Time Graphics Developer

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.

• 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
• 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

• 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 languages
• Interest in 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

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent