Lead Colorist

ESPN Creative Studio is a unit within the Content division of ESPN. Our staff comprises of Motion Graphics, Edit, Visual Storytelling, Production Enhancements and Innovations, Creative Operations, and the Music group. Positions within Creative Studio include; Video Editors, Post Editors, Producer Editors, Sound Design, Graphic Designers, Project Managers and Art Directors, etc. We are the go-to destination to conceptualize, develop, and execute content creation across all domestic and international ESPN distribution platforms.

The Lead Colorist will employ an expert level of conforming and color grading skills to apply balanced color correction according to broadcast standards, achieve dynamic creative looks and moods in support of strong storytelling, and deliver finished media according to project and industry specifications. They will utilize both creative and technical knowledge to determine best workflows on short and long-form content composed of a wide range of media formats. They are able to adapt to shifting project needs; integrate with capture, compositing, graphics and editorial workflows; and maintain an up-to-date skillset. They should be an expert at color grading techniques with a familiarity in multiple post-production platforms including DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, and Avid. They support all production partners, clients and colleagues, and are expert communicators with clients, peers and management to meet critical deadlines for a wide variety of commercial and editorial projects, while ensuring all content meets ESPN's high standards for video quality. They develop personnel, projects and individual skillsets that propel Edit and Creative Studio into the future.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates expert level color grading skills. Performs under strict timelines with little supervision.  
• Expert knowledge of color grading theory and application, conforming, compositing and exporting/publishing workflows and software/hardware.
• Is proficient in combining multiple visual elements/sources into a single image.
• Use and train design software and tools to create looks, VFX, and perform detailed touch-ups including object removal, image cleanup and optimization for multiplatform media.
• Possess an expert ability to adjust the color and tone of footage to achieve a specific look or mood.
• Expert collaboration with Production teams, Cinematographers, Creative Directors, and other team members to understand their creative vision and ensure that the final product meets the creative vision of each project.
• Must be able to manage simultaneous creative projects and assignments and follow through to meet all critical deadlines. 
• Expert knowledge of file-based media, including codecs, file conversion and image capture.
• Conducts an expert level of quality control, ensuring the final product meets technical and creative standards, including color accuracy, consistency, and visual quality.
• Provides creative input on projects needs while maintaining flexibility to feedback.
• Expert understanding of the technical aspects of color grading, including using industry-standard software and hardware, managing color profiles, and maintaining color consistency across multiple platforms and formats.
• Expert communication with clients to understand their needs and preferences, managing expectations, and delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Share examples of projects and feedback widely for awareness of team contributions and accomplishments. 
• Demonstrate exceptional collaboration with all partners and colleagues. 
• Participate in training programs, (physical, classroom, virtual, etc.) for personal career development. Also expected to participate in the training of others and generate necessary documentation. 
• Ability to identify and quickly escalate issues. Recommend solutions and/or resolve operational errors and equipment failures. 

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 6 years of work in a Post House, large market or network TV production or related experience.  
• Expert skills in color grading.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines is critical.
• Candidates must have good computer background (MS Office, 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. 
• Expert organizational, communication and planning skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Has in-depth understanding/background in DaVinci Resolve as well as non-linear editing including Avid, Adobe Premiere, etc.
• 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, Journalism, or related field 
• Vocational School or related experience 

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