The Lead Real-Time Graphics Developer is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an advanced level of understanding and skill. They will work on directory maintenance and new graphic builds independently or while leading a team. They communicate with teammates, partners and end-users to help set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will help develop project and department workflows and processes. This role is expected to deliver error-free graphics and independently research and provide technical support with high proficiency. They contribute to one or more specialty businesses supported by the Innovation team. They help administer and help maintain 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.

Responsibilities:

• Primarily utilize Vizrt, Unreal Engine, or HTML in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of graphics for ESPN productions
• Plan, build, maintain and update graphic directories independently or while collaborating with a team of developers, sometimes in a lead role
• Provide ownership, direction, troubleshooting and support for event and/or studio directories implementing new, innovative approaches
• 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
• Contribute to one or more specialty business segments such as touchscreen, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.
• Work closely with management on deliverables to manage expectations with team-members and ensure effective and on-time delivery
• Independently research and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and workflows
• Create project-wide workflows, scripts and processes
• Coordinate with management to provide feedback, improve processes, and apply best practices to all project workflows
• Assist with hardware and/or software upgrades and new studio builds
• Teach and assist co-workers and help with on-boarding and training other developers
• 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 higher levels, explore new technology, and actively communicate on all phases of a project to maintain the quality of ESPN’s on-air product
• Assist with 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
• 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

Basic Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing graphics for a live production setting at a major studio, network or production company
• Advanced knowledge of a real-time graphics platform such as Vizrt, Ross Xpression, Unreal Engine or HTML and the workflows to implement graphics in an event or studio setting
• Advanced 2D and 3D animation skills and excellent use of effective type layout
• Good grasp broadcast and television production technology
• Aptitude and drive to learn, create, and apply new concepts, techniques and software and the ability to share skills with peers
• Drive to contribute new and innovative ideas, displaying conceptualization skills and the ability to offer unique creative solutions at project and department-wide level
• In possession of excellent communication skills, setting expectations with stakeholders for on-time delivery while taking and giving direction well
• Drive to contribute new and innovative ideas and successfully implement them at a project-wide level
• Ability to plan and implement new hardware, software and studio builds
• 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 8 years of live broadcast sport graphics experience encompassing event and/or studio workflows
• Advanced-level knowledge and understanding of Vizrt and Trio software
• Experience with or understanding of graphics playout in a live setting
• Understanding of 3D graphics, modeling and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine or other 3D animation program
• 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 

Additional Information:

• This role requires the person to be in the office

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