Live Stream Technical Director

Job Description

Live Stream Technical Director (Project Based)

About BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed is the world's leading tech-powered, diversified media company that reaches hundreds of millions of people globally through its cross-platform news and entertainment network. We produce articles, lists, quizzes, videos, and original series; lifestyle content through brands including Tasty, the world's largest social food network; original reporting and investigative journalism through BuzzFeed News and HuffPost; original pop culture and entertainment programming through Complex Networks; an industry-leading affiliate business, strategic partnerships, licensing and product development through BuzzFeed Commerce; and original productions across broadcast, cable, SVOD, film and digital platforms for BuzzFeed Studios.

The Role

BuzzFeed is looking for a Live Stream Technical Director to help produce our live streams on a project-by-project basis. BuzzFeed produces a wide scope of diverse content, ranging from short form social media content to BuzzFeed episodic shows. This role will be integral in the smooth operation of our livestream productions, and encompasses technical directing, troubleshooting, and excellent communication with production.

You Will
• Working with BuzzFeed Production to build streaming best practices as required by specific projects.
• Operating a live stream cart, which includes rigorous testing, starting/ending the stream, camera switching, etc.
• Adjusting spontaneously during unplanned events that occur on stream, such as loss of video/audio from a camera, to reduce on-air deadtime to a minimum.
• Preloading in-house gear, graphics, and software configs before events and performing system checks during technical rehearsals.
• Drafting a stream guideplan that includes all TD actions, including when to switch to a backup system in the event of a critical error with the primary system.
• Directing a Jr. TD to help with tasks either during prep or live events.
• Working with internal BuzzFeed teams to make ecosystem adjustments as needed, including network policies, stage requirements, etc.
• Escalating any red flags to the Production Technician for awareness and potential action.

Part of what makes BuzzFeed a pioneer in digital media is our commitment to exploring new ventures that lead to spreading truth and joy. As such, you may be asked to share your knowledge with your colleagues through presentations or trainings, to screen and interview job candidates, or to take part in recruitment or networking events on behalf of the company.

You Have
• 2+ years experience with technical directing.
• 2+ years experience with live streaming solutions.
• Experience with streaming hardware, such as the Blackmagic ATEM, Elgato Stream Deck, etc.
• Experience with streaming software such as vMix, OBS, or similar systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills to complete tasks independently.
• Thorough understanding of how live streaming works and familiarity with streaming protocols, such as RTMP, and encoding/transcoding.
• Comfortable with a high-pressure environment and shifting timelines.
• Familiar with modern tech jargon and social media terms.

FYI - job descriptions are not a one size fits all, just because you don't meet every requirement doesn't mean we don't want to hear from you. If you think you'd be a good fit for the job anyway, use your application to show us why!

At BuzzFeed, we want all employees to feel safe and comfortable when they engage in any in-person meetings, when visiting the office, or when working from an offsite production or meeting location. As part of this commitment to health and safety, BuzzFeed requires COVID-19 vaccines for current US employees, including all newly hired employees. Requests for accommodation per applicable law for health and/or religious reasons will be considered. Union employees are subject to what is outlined in their applicable collective bargaining agreement.

This position may require you to be in the office or be in close proximity to other employees once our offices fully reopen in 2022.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-d58z41-13-58-252-8-42 in your application.