Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer

The Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer 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 role manages directory maintenance and new graphic builds specific to Ross Xpression, working independently or while leading a team, and communicates with teammates, partners, sponsors and executive-level stakeholders to set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. The postholder leads a business segment requiring specialty knowledge of specific aspects of the products and services provided and created by the Graphics Innovation team, and develops plant-wide workflows and processes in collaboration across organisations.

• 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 rendering, file storage and play-out systems.
• Own and manage a specialty business segment such as Ross Xpression, Vizrt, interactive, virtual studio, data visualisation or augmented reality.
• Manage a team of direct reports, providing team leadership, direction, troubleshooting and support for innovative system or plant-wide workflows.
• Plan, build, maintain and update complex Ross Xpression graphic directories independently or while leading a team of developers.
• Primarily utilise Ross Xpression, with some Vizrt and potential for Unreal Engine or HTML, to create, develop and deploy the highest-level creative graphics, using other software such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator and Cinema4D
• And utilising internal proprietary software and workflows.
• Translate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation and layout solutions, observe graphic format deviations, enforce the ESPN graphic look and prepare image files for programmes.
• Clearly communicate a creative vision and manage expectations with clients, ensuring effective delegation of assignments within the Graphics Innovation Team while keeping management informed and involved when necessary.
• Proactively research, plan for and answer technical questions with respect to design and 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, and 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 programmes.
• Push creativity and software skills to the highest levels, find and exploit new technology and proactively collaborate within the ESPN Creative Studio on long-term initiatives, actively communicating on all phases of a project to maintain the quality of ESPN's on-air product.
• Manage special assignments such as in-house and off-site training and technical support for packagers, remote freelancers and vendors.
• Adhere to proper file management techniques to ensure efficient archiving and subsequent retrieval of projects, recognise, report and help troubleshoot equipment, software and work environment issues, and complete administrative responsibilities including time entry and daily reporting.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience creating and managing graphics in a live production setting at a major studio, network or production company.
• 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.
• Exceptional individual and team communication skills, with the ability to set expectations with executives and sponsors.
• Advanced conceptualisation skills, offering unique creative solutions at a plant-wide level and 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 prioritises 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.

• 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, modelling and animation concepts, with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine or other 3D animation programmes.
• Strong interest and knowledge of sports and sports culture.
• Reliable transportation to work.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

• Preferred office location is Charlotte, NC, with a possibility that the individual may be based in the Bristol, CT office.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences.