Real Time Graphics Developer

Job Description

Job Description

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:
• This role requires the person to be in the office.

#ESPNMedia

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gmpbpx-18-224-68-104-42 in your application.