Content Producer

Content Producer

Responsible for creative development, preparation, and production of a wide range of sports content related to the NBA and WNBA, as well as the NFL and other sports, including segments, highlights, teases & bumps, and other content from start to finish for air to reach viewers and increase ESPN's market penetration, rating and viewership across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities:

• In coordination with the assigned senior production staff (e.g. Producer, Coordinating Producers), identifies and develops basketball content that interprets, enhances and reinforces the concepts of sports content to tell stories.
• Oversees production of content from start to finish, including:
• Leads a team of production staff (e.g. APs, CAs, PAs) to conceive of, plan and execute the production of highlights, teases, bumps, segments, etc.
• Uses mastery of basketball knowledge, creativity and news judgment to research, generate, select & pitch concepts and content ideas
• Evaluates & influences the style and story lines of content. Guides staff in topic selection, highlight development, writing, sound & shot selection.
• Coordinates with the production staff to write accurate and informative content (e.g. teases & bumps, shot sheets, scripts)
• Oversees & influences editing associated with the content to ensure desired story line and pacing
• Arranges and schedules content components (e.g. talent, graphics, animations, and edit time) and works with the talent, operators and producers of each component, communicating expectations, vision and plans of how each element will be executed in the show.
• Collaborates directly with on-air talent under the guidance and supervision of the CP and producer - including analysts, reporters, insiders, and guests - ensuring their insights and commentary align with the editorial vision of show segment(s).
• Coordinates with technical staff to maximize the technical process & tools with which content is created and delivered to fans across multiple platforms to best tell a story
• Adjusts content to accommodate breaking news situations and changing storylines
• Provides final review of content to ensure quality and accuracy
• Familiarity with control room environment and able to communicate it a clear, concise and respectful manner to handle live TV pressure and ensure the best quality product it put on air
• Contribute to and often lead pre-production meetings that foster an inclusive environment where all staff is encouraged to pitch, workshop and develop content ideas.
• Forward thinking approach to help evolve the way our NBA/WNBA/NFL studio shows tell stories, present content and engage the viewer in an entertaining and informative way.

Leadership responsibilities:

• Effectively maintains leadership in a group environment; maintains professional relationships within the production staff to ensure professionalism, teamwork and objective reporting
• Oversees direct reports, solicits & delivers feedback in a timely manner
• Trains, coaches, develops and mentors production staff on idea generation, communication, edit room performance, and overall quality & accuracy of content production

Includes a diverse set of viewpoints and experiences through the planning and execution of content.

May occasionally produce entire programs with guidance from the responsible leader (e.g. Producer, Coordinating Producer, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5-years of progressively complex production experience with an emphasis on sports content.
• Solid ability to interpret basketball stories and to create and assemble compelling content to support the concept of the story.
• Strong knowledge of the NBA, WNBA and working knowledge of the NFL, as well as other sports.
• Strong knowledge of real-time sports production processes and working knowledge of equipment and all relevant technologies used to carry out a broad range of assignments.
• Must have detailed knowledge of what "works" across multiple platforms and what is realistic to accomplish in time allotted.
• Good editorial judgement
• Good understanding of people supervision, the development of teams and leadership skills
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Good content interpretation skills related to sporting events
• Good appreciation of popular culture, and understands the tastes of ESPN's consumers
• Good understanding of ESPN's market positioning and strategies
• Has an established knowledge of sports and sports history
• Strong working knowledge of production workflows
• Availability to work nights/weekends/holidays as required

Required Education:

• High School Diploma

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's Degree