Real Time Graphics Developer II

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an intermediate level of understanding and skill. The Real-Time Developer II works on directory maintenance and new graphic builds while collaborating with a team or independently, with little oversight. They communicate with supervisors, teammates and partners to help set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will adhere to department and project workflows and processes. They will provide error-free graphics and technical support. They will participate in and assist with training and onboarding 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.

Responsibilities:

• Primarily utilize Vizrt, Ross Xpression, or Unreal Engine in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of graphics for ESPN productions

• Plan, build, maintain and update graphic directories with little oversight or while collaborating with a team of developers 

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

• Provide  troubleshooting and support for event and/or studio directories

• 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 

• Learn about specialty business segments such as touchscreen, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc… 

• Work closely with management and teammates on deliverables to manage expectations and ensure effective and on-time delivery

• Research and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and workflows

• Adhere to project-wide workflows, scripts and processes

• Engage with hardware and/or software upgrades and new studio builds

• Assist co-workers and help with on-boarding and training

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

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

• Participate in 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 program

• Contribute innovative ideas, pushing designs to the next 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

Requirements:​

• At least 3 years of experience designing graphics or working in a live production setting 

• Intermediate knowledge of a real-time graphics platform such as Vizrt, Ross Xpression or Unreal Engine

• Hands-on knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe After-Effects

• Excellent understanding and regular use of effective type layout

• Evident 2D animation skills

• Experience working with graphics for live production or broadcast setting 

• Interest in or experience with broadcast and television production technologies

• Ability to write and troubleshoot Viz Scripting (visual basic), C#, Javascript, C++ and/or other programming languages

• Aptitude and drive to learn and apply new concepts, techniques and software

• In possession of communications skills, helping team leaders and management set expectations for on-time delivery and taking direction well

• Drive to contribute new and innovative ideas 

• Ability to assist with new hardware, software and studio builds

• Highly motivated, works well under pressure, effectively prioritizes 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:

• 5 years of real-time experience at a major network or production company

• Experience with live broadcast sport graphics experience encompassing event and/or studio workflows

• Some knowledge and understanding of Vizrt and Trio software

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

• Experience with 3D graphics, modeling and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine or other 3D animation program

• Strong ability to write and troubleshoot Viz Scripting (visual basic), C#, Javascript, C++ and/or other programming languages

• 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 

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