.<br /> <p id='jobcode'>Jobcode: Reference SBJ-wp7emj-172-71-31-207-42 in your application.</p> </p>

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...