Mgr-Video Systems Design

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust. 

With an in-depth understanding of video systems design and the ability to realize through the effective execution of the creative process, the Mgr-Video Systems Design, supporting Disney Cruise Line, serves as the creative leader and representative for Disney Live Entertainment (DLE) Video Design department. As the primary interface for Senior Leadership, Production and Creative Leadership teams, Key Partners and Stakeholders, the Mgr-Video Systems Design directs, plans, supervises, staffs, reviews, and provides both quality control and creative buy-off in the overall management of the Video Design department. The Mgr-Video Systems Design functions as a strong leader/mentor/coach for the Design team (Video Designers and Programmers), and supervisor for local operating crews, contractors and vendors through completion of projects.

This is a full-time role. You will report to the Sr. Manager - Entertainment Design & Technical.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert, Creative and Administrative Leader, responsible for all Entertainment Video systems and participate in a Project’s creative development and production phases, including blue-sky brainstorming, project kick-off, scope definition, feasibility, and budgetary ROMs.

• Provide oversight and input during Creative Reviews, Design Reviews and at other major milestone check points and develop and / or implement Video System designs for live shows and facility infrastructure.

• Be an engaged leader of Video system R&D efforts, participating as necessary to collaborate with other Company technology divisions, responsible and accountable for the video systems and quality of all DLE productions

• Design / direct / supervise all Video Design Projects – helping Designers to plan, prioritize, coordinate, brain-storm, problem solve, budget, procure, install and implement their design concept throughout the entire course of a Project

• Determine / lead all Departmental staffing needs, including full time staff, temporary assignments, project hires, and provide functional leadership of Direct and Indirect Employees, Contractors, Vendors and Leased Workers

• Accountable for resource planning, budgeting and estimating at both the Department and Project levels, and developing/maintaining a pipeline of both internal and external Video Systems Design talent

• Function as mentor/coach for design department, and the Disney Live Entertainment organization, actively engaging in the creative development/professional growth of Designers as Leaders

• Assist with negotiations and act as leader for contracted Video Designers and Vendors ensuring Disney quality, compatibility, training and accurate documentation of all video services delivered

• Lead all departmental budgets, including overhead, operating expenses, and Entertainment Show Quality (ESQ) and define new workflow strategies, technologies and applications with responsibility for driving and implementing change

• Maintain relationships with Executive Leadership on behalf of the Video Department, develop and maintain Industry connections (both functional and ceremonial), and act as the primary contact to the Manager, Technical Design and Delivery and Executive Teams, and to Entertainment Standards, Safety, Design Assurance and Experience Integration Teams

• Interact with Internal Department Staff and Entertainment Leadership daily, and with the Project Team's Creative Leadership and External Business Leaders, Operational Clients, Partners and Key Stakeholders at a Leadership level on a regular basis

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in the Entertainment Industry working in video system design, media playback, programming, routing, display technology, show development and operation of live shows

• Outstanding understanding of current technology, theory, and Industry standards for all aspects of Video System Design, as applied to live show and facility systems

• Advanced experience with most video delivery systems, such as, LED monitors and screens, and projectors

• Advanced comprehension of the various formats for video content creation and compatible delivery systems in both file delivery and live delivery environment, and understanding of SMPTE standards

• Understanding of video distribution and routing systems, including advanced network setup, advanced signal flow, file management, and advanced Video programming methods

• Demonstrated extensive experience in Video Design practice and procedures including show design, fixture design, and video control design

• Demonstrated functional leadership ability, including problem-solving, influencing abilities, negotiating skills, and continuous improvement process experience

• Ability to lead a creative team of proficient, multidisciplinary Designers, as well as function as working member of the design team with a natural inclination to generate ideas and the ability to do so with great proficiency

• Proven ability to initiate, coordinate, prioritize, take and provide direction and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner to deliver on specific and measurable targets through collaborative team environment

• Ability to handle financial/accounting issues relative to area of responsibility

• Demonstrated strong verbal, written, presentation and public speaking skills are critical for leading, mentoring and corresponding with all levels within the organization

• Demonstrated critical ability to educate and influence Peer Management levels and Senior Leadership

• Knowledge of Walt Disney World Entertainment Standards and Industry standards

• Willing to travel to domestic and foreign venues for extended periods of time

• Must have, or be willing to obtain a passport and corporate credit card for travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant experience in video systems design for cruise ship live entertainment

• Significant experience in facility design

• Experience live show development with The Walt Disney Company

Required Education:

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Technology and Design (MFA preferred), Video / Broadcast Production or equivalent work experience

Additional Information:

• Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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