DMP Lead - TV Featurette

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has been growing and evolving, yet at our core, we remain grounded in the creative roots of the craft of animation.  Our pursuit of fresh ideas, techniques, and technologies is driven by the belief that together, through creativity and collaboration, we can accomplish anything!  If you want to be part of an environment that empowers you to experiment, learn, and contribute to exciting projects, come and join us.

Our TV Featurette, popular IP, is looking for a DMP Lead to join the team ASAP. Ideal candidates will be based in BC, Canada and be able to legally work in Canada.

Core Responsibilities 

• Lead the DMP team in delivering high-quality digital environments that match the creative and technical style of the production. 

• Conduct regular reviews with Directors and Supervisors, co-leading these sessions with the CG Supervisor. 

• Create render bases for painting overs. 

• Detail-match shots that require touch-ups. 

• Contribute to and help maintain a reusable library of painted elements for multiple matte paintings. 

• Support a collaborative team approach, recognizing that matte paintings may be created collectively. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of all technical aspects involved in matte painting creation and variations. 

• Ensure all DMP work meets show-specific technical requirements, including correct color-space management and conversions. 

• Work closely with Lighting, Compositing, Layout, and Environment teams to integrate matte paintings seamlessly into the pipeline. 

• Adhere to technical specifications for integration into a feature animation pipeline. 

• Work within a Photoshop–Nuke environment, requiring expert-level knowledge of both. 

• Provide scripting insight or help shape new show tools in partnership with Pipeline. 

• Actively contribute to hands-on DMP asset creation, balancing leadership responsibilities with direct production work. 

• Collaborate closely with environment artists, layout, and compositing to integrate DMP seamlessly into the workflow. 

• USD workflow experience is helpful but not required. 

Collaboration & Workflow 

• Collaborate with production, CG supervisors, and team members to problem-solve and share insights. 

• Participate in dailies, rounds, and team discussions to improve artistic and technical outcomes. 

• Follow pipeline workflows and meet all technical requirements for smooth integration into the studio pipeline. 

• Foster strong cross-department communication (Layout, Lighting, Comp, Environments). 

• Support a positive team environment built on collaboration, shared ownership, and collective artistic success. 

Time Management & Communication 

• Balance hands-on production work with leadership responsibilities while maintaining consistent quality. 

• Work with production to manage time effectively and deliver on schedule. 

• Clearly communicate progress, challenges, and solutions to production and department leadership. 

• Lead or participate in reviews with Directors, Supervisors, and the CG Supervisor. 

Experience 

• Experience working on feature or televised animation. 

• Experience leading a team. 

• Expert proficiency in Photoshop and Nuke; working knowledge of Maya is a strong plus. 

• Experience or interest in developing procedural environments workflows. 

• Strong artistic and technical skills in digital matte painting. 

• Understanding of 2.5D workflows and the full animation pipeline from assets to comp. 

• Art background with an emphasis on environments is desirable. 

• Strong problem-solving and optimization abilities; able to take ownership of sequences. 

Skills & Communication 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

• Sharp visual judgment and exceptional attention to detail. 

• Ability to take creative direction and integrate feedback. 

• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals. 

• Openness to sharing knowledge and supporting team skill growth. 

Evaluation Method 

Portfolio-Based Assessment 

• Demonstrated experience in Photoshop, Nuke, and Maya. 

• Strong technical proficiency in digital matte painting and 2.5D workflows. 

• Evidence of creating diverse, high-quality environments. 

• Strong design sensibility and high-level polish. 

• Ability to create functional, production-ready matte painting assets. 

Pay Range: CAD $1,900 - $2,100 per week   

This salary range reflects our current expectations for these roles as of this posting’s date. Your final salary offer will consider various key factors, including your education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographical location, as well as the needs and requirements of the business. 

Flexible work environment, Extended Health and Wellness from day 1, RRSP matching are just some of the benefits. For more details, check out our website. 

At Bardel, we recognize that flexibility is key to doing great work. Our hybrid work environment is a valued perk designed to support individual accountability and empower our teams to work where they’re most productive. We offer the choice to work remotely, balanced with intentional in-person time for collaboration, creativity, and team building. This role requires in-studio attendance at our Vancouver studio during onboarding and predetermined Rush Weeks. 

If this seems like a good fit, what are you waiting for, get your application in!