Introducing Digital Matte Paint Department (DMP)

The world of Matte Paint: art, creativity, technique and skill

Our DMP team reveals the evolution from traditional techniques to the most cutting-edge tools. Additionally, we share the most significant challenges faced by our artists, Catalina Farías, Javier Sicilia, and Carlos Simón, in the execution of their projects.

WHAT IS DIGITAL MATTE PAINTING (DMP)?

It is an audiovisual technique that involves generating digital elements and 2D environments to integrate them into a shoot (in our case, live-action). Often, this translates into creating backgrounds seen behind the actors.

MATTE PAINTING IS AS OLD AS CINEMA ITSELF. HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

Years ago, these backgrounds were painted on glass supports, placed close to the camera (in front of the actors), and filmed during the shoot. Now, however, digital matte painting is done during post-production, allowing us to work with Photoshop by combining images with digital painting. Additionally, this way of working allows the use of matte paintings in shots with camera movements, something impossible in traditional techniques as it would reveal the trick.

BESIDES PHOTOSHOP, DO YOU USE OTHER PROGRAMS?

We also use Maya to generate geometry on which to project the matte paintings. This adds volume and depth to the elements we create. We also use Nuke to compose the result and send it to the Composition department for integration.

WHAT IS THE INDISPENSABLE TOOL FOR A MATTE PAINTER?

A good library with many images to use as a starting point.

REGARDING YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK, WHAT IS YOUR WORKFLOW?

First, we receive the shot to work on, which sometimes comes from the shoot and other times is a 3D render. From this shot, we work on a frame, creating the matte paint with Photoshop. Then, we generate the 3D geometry to project it, if necessary, using the camera provided by the matchmove or layout department (in the case of a render). Finally, we compose the result in Nuke and pass it to the Composition department.

DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE PREVIOUS CONCEPTS?

Most of the time, it's not necessary, as the look is largely defined by the material from the shoot itself, although there are occasions when due to complexity or other factors, a previous concept is necessary.

IS A REALISTIC SCENE MORE COMPLICATED OR A FANTASTIC SCENARIO?

A fantastic scenario tends to be more complicated, as it requires more extensive modification of the images you work with, although on the other hand, it tends to be more enjoyable.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MATTE PAINTING AND AN ENVIRONMENT?

Matte painting is a 2D element that can gain some depth when projected but cannot be used when camera movements are too extensive, as they would reveal the trick. On the other hand, we would call an environment when this scenario is generated entirely in 3D and, therefore, works with extensive camera movements. The good thing about matte painting is that it takes much less time to create than an environment, but the downside is that it doesn't work for every shot.

WHAT IS THE TRAINING OF AN ARTIST IN THIS SPECIALTY?

It is very varied; for example, in the case of Carlos Simón, directly related to matte painting, he has a degree in Animation Film as well as several courses in environment design, painting with light and color, and pictorial composition. It's not really necessary to have this training, but the more you know about the image and the software required to do this job, the better. Additionally, he has a diploma and a Master's degree in Cinematography, which are not directly related to matte painting, but are courses that provide great knowledge about the image and have had a positive influence on performing his work.

IN YOUR WORK, DO YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW VERY CLEAR GUIDELINES OR DO YOU HAVE ROOM TO UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY?

Most of the time, we have fairly clear guidelines from the client and project supervisor; although sometimes we have a bit more artistic freedom, which is always appreciated.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PROJECTS AT ELR WHETHER DUE TO COMPLEXITY, CREATIVITY, ETC.?

One project to highlight is Halo 2, as there was a lot of matte painting work in creating large backgrounds with Icelandic mountains. We also enjoyed working on the Christmas commercial for El Corte Inglés, where cloud backgrounds were created with pink tones, as well as another background of mountains at sunset, with quite a bit of artistic freedom.