Join the Team.

Who are we hiring?  

Sphere is looking for a Director of Capture Operations to oversee all aspects of Sphere’s shoot deployments of custom capture systems, a business-critical part of Sphere. In addition to managing the integration of new internal and external camera technology, this person will lead and manage the logistics related to capture deployment (including both camera and audio) for Sphere attractions and residencies. 

Reporting to the SVP Capture, the Director Capture Operations is responsible for partnering closely with adjacent creative, production, post-production, and playback teams to determine requirements, scope projects and deliver on goals and deadlines on time and on budget.   

 This key leadership role will oversee on-set camera, data, audio, and support teams and equipment to ensure that complicated local and remote Sphere shoot deployments are delivered successfully. A strong understanding of all facets of large format, high resolution capture technology – camera and lensing systems, multi camera arrays, lenses, stabilization and on-set workflow and equipment is required. A thorough understanding of the live and post-production processes is also required to manage the ‘big picture’ and how each facet of MSG’s technology fits into the overall capture workflow and plan.  

 This person will be also responsible for overseeing the field shooting teams and camera prep in Burbank with all of our camera assets, owned and rented equipment.  A proven track record of effectively managing projects and people is required for this role. Excellent communication and management skills, and experience reporting progress to high level executives is a must. 

What will you do?  

• Oversee all Sphere capture development projects from the initial concept through to completion, including scope, goals, budget, timeline, deliverables, and team roles & responsibilities. 
• Point person for production team with regard to logistics and scheduling for gear and crew allocation, including prep and wrap to ensure shoot success and crew sustainability. 

• Serve as key stakeholder and project owner in the development and deployment of custom on set tools to ensure in field success with emerging capture technologies. 

• Collaborate with the Creative, Production, Post-Production and Capture teams to ensure asks and needs are continually being met.  Manage scope creep and additional shoot requests with production for feasibility. 

• Ensure that team members and external contractors are up to speed in the use of new or updated capture systems to operate them safely and reliably.  

• Foster and maintain relationships with external vendors and ensure all deliverables are met.  

• Keep best-in-class capture systems running smoothly and reliably at home and in the field, with an eye to future features and updates to improve reliability, efficiency, and usability. 

What do you need to succeed?  

• 10+ years of experience in film and/or cinema production 

• Leadership experience overseeing teams deployed locally (both location and stagework) as well as the factors of distant location work (complicated travel, shipping logistics, carnets, local sub rentals and foreign crews) 

• Experienced and proficient with cutting edge camera and camera support tools, such as lenses, remote camera technology, remote focus, wireless video, batteries (gimbals, aerial platforms and underwater systems a plus) 

• Familiar with standard engineering workflow and principles and management experience leading a technical team 

• Present a professional and clear communication style with senior leaders and team members 

• Passionate for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking  

• Ability to remain flexible and calm in high-pressure situations and adaptable 

Special Requirements  

• Role will require travel to locations via air &/or vehicle, domestic and international, for production shooting purposes and in order to meet with vendors and appropriately test capture systems and identify improvements.