Job Summary:

The Event Director will be responsible for line-directing live, on-air productions at remote and in-house (REMI) sporting events. In addition, will work in conjunction with Coordinating Producers and Producers to provide support and guidance on content philosophy and execution. During live event productions, the Event Director will be responsible for executing the technical production of the telecast, following storylines and working with the Producer to document the sporting event. The Event Director is responsible for overseeing the technical crew for the live event productions, including providing direction, feedback and development for those personnel.

This role is remote-based without a corporate office location.

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 Producers and Coordinating Producers to determine creative and technical direction of live remote sporting events.
• Works in conjunction with Remote Operations to determine technical facility and personnel needs for telecasts.
• 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 broadcasted; 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 the best assign production technical crews for assigned 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.
• Practice and maintain the Directing Department performance standards as they apply to leadership, communication, operations, personal development and productions, and consistently perform all of the duties and functions required of the role. Demonstrate strong leadership qualities in all interactions and decisions.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively complex live sporting event directing experience.
• Knowledge of sports and sports history.
• Travel required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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 or Equivalent

Preferred Education

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

Additional Information:

About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with the following business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc., which is part of a business segment we call ESPN.

ESPN Productions, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.