Departmental Summary: ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut, ESPN is 80% owned by ABC, Inc. (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company), and 20% by the Hearst Corporation. ESPN was founded by Bill Rasmussen and launched on September 7, 1979. Now with over 6,500 employees, each year ESPN televises more than 5,100 live and/or original hours of sports programming. The company’s mission is to serve sports fans. Anytime. Anywhere.

Position Summary: The Animator I role at ESPN is responsible for working with existing animation templates and developing skills to create increasingly complex customized animations. Individuals need to work well within a team but also have the skills to be successful when working independently. This is a hands-on position requiring good working knowledge of After Effects, Media Encoder, Photoshop, Illustrator and preferably some familiarity with 3D concepts and software while providing creative support for daily production and long-range assignments.

Responsibilities:

• Utilize existing animation files and elements to create content for ESPN programming
• Translate assignment details and creative direction into visually compelling solutions
• Progressively advance skills in developing customized animations
• Excellent collaboration skills, receptive to feedback and revision requests
• Able to prioritize multiple assignments and transition between projects easily
• Strong attention to detail, timelines, delivery specifications and established project workflows
• Expected to develop skills to engineer animation projects for efficient versioning, rendering and archiving
• Possess strong individual and team communication skills
• Creates and develops graphics for studio shows and remote events including daily show production design

Qualifications:

• Entry Level position requiring basic knowledge of After Effects, Media Encoder, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Foundational understanding of composition, motion theory, animation and design principles
• Strong attention to detail, timelines, delivery specifications and established project workflows
• Good overall attitude, receptive to creative & critical feedback, able to smoothly adapt to assignment specifics
• Able to thrive within a fast-paced team environment and be confident when working independently
• Strong organization, communication and collaboration skills
• Motivated to proactively learn new software
• Applicants must provide a link to their online portfolio/demo reel
• Able to work flexible hours and onsite as business needs require

Preferred Qualifications:

• After Effects scripting experience
• Basic understanding of Cinema 4D or similar 3D application & an interest in advancing your 3D skillset
• Experience working with clients and creating content within established brand guidelines
• Prior sports design and/or animation experience in college or comparable work experience
• Interest in sports and familiarity with ESPN programming

Required Education (required): High School Diploma

Preferred Education: Degree in animation, graphic design, fine arts or related discipline (or comparable work experience)

Additional Information: Imagine a career with an organization that brings smiles to millions every day. Imagine working with people whose passion for what they do is simply indescribable. We are The Walt Disney Company, live with a rich legacy of innovation, entertainment, and lifelong memories. With our vast array of both businesses and professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to join a team that’s beloved around the world, and to find out how it feels to love what you do. We invite you to discover for yourself why a career with Disney is the opportunity you‘ve been looking for.