Media Encoding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are a boutique digital distribution company specializing in independent film. Our mission is to connect great indie stories with audiences around the world through platforms like iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Tubi, and more. We work closely with filmmakers to ensure their creative vision is preserved and their work reaches its full potential in the digital landscape. Giant Pictures owns and operates specialty theatrical label, Drafthouse Films, and is the distribution and technology partner of the Tribeca Festival. Learn more at www.giant.pictures

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Ingest. Receive and register incoming source media, artwork, timed text, and metadata. Verify file integrity, confirm the delivery matches the work order, and get assets into the right place with the right names.
• Pre-Qualification. Audit client-supplied source assets against platform specifications before they enter the pipeline. Complete the pre-qual checklist for each asset, document findings, and flag deficiencies back to operations early enough to act on them.
• Encoding and Transcoding. Execute and monitor encoding and transcode jobs, troubleshoot failures, and confirm every output meets the required video format, audio format, codec, and container spec before it moves downstream.
• QC. Perform spot check and full linear pass QC on video, audio, and timed text. Write clear, timecoded QC reports and track issues through to resolution.
• Compliance and S&P. Review content against broadcast, platform, and client Standards and Practices requirements. Notate material requiring modification and support the creation of compliant alternate versions.
• Conformance. Conform captions, subtitles, and artwork to approved masters and platform specification, holding frame-accurate sync throughout.
• Post and Editorial. Create mezzanines and alternate versions to spec. Perform picture and audio edits, fixes, and re-renders as required by QC or compliance findings.
• Metadata. Build, validate, and correct title metadata against platform schemas. Catch the errors that cause a package to bounce before it ships.
• Artwork. Prepare and validate key art, poster, backdrop, and chapter imagery to platform specification.
• Packaging and Delivery. Assemble delivery packages in Telestream Switch, Apple Compressor, and comparable tools. Validate before submission, then deliver through the appropriate portal, aggregator, or accelerated transfer system and confirm acceptance.
• Archive. Close out completed titles to archival storage with accurate records, so any version can be identified, retrieved, and redelivered on request.
• Records and Coordination. Maintain accurate file naming, version control, asset tracking, and delivery records across every title. Work with internal teams and clients to keep orders moving and deadlines met.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Three or more years supporting end to end media workflows across ingest, transcoding, QC, packaging, and delivery, in both on-prem and cloud environments.
• Deep understanding of professional video and audio standards, including:
  • Resolutions and formats: 1080i, 1080p, UHD, 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10
  • Color science: color space, Rec.709, HLG, PQ
  • Timecode and frame rates
  • Codecs and compression
  • Audio: PCM, 5.1 surround, Dolby Atmos
  • Containers: MXF, transport stream, and common OTT wrappers
• Working knowledge of color space conversion and HDR to SDR interoperability, and the ability to diagnose problems in an HDR pipeline.

• Experience with high-performance file transfer and delivery systems such as IBM Aspera and Signiant Media Shuttle.

• Proficiency with Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Apple Compressor, Adobe Media Encoder, and Telestream Switch.
• Familiarity with caption and subtitle standards, including .scc and .itt, and with OTT, FAST, AVOD, and transactional delivery specifications.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced operational environment, working independently and exercising sound operational judgment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and written communication skills. QC notes, pre-qual reports, and change logs are read by clients and platforms, so they need to be precise.
• Genuine attention to detail and the discipline to follow a checklist the same way every time.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

NICE TO HAVE

• Direct experience with iTunes and Apple TV package creation and delivery.
• Hands-on experience with workflow orchestration and automated QC platforms such as Telestream Vantage or Interra Baton.
• Experience with metadata formats including XML, JSON, CSV, XLS, and HTML/CSS.
• Scripting and automation experience with Bash, PowerShell, or Python.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet or a comparable work order and ticketing system.
• Exposure to cloud storage and archival workflows, including S3 and Glacier.
• Strong documentation discipline and the ability to produce and maintain clear technical documentation.

Please provide a short note about the kind of content work you have done with your resume