Real Time Graphics Developer I

Job Summary:

ESPN Creative Studio leverages the combined talents of our in-house storytelling, animation, production design, real time graphics and edit teams to elevate ESPN content for fans and advertisers.

This position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at a fundamental level of understanding and skill. This is a creative role with expectations to deliver quality, innovation, and vision. The Real-Time Developer works on directory maintenance and new graphic builds, collaborating with a team or independently, with some oversight.  They communicate with supervisors and peers to set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will adhere to project and department workflows and processes and assist with 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
• Collaborate with teammates to plan, build, maintain and update graphic directories
• Translate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutions
• Help troubleshoot 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
• Explore specialty business segments such as touchscreen, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.
• Work closely with leaders and peers on deliverables to manage expectations and ensure effective and on-time delivery
• Help research and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and workflows
• Adhere to project-wide workflows, scripts and processes
• Collaborate within the ESPN Creative Studio to contribute to long-term initiatives
• Push creativity and software skills to higher levels, demonstrating eagerness to contribute innovative ideas, pushing designs to the next level
• 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 programs
• 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

Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of a real-time graphics platform such as Vizrt, Ross Xpression or Unreal Engine
• Strong understanding and use of effective type layout
• 2D animation experience
• Experience designing graphics or working in a live production or broadcast setting
• Aptitude to learn and apply new concepts, techniques and software
• Good communications skills, helping team leaders and management set expectations for on-time delivery and taking direction well
• Drive to contribute new and innovative ideas
• Interest in and flexibility to engage 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 Qualifications:

• Experience designing graphics or working in a live production setting
• Experience with live broadcast sport graphics experience encompassing event and/or studio workflows
• Some knowledge of Vizrt and Trio software
• Experience with or understanding of graphics playout in a live setting
• Experience with VBS or other programming language
• Interest in 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

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Additional Information:

• Flex Type: In-Person
• This role requires the person to be in the office.

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