Senior Video Producer

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Caltech Academic Media Technologies (AMT) is a film production and event support team providing innovative, creative, and technical solutions for Caltech’s mission-critical efforts in research, education, and outreach. The Senior Video Producer is tasked with creating videos and broadcasts for education, outreach, promotion, news, fundraising, stewardship, and internal and external communications. This position also supports in-person, hybrid, and virtual events for the Board of Trustees, Office of Strategic Communications, academic divisions, campus clients, and JPL.

This role resides in a fast-paced environment and requires strong technical and creative skills in film production, broadcasting, educational technology, graphic design, and audio-visual support. The ability to work with the AMT team, campus clients, and vendors is critical for success.

Job Duties:

Lead in all aspects of film production including:

Pre-Production:

Performing cinematography preparation work, such as researching visual reference and equipment, working with director to create shooting strategies and solutions, creating camera and lighting set up diagrams, developing production checklist and workflow, performing test shoots; Converting auditoriums/libraries/classroom/outdoor locations into studio spaces; Coordinating crews and schedule, handling equipment rentals and certificates of insurance; Providing camera equipment consultation service to campus clients; Determining and assembling camera and audio set up for various types of recording needs; Creating estimates for productions including required equipment and labor; Making equipment-purchasing recommendations including equipment lists and purchase locations; Informing current cinematography practices in choosing the appropriate camera gear such lens and stabilization systems to fulfill filming requirements; Testing hardware and software to craft new solutions and How-To documentation for recordings for campus client requirements.

Production and Events:

Creating cinematography works: Operating HD and 4k cameras on a tripod, handheld, camera stabilization systems, and drones; Designing and setting up lighting and grip equipment in a studio and indoor and outdoor campus and off-campus locations; Setting up audio preamp and shot gun mics for different modes; Operating professional studio cameras, camcorders, GoPro cameras, live stream equipment, teleprompter hardware and software, screen recording hardware, audio mixer, and microphones for live multi-camera, interview, lecture, meeting, and event recordings; Independently making shot choices and also on headset from a producer. This position will direct cameras for multi-camera live events for event image magnification and live streaming. 

Editing and Post-Production:

Video editing, title design, color grading, chroma keying and compositing, creating motion graphics and animations, encoding video for online delivery, editing and synching transcripts for accessibility requirements, preparing and encoding footage and final video for other deliverable formats, and archiving.

Assist with Audio Visual Support (Occasional):

Setting up and cabling audio amplification systems, microphones, audio mixer, amp, EQ, projectors, screens, computers, hybrid meeting hardware and software, live streaming hardware and software; Leveling audio; General audio-visual troubleshooting such as successfully getting presentation materials to projection and screen recorders; Responding to audio visual inquiries; Solving technical issues.

• Support video and multimedia for Caltech’s courses including: recording courses; training course builders how to self-record; editing and uploading content; and relevant troubleshooting.
• Propose solutions to problems with high energy and a positive attitude and commitment to continual improvement.
• Provide technology, tools, and training for teaching and learning across campus.
• Meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm, tenacity, and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion of varying views, including the ability to interface with people at all levels at Caltech.
• Maintain a high level of quality control through reviewing, editing, and proofing own work and work of others.
• Remain abreast of relevant industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, and effectively apply this knowledge to all aspects of the position.
• Perform work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies (e.g. OSHA, ADA) safety standards and practices.
• Keep track of hours worked on projects, events, and tasks, including generating quotes and invoices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least 8 years of related experience.
• Ability to operate audio-visual and recording equipment such as a studio video camera, audio board, microphones, live broadcasting encoders, and audio amplification hardware.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (AfterEffects, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Media Encoder, Encore, Audition), Pro Tools, Davinci Resolve, Wirecast, Zoom, OBS, and similar production tools.
• Working knowledge of various computer software (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Keynote) and operating systems (Mac, Windows, and iOS).
• Excellent organizational communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and present an attitude of attentiveness, courtesy, and professionalism when dealing with other team members, trustees, faculty, administration, staff, post-doctoral scholars, students, community, visiting speakers, and event patrons.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to work as a team member on a variety of projects.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. on a daily basis.
• Ability to bend in all directions, squeeze with arms and hands, crawl under furniture, climb stairs, and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to push and pull rolling items such as carts and camera cases.
• Ability to distinguish between colors and differences in brightness on monitors.
• Ability to maintain camera image focus.
• Ability to be directed on camera via headset.
• Effective and tenacious problem-solving skills.
• Must be available to work overtime, evenings, and weekends.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts degree in film, cinematography, animation, media studies, or related field of study.
• Experience with drone operation, including having an FAA certification and license. 
• Film production and audio-visual support in a university setting and/or historical spaces.
• Lecture hall and auditorium operations.
• Experience with setting up or using a Digital Asset Management system including NAS video storage.
• Online course and learning management platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Canvas.
• iOS and Windows operating systems.
• Innate interest and excitement for research and science a plus.