MLB Network seeks to provide an apprenticeship opportunity for selected qualified military reservists and veterans who seek to pursue a career in the TV Broadcast industry. We are looking for individuals who would like the unique opportunity to apply the skills they gained in the Armed Forces while learning new skills as an Apprentice. No prior experience or knowledge is required, however we are looking for candidates who have an interest in the TV industry and our business. The Apprentices will be expected to make a multiple-month commitment to MLB Network, during which they will generally work up to 36 hours a week in an immersive live broadcast environment. Below is a description of area of potential opportunity.

Area 1: Creative Services

In Creative Services, an Apprentice will be introduced to various pieces of software that are utilized regularly to address and produce different deliverables, such as editing, After Efx compositing, Set Design, 3D modeling, website and marketing design and animation produced to suit the needs of Sponsor clients, as well as music selection for these elements. Some responsibilities would include:

•  Design logo treatments for various shows and sales deliverables.
• Select music tracks for show opens and packages.
• Edit video using the company’s software.
• Work with Adobe Creative suite software package and learn After Efx compositing.
• Introduction to MAYA and 3D modeling.
• Introduction to Vizrt character generation and real time 3D animation.

Area 2: Production

 In Production, an Apprentice will be introduced to various areas of Production including, but not limited to, Research, Graphics, Assignment Desk, and Edit.

Research:

• Writing and contributing to research packets that include previews of individual games.
• Building, editing, and confirming graphics that air.
• Utilizing the various research tools to answer various requests from network talent and producers.

Graphics:

• Build, edit and confirm graphics for all LIVE studio shows.
• Manage and produce all on-air set content, including monitors and social media.
• Attend production meetings, research storylines, and act as liaison between graphics and Producer & Coordinating Producer.

Assignment Desk:

• Identify and distribute accurate baseball news using a variety of different methods.
• Coordinate between departments to organize a comprehensive studio schedule.
• Acquire different forms of media for use on air via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), fiber feed or satellite downlink.
• Coordinate hit times and subject matter with all Insiders and Correspondents.

Edit:

• Produce and Edit video elements to be aired on MLB Network.
• Write Shot Sheets for on-air Talent.
• Attend production meetings, research storylines and brainstorm ways to deliver baseball news and stories.

Area 3: Media Management

In Media Management, an Apprentice will be introduced to

• Organize, track, research, and archive all video content in the company’s digital media management system
• Convert and import all file-based media acquired by MLB and NHL Network
• Package and send content for Video On Demand, OTT (Over-the-Top), Social Media channels, and other partners
• Edit and upload video content for use on MLB.com and NHL.com
• Serve as front line for troubleshooting of media content quality and accessibility issues

 Area 4: Information Technology

In Information Technology, an Apprentice will be introduced to

• Respond to requests for technical assistance for computers and mobile devices (tablets, phones, etc.) in person, via phone, email or ticketing system.
• Diagnose and resolve technical hardware and software issues. Document and track process and resolutions through internal ticketing system.
• Provide Level 1 support and escalate problems/requests as needed to subject matter experts.
• Participate in the Service Desk on call rotation.
• Learn and stay current with system information, changes and updates

Area 5: Broadcast Engineering

In Broadcast Engineering, an Apprentice will be introduced to

• Investigation of technical issues in an expedited fashion for all broadcast equipment in the facility. 
• Document issues and hand-off to subject matter experts as needed.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and use problem solving skills in order to repair and maintain assets such as studio equipment, editing equipment, fiber, transmission systems, etc.
• Assist in the integration of broadcast systems including reading technical documents, wiring, racking, and testing.
• Conduct scheduled routine maintenance on systems such as the uplink transmitters, database servers, and graphics devices.

Area 6: Studio Operations

In Studio Operations, an Apprentice will be introduced to the various disciplines required to support MLB Network live studio programming as follows:

1. Pedestal or Robotic Camera Operator
2. Video Technician
3. Audio Assistant
4. Replay Technician
5. Studio Support Utility Technician

Responsibilities would include:

• Respond to direction from control room personnel via headsets
• Assist with camera movement and manage camera cables
• Assist in moving props and set pieces
• Assist in properly deploying and placing microphones on announcers including equipment battery changes
• Learn basic replay workflows including playback of updates and package build