production assistant

producer

associate

associate producer

espn intern

ESPN

A typical day of work consisted of preparing for a show, pre production time, of at least two hours depending on the show. We would need to build for a three hour show, making sure we had all the requested graphics, promos, transitions, and monitor graphics as well as managing four channels of graphics. We also had connection to touchscreen applications, and virtual play out for additional graphics.
After a show, you were tasked with filling your downtime effectively, which could be 4 - 6 hours.
I learned ENPS, how to build quickly and efficiently in the ESPN made graphic creation program VCS. Utilized Photoshop to cut out head shots and action shots as well as uploaded them to IMS for graphic use. 
Management is there to guide you and for you to report back to when there are issues. During our downtime, we were supposed to turn to our supervisors as to direction as to how to use that time. Often, they'd say that there was always something to do, but never offer a project or task to work on.
The workplace culture was friendly for the most part. The control room experience for domestic shows was it's own unique culture though. International productions were a more tight knit community of people that were easy to get along with. 
The hardest part of the job is juggling all of the different graphics channels for a live show. The most enjoyable part of the job is when you have a good show.

Assigned to assist a Senior Analyst on proprietary AV software. Typically the team would meet for daily KanBan and weekly Sprint meetings. Release schedule was once a week unless special projects demanded something more. I was able to learn many of their proprietary AV product line as well as industry standard tools such as JIRA and get a refresher on Quality Center ALM. Weekly status reports and  payroll submittals. The culture was business casual dress, rigid meeting schedules, and occasional group lunches. Communications via chat if remote, and face to face informal meetings (was not assigned a phone), work hours are standard. Would show early or stay late as needed. Which was not often. So the work life balance I believe is perfect for the 9 - 5er. The toughest part of the job was getting up to speed on all of the applications (20+ give or take) in such a short time. The staff I worked with were generally good natured, enjoyable to be around. The bad situation came with the Analyst I was assigned to help. So I can't necessarily issue a blanket statement on management. Our manager was pretty much hands off. I had only 3 - 4 conversations with him during the contract period. The analyst I can only define as cruel. Criticized me on everything even what I had for lunch. Every conversation began with a long exasperated sigh....very negative.

•	Partnered with all cross-functional departments (Editorial, Consumer, Press, Sales, Production) to execute marketing plans in support of key tent pole events and other branded development programs
•	Managed capital purchases, direct vendor relationships, overall budget and expense processing, tracking, and departmental expenditures
•	Internal liaison across multiple sports management teams to gather assets, manage the invite process for over 2,500 prospective clients, and develop the digital campaign media strategy for the 2012 Upfront Event 
•	Developed and managed high-impact ESPN The Magazine digital and print marketing and sales materials such as one-sheets, posters, brochures, newsletters, research studies, video sizzles, and presentations  
•	Supported VP and Executives with project follow-up, weekly departmental status updates, and interaction between clients and vendors
•	Updated and maintained the Customer Sales and Marketing website, social media presence, and online media toolkits while monitoring performance using Google analytic metric tools

Working at ESPN Radio was a great experience. I had the tools I needed to work at my disposal which made work easier to get done. The people who I supported were a pleasure to work with, they liked to joke around and always had a positive attitude even when their computers stopped working. I was able to do my work so efficiently that I even had down time, but as soon as a ticket came in I was all over it. Work was always a priority regardless of what I was doing during down time. My supervisor rarely checked on me because he knew that any ticket or issue was handled right away, the only time he called me or came to my desk was when he needed assistance in the broadcast IT side of things. There was never pressure and it made work pleasant. I also got a chance to learn new technologies for radio broadcast. I had colleagues in other locations but I mainly worked with my supervisor directly. The hardest part of my job was leaving.

I greatly appreciate the opportunities to engage with various games throughout the county and collaborate with freelancers nationwide. However, I gave it a 2/5 stars due to the internal politics exhibited by the full-time staff. They project an appearance of support and commitment, yet the reality is quite different. This industry is rife with superficial relationships and cutthroat dynamics. Although they profess a concern for safety, their actions contradict these claims, as they often hinder assistance to freelancers and require unreasonable travel distances for accommodations, forcing them to commute up to 60 miles for events that can last up to 15 hours. It is evident that their focus does not genuinely lie with their freelancers or their staff; they will inevitably prioritize cost-cutting measures, regardless of the potential negative impact on those most affected. I continue to work here because I cherish the experience of interacting with the diverse university staff, the various game venues, and my dedication to supporting freelancers in every possible way. I view my role as a commitment to advocate for freelancers against this corporate entity rather than as service to the company itself.

You know, I hadn't really worked at a bar until ESPN Club and some of the girls didn't think I'd make it. But I found I thrived on that face paced environment. Yea it got crazy when a big game was on but you just go with the flow. The only reason I didn't care for it was because of the drunk people but that's more of a personal preference then anything. Management was... Alright. I've had worse. They had to work by the Disney code so they were sometimes less understanding then other managers at other companies, but Disney is very strict. Hardest part of the job was dodging the chaos during big games, weaving between people packed into the bar side when trying to get to the dish room. There was also negativity with the staff, long time employees were not happy with their job or the company. But once you ignored them it really wasn't that bad. I for the most part enjoyed it. You could even catch a moment to watch the fire works at Epcot if you had a moment to spare. Plus, hello, I worked for Disney. As a full cast member I was able to visit the parks as much as I wanted.

I left ESPN close to 10 years ago, and sometimes I regret my decision to leave.  It was such a great place to work when it comes to good people and learning about the industry.  As a production assistant, I was able to edit, produce, work on graphics and do so many jobs.  Each day brought a new challenge, but most nights you walked out feeling proud of your work.

Why I wouldn't give ESPN 5 stars is because they let go all of my mentors who basically built the company, so I question loyalty.  Also, you have no life.  I always used to say, "Only the strong survive."  You have to LOVE not only sports, but television production to stay afloat.  During my final months there, I pulled all nighters every week.  I'd go in at 3  pm Tuesday, go home to take a shower at 5 am Wednesday morning, come back and then stay til Thursday morning at 2 am.  I was then asked, "What more can you do for us?"  It's demanding and you get burnt out.  But, you need to make overtime to get a decent pay, so I was accepting of the work.

This being said, I have nothing but fond memories, and they are truly the best at what they do.  You may not want to last many years in Bristol, but they will give you all the tools you need to survive in this business.

A typical work day starts when you get to work and look on the assignment board and see where you are working.  When I started at ESPN, my main job was master control.  After working in master control for a while, I had a chance to work in the studio being a cameraman on high profile shows and after that I learned how to become an A2 audio operator.The hardest part of my day is when things change at the last minute but you learn how to overcome that.  The most enjoyable part of my day is when I get a chance to work with the talent and the rest of my peers.The management staff is hot and cold. Some days they are right there with you, making sure that everything is running smoothly and other days they are so so. Sometimes you have an manger in your department who never had hands on experience and they do not understand what you are doing, but overall ESPN is a good place to work.  I seen a lot of people who left ESPN and reach that next level in television.

Instrumental in launching the Longhorn Network (LHN) which produces more than 200 live events and over 350 studio shows a year across all 20 UT sports. Oversaw facilities, staff schedules, hiring freelancers, contracts, coordinating travel and paying invoices for the network. Developed and managed the LHN Internship Program that employed 6 interns per semester. Acted as operations liaison with all on-site event needs including catering, parking passes, credentials and transportation. 
  
•	Facilitated relocation to Austin for over 75 ESPN Bristol, CT based Employees
•	Worked with Sports Information Directors and event facility from the Big 12 Conference
•	Managed, tracked and updated the Event Budget
•	Coordinated and submitted award entries for the College Sport Media Awards and Lone Star Emmys
•	Managed Production  for the ESPYS Countdown Show 2012
•	Assisted Assignment Desk with booking ENG crews, feeds and Network Traffic
•	College Sport Media Award Winner for Live Game and Event Production 2013


An example at ESPN goes as followed: Relieve the Operator, organized your Network and prepare it for any live events. Monitor the network throughout the day (weather is live or server). Finally, make sure the Network is ready and organized at least 4 hours ahead for the next operator.
The hardest part of the job for me was working nights for 9 years. I never requested a change do to my personal life, but once it was needed I hard a hard time changing it (due to the needs of the company). The most enjoyable part of the job were my co-workers. They made nights so much easier to go by. In addition, watching and learning about International sports such as Cricket and Moto GP.

My final words is on management, however, I will not go on details. I just want to express that ESPN as a company was great to work with (and I truly mean it), some members of management made it difficult for me towards the end of my time there.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Production assistant 4 salaries reported	$23.27 per hour
Producer 7 salaries reported	$99,000 per year
Associate 5 salaries reported	$52,460 per year
Associate producer 6 salaries reported	$70,958 per year
Espn intern 17 salaries reported	$23.46 per hour

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