SMART Production - Tennis Broadcast Systems Operator

Why Hawk-Eye & Why SMART Production?

The SMART Production department provides multi-camera broadcast coverage at major sporting events across the globe, primarily on the ATP and WTA Tennis Tours. Our clients rely on us to tell the stories from the outside courts at each event, showcasing the rising stars in the world of tennis.

SMART Production combines Hawk-Eye’s vision processing software and Sony broadcast hardware to provide multi-camera broadcast coverage at a reduced cost and footprint. The system uses player tracking and autonomous robotic cameras to streamline the production workflow, replacing broadcast hardware with software solutions for vision mixing, running replays, adding graphics and managing audio.

There is scope to be involved in all aspects of the Hawk-Eye system, across the ever-increasing range of sports that we cover. As you progress, you will have opportunities to pursue various pathways, including Technical Development, Production Management or Creative Innovations, with a responsibility to deliver your own projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at elite-level tennis events all around the world alongside a dynamic and passionate team that will constantly push your personal development, and where your work will have a direct impact at some of the biggest events in the tennis world.

The diverse nature of this role will involve the applicant showcasing their operational, creative and technical prowess in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Successful applicants will be hands-on from their very first day and will primarily play an integral role in setting up and operating the SMART Production system across the world.

What Does A SMART Production Systems Operator Do?

• Directing live tennis matches at ATP and WTA tournaments across the globe.
• While directing, you’ll be in charge of what the audience at home watches! This includes vision mixing, producing replays and operating the on-screen graphics. You’ll have autonomy over your work as you tell the story of the match.
• Rigging the hardware of our system, for example, courtside cameras, running cables and setting up all hardware for our director stations in our control room in the Outside Broadcast compound.
• Learn to set up the software that plays a key part in our system, such as player tracking, calibration software and robotic camera software.
• Liaise with key stakeholders from the broadcasters and tournaments to ensure all contractual obligations are seamlessly delivered.
• Monitor the quality of our productions as a vision and audio technical guarantee.
• Learn to troubleshoot issues which may arise during live operations, and be on hand to resolve those issues and prevent them from recurring.
• Research and development into new projects and solutions, including any areas of expertise/passion.
• Maintenance of the kit and equipment needed to run the system in the Basingstoke office.
• Assisting with the ‘Electronic Line Calling’ system delivery as an operator at tennis events throughout the year.
• Support work on an ad hoc basis in between tours to contribute to the wider company/department.

Why Is This the Right Job for You?

This position is perfect for you if you possess:

• A technical grounding
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• A keen knowledge of tennis, with the ability to tell the story to the TV audience
• An inquisitive mindset - we are looking for innovators! The world of sports technology is constantly evolving, and as such, we are looking for people who continue to push the boundaries of our products and services.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• A willingness to learn
• Capable of adapting to working in a high-pressure live broadcast environment;
• An interest in the production/media side of sport
• Flexible and willing to travel for long periods of time;

At Hawk-Eye Innovations, we appreciate and value the importance of potential and growth. If you believe that you excel in certain areas and possess the passion and desire to develop further, we encourage you to apply

Team Culture:

At Hawk-Eye, we pride ourselves on our team culture. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every team member can contribute their best work. Our core values include:

• Innovation: We constantly seek new ways to improve and innovate in the sports entertainment industry.
• Teamwork: We celebrate our successes and learn from our experiences as a team.
• Passion: Our love for sports drives everything we do.

What Difficulties Might I Face?

Up to this point, I’m sure there have been many things that you find intriguing about the role; however, there can be difficult times:

Working Hours: Due to the nature of the sports industry, there is often work on weekends and midweek evenings, and we are expected to fulfil our roles until the last ball has been hit.

Travelling Abroad: You can expect to spend up to 220 days per year on tour away from home. Whilst there are locations where Grand Slams are held, there are also some locations that you may not have anticipated that you will be expected to travel to. Please take a look at the following link, which shows you some of the locations you could be expected to travel to: https://www.atptour.com/en/tournaments

Working & Living in Different Time Zones: This role is tour-based, which means you will be spending time away from family and friends, where social events could be missed. Working in different time zones can also impact communication.

High-Pressure Situations: Working in a live broadcast environment on a production that is distributed to millions worldwide will bring high levels of pressure.

We will do our best to train and equip you to the best possible level to help with these, but they must be considered before submitting your application.

Application & Hiring Process:

• Application: If you're interested in this position, please submit your CV, complete the application form and hit submit.
• Task Submissions: Successful candidates from the application stage will receive an invitation to access our video assessment system. We will ask you to complete a one-way video interview (Hireflix platform).
• Review Period: Once you have completed the tasks, our team will take a period of time to review all tasks and provide application updates.
• Assessment Event: Successful candidates from the video interview stage will be invited to one of our Hawk-Eye Assessment Events. This will be in-person, and you will be provided with further details and preparation material before the event.
• Offers & Feedback: Offers & Feedback: The team will take time to review all feedback and conduct our final reviews.