The New York Times is looking for a Senior Video Journalist with a specialization in cinematography and deep experience in digital video production to serve as the lead cinematographer for our Washington, D.C.-based news video shoots and to manage our Washington, D.C.-based video studio.

You’ll be responsible for serving as the lead cinematographer for our DC-based video productions, overseeing the work of additional cinematographers or production assistants. And you will supervise our Washington, D.C.-based studio space and its technical upkeep, as well as the technical logistics of our Washington, D.C.-based shoots—including but not limited to such series as The Daily roundtable video podcast, The Interview video podcast, and reporter videos.

You are a strong cinematographer and video production technician with extensive experience operating video, lighting, and audio equipment, and experience coordinating a video studio. In addition, you are capable of and passionate about helping The New York Times develop our visual aesthetic in both studio and location settings.

You must see collaboration as central to your work, and will help provide strategic guidance on how to visualize stories, working closely with producers, reporters, video and audio engineers, and editors to support our creative vision. 

This is an in-office position, based in Washington, D.C. and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.

Responsibilities:

Serve as lead cinematographer for all in-studio and on-location shoots in the Washington, D.C. area

Oversee video studio and all associated equipment, including determining when equipment should be replaced or repaired

Help identify, and train local freelance staff to support in-studio and on-location shoots. 

Supervise the work of additional cinematographers, production assistants and other technical staff for D.C.-based shoots.

Inform and help determine the equipment vision and budget, and help procure equipment on as-needed basis

Oversee media management, including ensuring that footage is backed up and uploaded to appropriate file transfer programs and ensuring timely delivery

Troubleshoot issues with studio and remote equipment, and identify solutions

Identify and ensure the implementation of best practices for video and evolve daily operations as necessary

Maintain up-to-date style and technical guides

Coordinate among multiple video production teams to ensure resources are being shared efficiently and appropriately, and that objectives are being executed under deadline

Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world

You will report to the Manager of Cinematography

Basic Qualifications:

8+ years of experience operating cameras for professional news video shoots

5+ years of hands-on experience with multi-camera studio and remote production in professional digital, livestreaming, and/or broadcast environments

Professional familiarity with Canon video equipment and Adobe Creative Cloud software

Professional experience operating lighting and audio equipment

Professional experience working with art directors and production crews, and existing relationships with local freelance talent

Willingness to travel on occasion for on-location video shoots

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with livestreaming

Excellent organization, planning, and communication skills

Ability to stay calm, productive and professional under multiple deadlines and tight turnaround

Experience teaching and training individuals on use of media production equipment, standards, and best practices

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-018697