Freelance Video Switcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Gray Media:

Gray Media, or Gray, is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 77 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first and/or second-highest-rated television station, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 45 markets totaling nearly 1.5 million Hispanic TV Households. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About WKTB/Telemundo Atlanta:

Telemundo Atlanta is a premier Spanish-language television station providing award-winning local news and programming. Telemundo Atlanta is available to the Atlanta DMA on a million-watt full-power over-the-air signal on channel 47.1. Telemundo Atlanta has received 61 Emmy® Awards since 2012, including the top honor of Station Excellence in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, and News Excellence in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Telemundo Atlanta was nominated for Best Newscast and News Excellence in 2020. Telemundo Atlanta is the first Spanish-language television station to receive the coveted Overall Station Excellence recognition in Georgia. Telemundo Atlanta produces essential daily local news, which can also be accessed over our website www.telemundoatlanta.com, and mobile application.

Job Summary/Description:  

The Technical Director will function as one of the technical leads for production during live or taped studio broadcast productions. The Technical Director is responsible for the setup and operation of the production switcher and associated technical equipment in the Production Control Room and/or live location environment. They are also responsible for evaluating and then assigning all video inputs, taking into consideration timing and video levels, all while orchestrating the control room setup. Finally, the Technical Director will operate as the “right hand” of the Line Producer to develop and execute the creative and technical “look” of the production by creating special effects via the production switcher and various external effects equipment. This is a "freelance" position.

The Technical Director will be a technical lead for production during live or taped studio broadcast productions. The Technical Director is responsible for the setup and operation of the production switcher and associated technical equipment in the Production Control Room and/or live location environment. They are also responsible for evaluating and then assigning all video inputs, taking into consideration timing and video levels, all while orchestrating the control room setup. Finally, the Technical Director will operate as the “right hand” of the Line Producer to develop and execute the creative and technical “look” of the production by creating special effects via the production switcher and various external effects equipment. This position is a part-time/freelance position.

Duties/Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Live/Taped Productions:

• Set up and operate production switchers and all associated technical equipment in a Production Control Room and/or Live Location environment during live game and/or studio broadcast productions. Orchestrate control room setup while simultaneously evaluating and assigning all video inputs, taking into consideration timing and video levels
• Collaborates with the Producer to execute the technical and artistic vision for each live newscast and/or studio production
• Lead the technical portion of the production team during the production setup and coordinate the faxing of their equipment and show elements since their equipment and work passes through the production switcher
• Collaborate with traffic and HUB entities needed to verify that all video and audio signals are routed correctly and making it to their final destinations
• During a live and/or studio broadcast production, recall video sources, transitions, and effects, and route studio monitors as instructed by Producers. Continuously monitoring all sources used during production to ensure all video levels look correct and stay in timing, which includes external feeds
• Must be able to handle the pressures of live programming and limited time constraints

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the Technical Operations and Production Engineering to identify, troubleshoot, and solve technical problems for Live Locations, PCRs, and Studio productions. Making sure each problem is resolved to completion
• Collaborates with Production Engineering, Technical Operations, and Production Management to identify and special order any equipment needed for live or taped studio broadcast productions

Planning Responsibilities:

• Creates documentation on switcher builds, effects build, and setup of the switcher for each broadcast production

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of broadcast experience operating as a Technical Director, live remote and/or live studio productions, with hands-on experience in control room areas such as switching, audio, graphics, character generator, robotics, and automated rundown software
• Knowledge of current industry standards
• Knowledge of video signal flow and video router operations
• Knowledge of IP router operations and the software used to edit panels
• Must be able to technically operate various models of video switchers, digital effects devices, and other associated ancillary equipment
• Experience using ENPS or similar news production systems
• Experience using Ross Overdrive automation
• Knowledge of current broadcast technologies appropriate to the position's job responsibilities
• Knowledge of FCC regulations
• Must take ownership and accountability for assigned projects
• Experience using Edius, Adobe Creative Suite editing software preferred
• Computer skills, using MS Office
• Able to work flexible, non-traditional hours, including weekends and holidays
• Must be bilingual (English/Spanish)

Core Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate the Video Switcher for live and pre-taped programming
• Where needed, act as Director for certain shows
• Communicate with producers, studio, and control room crew to execute live and pre-taped programming
• Lead the control room and studio crew to produce regular, special, and live show programming
• Work in conjunction with the feeds team for remote guests and live hits
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Work with remote crews on location, reporters in the field, and remote hosts throughout the day
• Communicate with talent in the studio when necessary
• Highly motivated and confident in executing difficult and complex tasks
• Ability to consistently function in a high-pressure role and environment
• Ability to quickly react to changing priorities and needs
• Must be able to troubleshoot difficult problems and develop solutions to address root causes

If you feel you’re qualified and want to work with a great group of people, go to https://gray.tv/careers#currentopenings, you may type in the job title, station call letters, or click on "apply now", upload your resume, cover letter, and references

(Current employees who are interested in this position can apply through the Gray-TV UltiPro self-service portal)

WKTB-TV/Gray Media, Inc. is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Gray’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.