Freelance Producer, Local Media Game Telecasts - Cleveland, OH
MLB Network · Cleveland · $1,300–$1,800/day (stated in the posting)
MLB Local Media seeks a Freelance Producer, Local Media Game Telecasts with deep expertise in live sports television production and a superior understanding of, and passion for, baseball. The Freelance Producer will be accountable for the content, quality, and overall presentation of live game coverage for assigned club telecasts, from the game open through the final out and postgame show. Working in collaboration with Coordinating Producers and Local Media leadership, the Freelance Producer will lead the creative and editorial direction of each game, tell compelling and relevant stories, and deliver smart, informative coverage that serves fans in each market and reflects MLB's standard of broadcast excellence. It is expected that the Freelance Producer be local to Cleveland, OH for the duration of the MLB season.
Responsibilities:
- Produce live Cleveland Guardians game coverage, independently and with regular guidance and review from the Coordinating Producer and Local Media leadership.
- Lead the moment-to-moment editorial direction of each game telecast, including storylines, replay angles, graphics content, and information provided to on-air talent.
- Establish the format, rundown, and timing of each game telecast, including commercial inventory, and ensure accurate fulfillment of all required sponsor, sales, and promotional elements as well as any production priorities communicated in advance.
- Work with the Director to align editorial vision with visual and technical execution, and to determine the technical needs of each assigned telecast.
- Oversee all production decisions at the venue or control room before and during the game, including replay strategy, graphics, in-game interviews, and live event integrations.
- Provide direction and guidance to on-air talent in preparation for and throughout each game.
- Organize and lead production meetings to develop the content of each game, and participate in post-game reviews and department feedback meetings.
- Lead production staff in conceiving, planning, and executing teases, bumps, edits, features, graphics, and other in-game elements.
- Integrate Statcast and advanced data into the broadcast to enhance storytelling and viewer understanding of the game.
- Coordinate with pregame and postgame show producers to ensure seamless transitions into and out of game coverage, including shared storylines and elements.
- Work with club broadcasting, communications, and media relations staff to coordinate access, interviews, and club-specific content.
- Provide direct, constructive feedback on the performance of production crews and talent, and share feedback with Local Media management.
- Foster a collaborative, professional environment in which the full production team is aligned on the goals and vision of each broadcast.
- Train, coach, and mentor production staff, encouraging idea generation, creative thinking, and professional growth.
- Ensure all broadcasts adhere to MLB, club, and network standards and practices.
- Other such duties as required.
- It is expected that the Freelance Producer, Game Telecasts will maintain and increase their knowledge of the production discipline, broadcast technology, and the business on an ongoing basis.
Qualifications and Skills:
- A minimum of 5-7 years of live sports television production is required, with demonstrated experience producing live game coverage.
- A proven ability to create and produce compelling live game telecasts from concept through execution.
- Must demonstrate a passion for and deep knowledge of baseball, including its rules, strategy, history, and analytics.
- Strong editorial judgment and an extensive understanding of which stories and concepts best serve a game telecast.
- Real-time live production skills, including replay producing, graphics execution, and game timing.
- Working knowledge of replay systems (EVS), broadcast graphics platforms (e.g., Vizrt, Chyron), and production truck and control room operations.
- A proven ability to lead on-air talent and production crews through live broadcasts.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, throughout the full MLB season.
- Ability to travel domestically on a regular basis, including extended road trips with assigned clubs.
- Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Be extremely organized, demonstrate initiative, and be able to manage complex logistics and complete multiple assignments in a timely manner.
- Individual must work well in a dynamic environment and be able to recommend and implement process improvements, work independently, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Demonstrate the tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills required in a pressurized live television environment.
- The ability to effectively take on leadership roles in various functions is required.
- Experience with Adobe Premiere or other editing software is preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 20+ pounds.
- Possess visual acuity sufficient to perform required tasks.
- Possess manual dexterity sufficient to perform required tasks.
- Possess a level of hearing sufficient for effective interaction with stakeholders by various means, including in-person, via phone, and over production communications systems.
- Ability to work effectively while exposed to varying and unpredictable weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, etc.
Education:
- A bachelor's degree is required; Communications, Broadcast Journalism, or a related major is preferred.
Position Reports to:
- Coordinating Producer, Local Media
Pay Range: $1,300 - $1,800 per day
As a candidate for this position, your salary and related aspects of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, skills, and any other factors MLB Network considers relevant to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, MLB Network believes in providing a competitive benefits package for its employees.
Top MLB Network Perks & Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
- Company Contributed 401K Plan
- Paid Sick Time
- Commuter Benefits
- Discounts at MLB Store | MLBShop.com
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Why MLB Network?
MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, with studios located in Secaucus, N.J., just minutes from New York City. Featuring live regular season games, original programming, highlights, insights and analysis from the best in the business, MLB Network produces baseball content for delivery to multiple media platforms. Cutting-edge technology is used to create MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning programming via roles in live studio and remote production, operations, engineering, media management, creative services, social media and others.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at MLBNHR@mlb.com. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!