Production Technician

This position within the Broadcast Operations & Engineering department will support live programming by performing the roles of Audio or Graphics/IMR. This position may also be expected to operate Video Playback during a specific daypart in a live and/or taped production control setting. In addition, the Production Technician may be expected to prepare / set-up studio(s) for production and, as needed, operate cameras. Basic skills using the router, the video switcher and ingest/recording software tools are preferred.

This Production Technician will specialize in each of the disciplines for shows and/or productions in all day parts and is proficient enough to troubleshoot technical issues for any of the specific job functions. The Production Technician is responsible for new assignments and technological challenges as required to support future company initiatives in an ever changing dynamic media production environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

GRAPHICS/IMR (Immersive Mixed Reality)

• Work with directors and producers to ensure all Vizrt graphic elements are ready for air: correct spelling, functionality, format, and concept.
• Pre-show, use the newsroom system to review all graphics to confirm accuracy related to Vizrt graphics elements.
• Coordinate with the producer before each show on graphic needs, i.e. missing or incorrect Vizrt elements.
• Communicate with the director on channel assignments and designate output engines within the ACTIVE Content Pilot playlist.
• Keep crew informed on the availability of each Vizrt element. Producer & director must be notified of any spelling, functionality, or format errors related to individual graphic elements.
• Coordinate with Director/TD about Dreamcatcher assets (fill/key wipes and monitor fills) during the show.
• Work with the Design team to ensure all required show assets in Dreamcatcher are properly loaded and compatible.
• Coordinate and communicate with the Design Group to test new Vizrt templates.
• Reports show problems, equipment issues, and discrepancies via Director’s Show Report and Engineering equipment report.
• Operates the Reality Hub software to change scenes, locations, weather environments and monitor assets inside the digital environment.
• Perform the daily fax of all Immersive Mixed Reality (IMR) systems including, Mo-Sys camera tracking system, Zero Density, and Reality Hub.
• Work with directors, producers and floor directors to coordinate IMR hits and suggest best practices.
• Be able to troubleshoot issues with IMR and accurately report these issues to the engineering and graphics engineering teams.

AUDIO

• Mix studio and location audio for live to air and taped production.
• Assure proper mixing technique of all audio sources.
• Assure all equipment is operating properly before every show.
• Provide mix-minus feed to location talent and program mix to in-house talent.
• Assuring the best possible audio quality is making air for productions. Use phase control, EQ, compression to improve audio quality when required.
• Work with Producers, Directors via show rundown to confirm all required audio sources live shows and or productions.
• Operate various audio related equipment, LAWO audio console, ENCO music player, Evertz router, and other related equipment as needed.
• Attend all pre-show and post-show meetings with Directors and Producers.
• Read and mark rundowns to execute show elements as needed.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot audio issues.
• Replace mic and IFB batteries.
• Other operational duties as assigned.
• Reports show problems to the Director for the Director Show Report.
• Report equipment problems via trouble ticket submission and directly with Engineering.

DALET VIDEO PLAYBACK & Powerwall

• May operate Dalet Video Playback and Powerwall Monitor Graphics system for Live TWC programming as scheduled by Operations Manager.
• Understand the Dalet NRCS newsroom system and how to navigate through a rundown.
• Responsible for routing sources, per rundown or the Directors call, into the designated studio monitor inputs
• Be proficient with DALET and how to launch the Dalet production client for any of the control rooms.
• Be proficient with changing monitor set ups and executing display source changes in Powerwall.
• Be familiar with how to BROWSE / Search video and know how to insert video into a rundown.
• Must be able to navigate through folder tree to find graphics and send them to designated studio monitor
• Must know how to relaunch Powerwall application from main or tablet client
• Must know how to create custom display presets to meet show requirements
• Exhibit ability to use Powerwall tablet for remote monitor control
• Know how to find and prepare clips to be played manually, outside of the rundown.
• Responsible for communicating and / or confirming the channel assignments for each clip
• Responsible for cueing and playing clips per the Director’s call.
• Attend pre-show meetings with Directors and Producers.
• Other operational duties as assigned
• Reports show problems, equipment issues, and discrepancies via Engineering report and to Production Operations Manager(s).

Education, Experience, Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Journalism, Communications or Business preferred) or its equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a live television environment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and aptitude with Evertz router and associated router panels preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of tools related to recording and ingesting video within the DALET newsroom system preferred.
• Basic understanding and utilization of Grass Valley Kayenne switcher preferred.
• Must have a strong desire to continually increase technical and operational proficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Must be able to work in a multitasking environment.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to work independently.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Willing to work in a team environment on an as needed basis.
• Will be required to wear a headset and listen to multiple audio sources during the on-air show.
• Highly proficient with MS Office applications, Google software applications and other software used by the Production Operations team.

Physical Requirements

• Will be required to work a rotating schedule with non-traditional hours including weekends and holidays
• Will be required to sit in a chair from 2 – 4 hours at a time.
• Will be required to type on a keyboard for a period of 2 – 4 hours.
• Will be required to look at a computer monitor and other monitors for a period of 2 – 4 hours. Some monitors could be as close as 2 ft and as far as 12 ft away.
• May be required to lift lighting fixtures, move scenery or other equipment. The weight may range from 20-100 lbs.

Allen Media Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics. We are dedicated to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.