Freelance Studio Operations Lead

Complex; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,575 - 83,025; Full time

Job summary

Medium is seeking a Technical Director to oversee live camera switching, manage digital assets, and ensure quality control of live streams. You will be pivotal in creative planning, camera operation for studio shoots, and collaborating with production teams to deliver high-quality visuals.

The position requires proficiency with Blackmagic ATEM switchers and a solid understanding of streaming workflows. Compensation is competitive at $350 - $450 a day, reflecting location and experience.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of video signal flow including routing and troubleshooting.
• Experience with professional cameras like RED, Sony, and Canon.
• Good sense of emerging tech in the camera industry.

Responsibilities

• Execute seamless multi-camera switching and scene transitions during broadcasts.
• Assist in creative planning for shoots, offering camera angle input.
• Monitor live stream health and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Camera switching proficiency

Video signal flow understanding

Streaming workflows experience

Basic camera tech knowledge

Tools

Blackmagic ATEM Software Control

OBS

Restream

Job description

Company And Culture

Complex is the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle, seamlessly integrating cutting‑edge content, commerce and live experiences with unparalleled scale. Through innovative content, Complex tells stories of music, streetwear and style, sports, art and beyond. Its content engages in a dynamic conversation with the audience, reflecting and shaping the zeitgeist of convergence culture. A powerful media juggernaut paired with a curated marketplace, Complex is redefining the way fans interact with their favorite brands and artists and reshaping the future of digital culture and commerce.

What You’ll Do

Technical Director Support Responsibilities

• Live Camera Switching: Execute seamless multi‑camera switching and scene transitions using Blackmagic ATEM hardware.
• Asset & Graphics Management: Trigger and manage on‑screen digital assets, live GFX, and video roll‑ins dynamically during broadcasts.
• Graphics Editing: Design, edit, and implement customized broadcast graphics, including lower thirds and framing mortises.
• Stream Health & Quality Control: Actively monitor live stream health, ensuring optimal audio/video quality, stable connectivity, and immediate troubleshooting of technical issues.
• Remote Guest Integration: Manage remote caller feeds and high‑quality audio/video capturing using platforms like VDO.Ninja and Riverside.fm.
• Broadcast Software Operation: Operate and configure encoding and multi‑streaming software, specifically utilizing OBS and Restream to distribute live feeds across platforms.

Camera Operation & Production Support

• Serve as principal camera operator for in‑studio shoots (single or multi‑cam), ensuring professional framing, focus, and movement.
• Assist in creative planning for shoots, offering input on camera angles, lighting, and visual style.
• Work closely with directors, producers, and talent during live and recorded sessions to deliver consistent, high‑quality visuals.

Technical Setup & Maintenance

• Set up and break down video, lighting, and audio gear for each shoot.
• Monitor live feeds and camera outputs for color balance, exposure, and composition.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance of gear. Identify and resolve technical issues quickly to avoid production delays.

Team Collaboration

• Liaise with post‑production teams to ensure footage is correctly labeled, stored, and handed off.
• Assist in onboarding freelancers or crew and train them on studio equipment and protocols.
• Collaborate with creative teams to meet brand and storytelling goals through high‑quality visuals.

Who You Are

Qualifications & Experience

• Proficiency in camera switching using professional camera switchers such as BlackMagic ATEM series.
• Deep understanding of video signal flow including 3G & 12G protocols, routing, troubleshooting and calibration.
• Basic camera tech knowledge with a good sense of new tech emerging in the camera industry.
• Deep understanding of streaming workflows, launching GFX, lower 3rds, flying assets, and recording while live streaming.
• Experience with software such as Blackmagic ATEM Software Control, Ninja.vdo, Restream, Riverside.fm.
• Experience with RED, Sony, Canon and Blackmagic video cameras and lensing (Sony & Canon).

$350 - $450 a day

The Pay Range, which consists of salary and commission, for this position is listed. Actual pay will vary based on factors including, but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of Complex Total Rewards offerings for employees.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.

Complex participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship.