Description
The Technical Director at ITN is a key Studios role responsible for ensuring seamless live and recorded broadcasts by managing vision mixing operations, graphics playout and, at times, also directing multi-camera operations, providing technical oversight for production teams. This role requires a high level of technical proficiency, quick decision-making under pressure, and strong collaboration with directors, producers, and technical staff to maintain broadcast excellence.
As a Technical Director primarily working on Good Morning Britain, you’ll work closely with the Lead Director to design and execute live on-air, the creative treatments required by the running order. You will be an experienced Vision Mixer, with extensive experience working on live TV, preferably in a news or magazine programme environment. You’ll have excellent visual and aural awareness with a good sense of rhythm to produce accurate and sensitive transitions. As a key member of the team, you’ll be required to programme our GVG Kayenne mixing desk – creating timelines, macros and e-mems etc. To succeed at this, you’ll have a developed knowledge of how the vision desk works and how it interacts with other gallery equipment.
This role will primarily focus on the production of Good Morning Britain but will include the opportunity to work on other ITV News output and indeed ITN’s wider live production remit.
This is a part-time position of two days a week. Key ResponsibilitiesVision Mixing:
1. Have a minimum of four years live gallery vision mixing experience on multi-camera television productions
2. A proven track record in live news or magazine programmes
3. Be able to vision mix the programme to a high standard
4. A good visual sense with a flair for ‘timing’
5. Good anticipation skills, plus fast reactions
6. The ability to make instant decisions under pressure
7. Discretion required and due consideration for the open talk-back system
8. The ability to handle the stress of a busy gallery environment
9. Ensure seamless transitions, incorporating effects, replays, and overlays as required by the production
10. Strong understanding of, and experience with, GV Kayenne vision mixing consoles required. Additionally, experience with Sony vision mixing consoles preferred
11. Program macros, timelines, and desk ‘DVEs’ to optimize efficiency in live and recorded productions
12. Timely and accurate playout control of live graphics, including lower thirds, full frame infographics and media for in-vision screens
13. Maintain a thorough understanding of video signals, transmission workflows, and technical requirements for high-quality broadcasting
14. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure all video sources, playout systems, and routing are functioning correctly before and during live productions
Technical Directing:
15. Whilst a TD would typically expect to work to a programme director for the production of Good Morning Britain, on other ITN output the TD role becomes a combined director/vision mixer role
16. Oversee and manage the technical execution of live and recorded productions in the studio
17. Collaborate with directors and producers to ensure the technical and creative vision aligns with production requirements
18. Direct camera operations, lighting, sound, and graphics integration
19. Provide immediate technical solutions to any issues arising during production, ensuring minimal disruption to live programming
20. Work closely with production teams to develop innovative visual storytelling techniques and enhance the quality of live broadcasts
Technical Coordination & Troubleshooting:
21. Liaise with engineering teams to ensure all broadcast equipment is fully operational and maintained
22. Maintain and update studio equipment, software, and vision mixing tools to stay aligned with industry advancements
23. Ensure all technical workflows and operational procedures are documented and regularly reviewed for improvements
24. Train and support production staff in vision mixing and technical directing techniques
Live Event & Special Coverage:
25. Play a critical role in high-profile live events, such as election coverage, breaking news, and national broadcasts
26. Adapt quickly to dynamic live environments and make critical decisions under tight deadlines
27. Outside Broadcast experience preferred
These are the main requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time. Key RequirementsRequired Qualifications:
28. Proven experience as a Technical Director and/or Vision Mixer in a complex live broadcasting environment
29. Strong understanding of multi-camera production, vision mixing concepts, and live switching operations
30. Expertise in operating, programming and troubleshooting broadcast vision mixing consoles, playout systems, and video servers
31. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced live broadcast environment
32. Solid knowledge of broadcast standards, video formats, and studio operations
33. Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with production and technical staff
34. Calm and controlled manner
35. Good problem solver
36. Excellent interpersonal skills
37. Adaptable and flexible
38. Reliable and punctual
39. Prepared to work long hours, be flexible
Preferred Qualifications:
40. Experience with newsroom production systems such as Avid iNews or equivalent
41. Familiarity with automation systems, virtual sets, and augmented reality tools
42. Understanding of IP-based video production workflows and cloud-based broadcasting
43. Outside broadcast experience preferred but not essential
Work Environment:
44. Based at ITN headquarters with the possibility of on-location work for special broadcasts and live events
45. Requires flexible working hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on production schedules