Director II

The Event Director II position will be responsible for line-directing live productions in-house (REMI) and on-remote, including some of ESPN’s most complex and highest profile sporting events. During live event productions, the Event Director II will be responsible for executing the technical production of the telecast, following storylines and working with the Producer to document the sporting event. In addition, will work in conjunction with Coordinating Producers and Producers to provide support and guidance on content philosophy and coverage. The Event Director II will oversee the long-range planning and coordination of specific projects, working in conjunction with Production, Creative Services and Operations to provide the directing blueprint for execution and element integration into productions. The Event Director II will need to be a team builder with strong production and technical knowledge and demonstrate leadership qualities in all interactions and decisions. The Event Director II will be responsible for oversight of the technical crew for live event productions and provide direction and feedback. Also, will be required to coach, develop, and mentor the directorial staff and provide consistent and comprehensive feedback. The position is Bristol based and may include the need to direct studio-related productions when the schedule dictates.

Responsibilities:

• Plans, directs and executes on-air productions of live remote and REMI sporting events, properly documenting assigned events.
• Oversees technical crew for the live event productions; providing direction, feedback and development. 
• Works in conjunction with Remote Operations to determine technical facility and personnel needs for telecasts. 
• Works in conjunction with Producers and Coordinating Producers to determine a creative vision and technical direction as it applies to the presentation, driving innovation and new workflows that embrace technology. 
• When necessary, will organize and lead meetings to develop production and operational strategies. Wide range of event production experience, ranging from AP, AD, Producer and Director responsibilities, as well as a deep understanding of technical roles.
• Makes the real-time decisions regarding what pictures and sounds will be broadcast; interprets data and information to decide camera angles, features and sequences.
• Works with Producer and Operations team to determine camera placement at each venue; plans and executes the capture of desired shots, live-to-tape builds and sequences of shots.
• Works with engineering technicians for integration of all elements in a telecast including graphics, enhanced technology elements, switcher effects, composite music, etc.
• Directs the technical crews and remote employees assigned to events; conducts production and technical meetings to define crew responsibilities and outlines expectations for live remote events. Collaborates with Crewing department to best assign technical production crews for live events; provides post-event feedback to the Remote Operations team and Crewing department if applicable. Prepares for each game accordingly by conducting research on the teams, players, storylines, trends, etc.
• Provides instruction to on-air talent prior to telecasts and directs them, as required, during telecasts. Makes on-the-spot editorial adjustments to coverage patterns as unforeseen situations and opportunities arise.
• Troubleshoots real-time operational issues that arise during assigned sporting events.
• Has the knowledge and the ability to direct studio-related productions, both in-house and on-remote. 
• Provides ongoing feedback to Directors and Associate Directors and documents in written form to Management. Written feedback should be thoughtful and comprehensive with clear, detailed examples. 
• Participates in periodic clip review sessions with Managers and Event Directing team to further develop directing skills.
• Practices and maintains the Directing Department performance standards as they apply to leadership, communication, operations, personal development and productions, and consistently performs all of the duties and functions required of the role.
• Demonstrates strong leadership qualities in all interactions and decisions.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively complex live sporting event directing experience.
• In-depth live remote sporting event directing skills.
• Knowledge of the real-time live sporting event directing process.
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate to all crew members during the live telecast.
• Knowledge of the technical equipment involved in directing live remote sporting events.
• Knowledge of sports and sports history.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience directing professional hockey events.
• Understanding of the financial implications of directing live remote and REMI sporting events. Appreciation of popular culture and assistance in defining ESPN viewer tastes.
• Understanding of the market positioning and strategies of assigned sporting events.

Required Education:

High school diploma

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, communications, journalism or a closely related field.

#ESPNMedia