Lead Real Time Graphics Developer

The Walt Disney Company•Bristol, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an advanced level of understanding and skill. The lead Real-Time Graphics Developer works 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 projects and department workflows and processes. This role is expected to deliver error-free graphics, 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.

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 of 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
High School Diploma or Equivalent

Nice To Haves

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 graphics playout in a live setting
Understanding 3D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine, or other 3D animation programs
Advanced 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
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

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 events 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