Company Description
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.
Job Description
Versant Media is seeking a seasoned and resourceful Director of Photography (DP) with deep expertise in broadcast news, EFP (Electronic Field Production) and documentary style production. The DOP will lead the visual presentation of our newscasts and all field content. This is a full-time role based out of Englewood Cliffs, NJ and reports to our Director of Field Production & Operations. This role is critical to shaping the aesthetic and technical excellence of our visual journalism, ensuring every frame supports editorial goals, elevates storytelling, and meets the fast-paced demands of a live news environment.
What You’ll Do:
· Partner closely with producers, reporters, promos and management to visually align field and studio content with editorial goals.
· Supervise lighting, framing, and camera operations during larger scale field remotes, including breaking news, investigative, anchored shows, live Events, and pre-recorded segments.
· Plan and execute creative lighting schemes tailored to both field and studio environments.
· Maintain a unified visual identity across all news content, upholding both aesthetic quality and brand standards.
· Develop and maintain SOPs for camera operation, file management, lighting setups, and field workflows.
· Ensure all captured footage meets Versant technical broadcast standards - frame rate, compression, scene files, exposure, color grading, and audio syncing.
· Adapt quickly to shifting editorial priorities, tight deadlines, and rapidly changing field conditions.
· Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure camera and lighting equipment is well-maintained and fully functional.
· Advance the creative vision of the Versant Field Operations Department with a focus on multi-platform storytelling.
· Coach and mentor photographers; deliver feedback, lead training sessions, introduce new technologies, and support freelancer onboarding.
· Help establish and enforce visual best practices; provide performance input and assist in staffing decisions.
· Conduct remote site surveys, when necessary, manage technical execution of multi-camera remote productions, and ensure all logistics meet Versant Media standards.
· Work closely with the Inventory Manager and Sr Mgr. of Field Operations to ensure equipment health and recommend new technologies for testing and procurement.
· Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.
Qualifications
What You'll Bring:
· Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, Film/TV Production, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
· Minimum 5 years of experience in news photography or broadcast production, with strong field and lighting expertise.
· Proven leadership in visual direction for live and pre-recorded news.
· Proficient with ENG/EFP and broadcast-standard camera systems, lighting kits, and related gear.
· Exceptional technical expertise in camera systems, lighting design, field production techniques, and composition.
· Deep understanding of lighting for field environments and newsroom workflows.
· Strong familiarity with control room systems, digital media formats, and newsroom production timelines.
· Experience operating under the pressures of live television and breaking news.
· Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
· Willingness to work non-traditional hours (mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays).
· Valid passport and driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to drive company vehicles and manage logistics for remote events.
· Ability to lift and transport production equipment and work in varying outdoor conditions.
· Flexibility to work irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience in EFP (Electronic Field Production) and multi-camera environments.
· FAA Part 107 drone certification is a strong plus.
· Familiarity with digital-first production methods and content optimization for social/video platforms.
What Would Make You a Stand-out:
· Strong creative sensibility with a portfolio demonstrating sophisticated visual storytelling.
· Commitment to upholding the highest editorial and ethical standards in visual journalism.
Additional Information
Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from a designated worksite.
This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $160,000 - $180,000 (Bonus & LTI eligible)
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].
Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.
