Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer

ESPN, Inc.; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ESPN, Inc. is seeking an experienced Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer to lead and advance the department's live graphics and real-time workflows.

You will guide the Ross Xpression pipeline, collaborate with Vizrt and other tools, and manage a team delivering high-end on-air graphics. The role requires deep knowledge of real-time graphics, broadcast tech, and strong leadership, with responsibility for training programs and cross-team coordination.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience creating and managing graphics in a live production setting with a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience.
• Ability to lead, manage and train developers at all levels.
• Ability to simultaneously contribute to multiple projects, including project managing, leading a team, or contributing as an individual.
• Expert-level knowledge and understanding of a real-time graphics platform.
• Expert-level grasp of broadcast and television production technologies.
• Industry-leading 2D and 3D animation skills with strong type layout.
• Portfolio or reel required to demonstrate work.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in the technological growth of the department – driving innovation, researching new products, advising on potential vendors, and assisting with stability and troubleshooting of our rendering, file storage and play out systems.
• Own and manage a specialty business segment such as Ross Xpression, Vizrt, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.
• Manage a team of direct reports.
• Plan, build, maintain and update complex Ross Xpression graphic directories independently or while leading a team of developers.
• Provide team leadership, direction, troubleshooting and support for innovative system or plant-wide workflows.
• Primarily utilize Ross Xpression, some Vizrt, potential for Unreal Engine or HTML in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of the highest-level creative.
• Utilize other graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After-Effects, Adobe Illustrator, and Cinema4D, to aid in the creation of designs and animations.
• Translate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutions.

Skills

Leadership experience

Real-time graphics expertise

Multi-project leadership

Executive communication

Mentoring and training

Creative direction

Portfolio / reel

Problem solving under deadlines

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Ross Xpression

Vizrt

Unreal Engine

HTML

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe After Effects

Adobe Illustrator

Cinema4D

Job description

Job Requirements

This position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an expert level of understanding and skill. The Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer manages directory maintenance and new graphic builds specific to Ross Xpression independently or while leading a team. They communicate with teammates, partners, sponsors and executive-level stakeholders to help set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will lead a business segment requiring specialty knowledge of specific aspects of the products and services provided and created by the Graphics Innovation team. They will develop plant-wide workflows and processes, collaborating across organizations to implement and maintain. This role is expected to proactively provide and anticipate technical support themselves or by delegating. They manage the development and maintenance of training and on-boarding programs. This is a creative role that requires the ability to innovate, learn quickly and collaborate with others under varying deadlines to maintain the quality of ESPN on-air product.

Preferred office location is Charlotte, NC; however, there is a possibility that the individual may be based in the Bristol, CT office.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the technological growth of the department – driving innovation, researching new products, advising on potential vendors, and assisting with the stability and troubleshooting of our rendering, file storage and play out systems

• Own and manage a specialty business segment such as Ross Xpression, Vizrt, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.

• Manage a team of direct reports

• Plan, build, maintain and update complex Ross Xpression graphic directories independently or while leading a team of developers

• Provide team leadership, direction, troubleshooting and support for innovative system or plant-wide workflows

• Primarily utilize Ross Xpression, some Vizrt, potential for Unreal Engine or HTML in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of the highest-level creative

• Utilize other graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After-Effects, Adobe Illustrator, and Cinema4D, to aid in the creation of designs and animations

• Utilize and understand internal proprietary software and workflows

• Clearly communicate a creative vision and manage expectations with clients while ensuring effective delegation of assignments within Graphics Innovation Team while keeping management informed and involved when necessary

• Proactively research, plan for, and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and systems in use at a highly proficient level independently, by delegation or by leading a group

• Create system-wide workflows, scripts, and processes

• Coordinate with management to provide feedback, improve processes, and apply best practices to all project workflows

• Plan and implement hardware and/or software upgrades and new studio builds

• Teach, mentor, and assist co-workers and manage the creation and maintenance of on-boarding and training programs

• Proactively collaborate within the ESPN Creative Studio to contribute to long-term initiatives

• Translate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutions

• Push creativity and software skills to the highest levels, find and exploit new technology, and actively communicate on all phases of a project to maintain the quality of ESPN’s on-air product

• Manage special assignments such as in-house/off-site training and technical support for packagers, remote freelancers, and vendors

• Observe graphic format deviations and enforce ESPN graphic look

• Prepare image files for programs

• Regularly contribute innovative ideas, displaying the desire to push designs to the highest level, and learn new software to enhance individual versatility in the department

• Adhere to proper file management techniques to ensure efficient archiving and subsequent retrieval of projects

• Recognize, report, and help troubleshoot equipment/software/work environment issues

• Adhere to all administrative responsibilities, including time entry and daily reporting requirements

• Maintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity, and timely delivery of all requests

• Track and report on value of contributions

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience creating and managing graphics in a live production setting at a major studio, network, or production company with a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience

• Ability to lead, manage and train developers at all levels

• Ability to simultaneously contribute to multiple projects playing different roles, including project managing, leading a team, or contributing as an individual

• Expert-level knowledge and understanding of a real-time graphics platform

• Expert-level grasp of broadcast and television production technologies

• Industry-leading 2D and 3D animation skills and excellent use of effective type layout

• Drive to learn, create, and apply cutting-edge concepts, techniques and software and the ability to share skills with others

• Ability to lead teams while giving and taking direction well

• In possession of exceptional individual and team communication skills, setting expectations with executives and sponsors

• In possession of advanced conceptualization skills, offers unique creative solutions at a plant-wide level, and has the ability to communicate a creative vision to stakeholders and other creatives

• Ability to forecast, plan and implement new hardware, software, and studio builds

• Highly motivated, works well under pressure, effectively prioritizes multiple assignments and changes direction easily

• Keen attention to detail, spelling, and grammar

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and occasionally travel and work in a live-TV setting

• Applicants must provide a link to their online portfolio/demo reel

Preferred Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of live broadcast sport or news graphics experience encompassing event and studio workflows

• Experience managing people and projects

• Experience presenting creative to clients, stakeholders, executives, and sponsors

• Expert-level knowledge and understanding of Vizrt and Trio software

• Experience with or understanding of graphics playout in a live setting

• Good understanding of 3D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine or other 3D animation programs

• Strong interest and knowledge of sports and sports culture

• Must have reliable transportation to work

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

#ESPNMedia

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

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. 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

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.