Real Time Graphics Developer I

ESPN Creative Studio leverages the combined talents of our in‑house storytelling, animation, production design, real‑time graphics and edit teams to elevate ESPN content for fans and advertisers.

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

Required 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 languages

Interest in 3D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine, or other 3D animation programs

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

Flex Type : In‑Person

This role requires the person to be in the office.

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