Sr Studio Operator, Studio Ops

ESPN, Inc.; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 79,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

ESPN, Inc. is seeking a Senior Studio Operator to lead technical operations across live productions in Bristol, CT. You will supervise and train teams, manage camera shading, video signal integrity, and lighting, while supporting virtual/augmented reality graphics and coordinated production workflows.

The role requires strong diagnostic skills, the ability to work nights and weekends, and a track record of delivering high-quality broadcasts in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years practical TV production or related experience at large-market or network level.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Flexibility to adjust schedules, including shifts and extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead and train the production team, driving operational excellence across multiple studios and remote environments.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in camera shading, color correction, and video signal analysis across Sony, Grass Valley, Panasonic platforms.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize lighting consoles and studio lighting systems to deliver high-quality lighting for talent and sets.
• Set up, operate, and support virtual and augmented reality graphics systems and related workflows.
• Maintain operational readiness through quality control procedures and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure technical reliability and consistent execution under tight timelines.

Skills

Live TV production

Camera shading

Lighting control

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field

Vocational School Certification

Related Experience

Job description

Job Requirements

Position Summary:

The Senior Studio Operator serves as an advanced technical and operational leader, supporting the successful execution of live productions across multiple studios, video control rooms, facilities, and remote production environments. Leveraging expertise in broadcast technologies, systems, workflows, and production operations, this role ensures operational readiness, technical reliability, and consistent execution in support of high-quality content creation and delivery. The Senior Studio Operator is responsible for operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing a broad range of production equipment and systems, proactively resolving complex technical challenges while collaborating with production and technical teams to meet evolving production, creative, and operational requirements. As a technical leader within the operating group, this position shares knowledge, trains and develops team members, champions excellence, drives continuous improvement, and helps strengthen technical capability, operational effectiveness, and production performance.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a technical leader within the operating group by sharing knowledge, training and developing team members, advancing technical capabilities and operational execution in live production environments, and driving operational consistency across a variety of productions and operating models.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in camera shading, color correction, and video signal analysis, utilizing camera control systems, including but not limited to Sony, Grass Valley, and Panasonic platforms, along with video measurement and monitoring tools to maintain visual consistency, color accuracy, and technical quality standards across cameras, scenic displays, and live production environments.

• Demonstrate advanced operating proficiency across a wide range of camera, lens, and production technologies, including but not limited to studio cameras; specialty camera support systems such as Jimmy Jib, eCrane, and Steadicam; robotic camera systems such as Vinten, Telemetrics, and Panasonic; remote camera systems such as AzzurroCam and TVU; and other equipment, platforms, and technologies used to support live studio, remote, and emerging production environments.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in programming, operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing ETC lighting consoles and studio lighting systems to support creative and production requirements, ensure operational readiness, and deliver consistent, high-quality lighting for talent, scenic elements, and live productions.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and support of virtual and augmented reality graphics systems, including associated signal routing, camera tracking, rendering technologies, and production workflows, ensuring operational readiness, technical reliability, and successful execution of live productions.

• Demonstrate expert operating skills and the ability to perform effectively under strict timelines and live production conditions with minimal supervision.

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of workflows, equipment, facility layouts, and troubleshooting practices, with the ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, as well as resolve operational or equipment-related problems.

• Conduct quality control procedures and take corrective action to maintain technical standards, ensure operational readiness, and enhance production quality.

• Develop and deliver mentoring, coaching, and training programs that enhance technical proficiency, operational readiness, and production execution across the operating group. Champion staff development through guidance, feedback, and growth opportunities that strengthen individual capability, team effectiveness, and organizational readiness.

• Maintain and continuously expand an advanced understanding of emerging technologies, production workflows, and related business operations, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and production capabilities while supporting the evaluation, testing, integration, and adoption of new technologies across Production Operations.

• Lead team-based projects, special events, and operational initiatives, leveraging technical expertise and operational knowledge to drive continuous improvement, enhance production capabilities, and strengthen workflows, operational readiness, as well as production support. Demonstrate the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, build productive partnerships, influence outcomes, and successfully deliver project goals, milestones, and deadlines across a variety of production environments.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, departmental procedures, and standard operating practices.

• Provide exceptional service and support to internal and external partners.

• Lead cross-training initiatives that expand operational flexibility, strengthen team capabilities, and support evolving business and production needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years practical TV Production or related experience at the large market or network level.

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

• Flexibility to adjust schedules as needed, including shifts, days off, overtime, early start times, and extended shifts, to meet operational and production needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (written and spoken) – English/Spanish.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Studio Production, Journalism, or related field.
• Vocational School Certification.
• Related Experience.

Additional Information:

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Flexibility to work additional hours, including early start times and extended shifts, when needed.

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Bristol, CT is $78,640 to $108,130 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is with Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us/sections/32131060143380-Candidate-Disability-Accommodations-FAQs) . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help. (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us)

ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.