Automation Director

Volant Media; City Of London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in London is looking for an experienced Automation Director to oversee live programming. The role demands a calm and effective operator with expertise in broadcast automation systems. You'll coordinate gallery staff, ensure adherence to programme formats, and work closely with editorial teams to execute high-quality broadcasts. Experience with multi-camera directing and a strong understanding of production components are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with Automation Systems and broadcast automation systems, preferably Viz Mosart.
• Strong understanding of production components in a gallery.
• Experience directing foreign language programming is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage live programming across all of the company's output.
• Coordinate with gallery staff for smooth operations.
• Oversee production elements from conception to completion.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Multi-camera directing

Excellent communication skills

Creativity in directing

Tools

Viz Mosart

Ross Overdrive

Grass Valley Ignite

Job description

Reporting to the Lead Programme Director, the Automation Director will have overall responsibility for the look and feel of programmes, whilst adhering to established show formats in an automation environment. Together with the Programme Editors and Output Producers, the Automation Director's role is to ensure the programme is exactly as intended and adheres to channel guidelines for audio and visual presentation. The Automation Director will manage and adapt to the programme's needs and changes, using automation technology and the NCS. The role is on a shift basis which will also include nights.

Responsibilities

• Operating an Automation system whilst simultaneously co-ordinating and directing live programming across all of Volant's output.
• Utilise Automation to deliver complex sequences reliably and frequently.
• Prepare NCS running orders with correct code to ensure that programmes are delivered as intended, reporting back workflow errors to the newsroom.
• Ability to deviate from the running order when required, returning to the prepared programme when appropriate.
• Coordinate with the Junior Automation Director, performing Gallery line ups and Studio checks prior to broadcast.
• Oversee the smooth running of the live and non-live galleries and studios.
• Work closely with the editorial lead and instruct all gallery and studio staff.
• Overseeing all elements of the production from conception through to completion.
• Anticipating challenges and finding solutions in a live environment.
• Facilitate Ad-hoc requirements by taking items to air, using the automation GUI.
• Ability to support the training process of other Automation Directors and Junior Automation Directors.
• Assist the Lead Programme Director and the Senior Automation Director in maintaining and developing existing Automation workflows.
• Ability to Co-Direct as required and have a strong understanding of both roles and responsibilities in an automation environment.
• Adhering to established programme formats and maintaining continuity of programme styles and workflows.
• Following and enacting Broadcast Operation's protocols and policies correctly.
• Keeping up to date with departmental documentation and communications in relation to updates in working practices.
• Reporting of issues and escalation of incidents to the business in relation to operational faults and working practices.
• Co-ordinating the crew effectively and in a safe manner, following correct Health & Safety practices.
• Be across changes and how it impacts the role.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

Additional Requirements

• The Automation Director is required to be a calm and effective operator and must demonstrate composure under pressure.
• Required to work collaboratively with editorial and operational colleagues, with the ability to take firm and decisive action during programme changes and breaking news.
• The Automation Director will have a strong understanding of each of the production components in a gallery, including multi-camera directing, cameras, lighting, sound, and graphics.
• Creativity in directing programmes is also desirable, as well as an ability to generate a sympathetic approach to different genres.
• Experience with Automation Systems and hands-on experience with broadcast automation systems - preferably Viz Mosart, though experience with similar systems such as Ross Overdrive or Grass Valley Ignite is also valuable. A strong understanding of how automation integrates with live studio production is essential.
• The ideal candidate should be confident directing in an automated environment, with the ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and make quick editorial and technical decisions in fast-paced live broadcasts.
• Experience working closely with production teams, engineering, and technical operators to optimise automated workflows is essential.
• The ideal candidate will have had experience directing foreign language programming and understand the different dynamic this involves.
• A knowledge of world news is important, including being able to recognise and distinguish famous faces and world leaders.
• To be willing and able to work effectively on a variety of different shifts, including overnights, weekends and public holidays.
• Understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace.
• Extensive gallery and studio experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills.