Job Description
Position Summary: The Technical Director I works on a variety of video switchers and automation systems to support productions. Work will be performed in a fast-paced environment for a wide variety of content relying on both traditional and non-traditional production approaches. The Technical Director I needs to understand technical workflows and is responsible for building and maintaining show elements, switcher files, routing signals, and creatively executing the in-game vision of the Show Director and Content Production partners. They are expected to understand complex technical workflows within a fixed broadcast facility and interconnectivity with remote equipment and sites. They are required to participate in troubleshooting efforts and communicate with teams across ESPN and external partners to improve and remedy technical issues. .
Responsibilities: - Operates in the Technical Director role during Live Events and executes the in-game visual requirements and calls from Show Director, Producer, and Associate Director; including multiple discrete feeds (e.g. Clean Feeds, Aux outputs, etc.). Builds and maintains TD files and switcher effects, intakes custom requests, prioritizes and problem solves, and drives communication and documentation to all pertinent partners and teammates.
- Collaborates across the enterprise to plan the needs of the Event Operations team for specific productions. Leads planning meetings and prep sessions with partners in Content Production and closely related departments.
- Participates in the development of fellow operations staff through training and workshops. Participation in training programs (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for self-career development and/or regarding any relevant equipment and workflow changes within the operation.
- Applies basic understanding of all professional and collegiate sports including year-round storylines, key players and games, strategy, and rules to quickly recognize and identify key moments, and anticipate the needs and choices of Show Director and Content Production staff.
- Contributes to administrative work on various platforms (O365, Smartsheet, etc.)
- Troubleshoot technical broadcast equipment, solve workflow issues and effectively communicate the issue and resolution needed at a basic level.
Qualifications: - Minimum of 2 years practical TV Production or related experience at the small to medium broadcast market, digital/streaming platform, and/or comparable collegiate broadcast level.
- “On-air” live TD experience using industry standing equipment.
- Ability to perform tasks under tight deadlines, work independently and support simultaneous projects.
- Scheduling flexibility including the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be willing and able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
- Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, organizational, computer and planning skills.
- Ability to work as a part of a dynamic team.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience in a live control room or remote event environment working live sports or non-scripted live programming.
- Understanding of the terminology, workflows and equipment associated with live event productions. Including but not limited to traditional manual video switchers, automated video switchers, all-in-one production solutions, video router infrastructure, server-based recording/playback devices and their related control devices, monitor wall systems, and signal conversion. This includes but is not limited to GV Kayenne, GV Ignite, SimplyLive Vibox, GV routers, Evertz Routers, K2 Summit, and TSI tally systems.
- Demonstrable knowledge of broadcast production equipment, workflows, and technology including remote and fixed facility-based productions.
- Basic understanding of computer network architecture.
- Strong understanding of business productivity and collaboration platforms. (Slack, O365, Smartsheet, Confluence, and similar platforms)
- Ability to interpret and understand complex information while disseminating it to proper personnel in a clear and concise manner.
- Understanding of Remote Event Workflows and Terminology.
- Ability to provide exceptional customer service to our partners.
- Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish.
Required Education : - High School, Vocational School diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education : - Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Video Production, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field
Additional Information: (i.e. physical requirements, holiday, nights, weekend shifts, etc.)
Must be able to work nights, holidays and weekends.
Job Tags
Remote work, Night shift, Weekend work,