Lead Effects Artist

ESPN Creative Studio is a unit within the Content division of ESPN. Our staff comprises Animation, Edit, Visual Storytelling, Production Enhancements and Innovations, Creative Operations, and the Music group. We are the go-to destination to conceptualize, develop, and execute content creation across all domestic and international ESPN platforms.

The Lead Effects Artist is an expert in design and animation who supports daily edit sessions and long-range animation projects through the creation of enhanced visual content. This deadline driven role leads projects, establishes priorities with production partners and collaborators, embraces teamwork, pursues personal skills improvement, and provides training/feedback.

Responsibilities:

• Leads custom design and animation projects individually and as a part of the Animation FX and Animation team as a whole
• Display creativity within productions, actively pursue and share creative solutions.
• Must be an excellent communicator and collaborator who can pivot to new ideas quickly within a fast paced daily workflow environment.
• Responsible for training others in After Effects skillsets in conjunction with animation and template workflows.
• Maintain a knowledge of custom design, technology, and animation trends to stay up to date with the industry.
• Develop creative opportunities with production partners and collaborators to ensure an efficient provision of resources and personnel to achieve desired results.
• Write and provide feedback to AE trainees and management in training initiatives and project contributions.
• Recommend adjustments as well as project needs while maintaining maximum creativity and flexibility.
• Assist the team in implementing development initatives to improve creativity and competency of the editing staff.
• Must have the ability to train and learn new techniques and software platforms that aligns with industry needs and trends.
• Must have an expert knowledge to troubleshoot equipment and software issues.
  
  

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 6 years of graphic design, animation or related experience.
• Expert skills in Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
• Ability to work in a team under tight deadlines is critical.
• Candidates must have expert computer background (MS Office, Slack, Work Front, file formatting, etc.)
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexibility to work overtime and alter shifts/days off to accommodate projects and departmental objectives.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cinema4D or Maya experience
• Has in-depth understanding/background in non-linear editing.
• Has in-depth knowledge and can further develop in graphic design and manipulation.
• Expert understanding of custom graphic design creation.
• Knowledge of PC or Mac operating systems.
• Bilingual (written and spoken) in both English and Spanish.
  
  

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
  
  

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Post Production, Communications, Graphic Design, Animation, Journalism, or related field
• Vocational School or related experience
  
  

Additional Information:

• This is an onsite position in Bristol, CT
  
  

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