Lead Studio Operator

Disney is hiring a Lead Studio Operator at its broadcast facilities in Bristol, CT. This role sits within Production Operations and is responsible for the full technical execution of live studio productions, covering camera control, shading, lighting, and virtual technology from setup through air. It suits an experienced broadcast technician who has worked across multiple live production environments and is ready to take on a formal leadership function within a major studio operation.

About the Role

The Lead Studio Operator works inside Disney’s Bristol studio complex, supporting live broadcast production workflow across studio cameras, robotic systems, virtual and augmented reality graphics, and multi-source routing infrastructure. A typical day involves shading and matching cameras, operating jib and robotic camera systems, managing scenic monitor levels, and coordinating with production teams under live broadcast conditions. Beyond the technical work, this position carries responsibility for mentoring staff, contributing to SOPs, and leading team meetings on workflow and equipment matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and shade cameras using Sony, Grass Valley, and Cyanview camera control units, applying waveform and vectorscope readings to match and correct camera levels across live studio productions.
• Run ION lighting boards to light talent and scenic elements, and apply color correction to align scenic monitor output with production standards.
• Operate robotic camera systems including Ross, Vinten, Telemetrics, and Panasonic PTZs, as well as jib cameras and stabilization systems during live broadcast shoots.
• Handle multi-source routing via Evertz punch panels and Grass Valley router panels, and support remote camera systems such as TVU and Glowpoint for live shot integration.
• Identify equipment failures and operational errors in real time, implement corrective action, and document troubleshooting outcomes to improve departmental workflow.
• Author and update SOPs, lead training sessions for staff development, and take point on special projects and events within the studio operation.

What You Bring

• Extensive hands-on experience in live broadcast production or studio operations at a network or major production facility.
• Mastery of HD studio cameras, camera control units, and color correction tools across Sony, Grass Valley, and Canon or Fujinon lens systems.
• Working knowledge of virtual and augmented reality graphics pipelines as they apply to live studio environments.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently under strict live production timelines with minimal supervision.
• Prior experience training staff, writing technical documentation, and contributing to departmental workflow planning.

Why This Role

Disney’s Bristol operation is one of the most technically complex live broadcast production environments in the country, running continuous output across multiple studio stages with a deep roster of broadcast technology. This Lead Studio Operator position offers direct involvement in shaping how the studio adopts new equipment and trains its technical staff, which is a meaningful career step for an operator ready to move beyond execution into influence. The scope of the live production workflow here is difficult to match at most other facilities.

Apply now for the Lead Studio Operator position at Disney and bring your broadcast operations experience to one of the most active studio environments in the industry.