Senior Digital Cinema Mastering Technician Job in London Recruiting by MPS

Job purpose

The Senior Digital Cinema Mastering Technician will assist in running the day-to-day operations of the Mastering department, responsible for the creation of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) for Studios and independent distributors. The job is fast-paced and requires a methodical approach, attention to detail and good team communication skills.

The role requires excellent understanding of Digital Cinema and its supporting services. 

Who we are...

Motion Pictures Solutions (MPS) is a leading international film services company, providing end-to-end solutions at all stages in the field of theatrical film delivery. From 24/7 post-production and mastering through to secure electronic distribution, KDM delivery, live event management, creative services and specialist technical consultancy, MPS offers distributors, exhibitors and industry partners a culture of innovation, a high level of expertise and fast turnaround times.

MPS has spent the past 17 years building a company that major Film Studios and Distributors trust. We’re a leading company at what we do and our aim is to make the global cinema industry run better, with our software already forming the basis of that ambition. We want to drive the cinema industry forward using the power of new, secure web-based technologies.

MPS is an energetic company and we guarantee a fun workplace and maybe the odd movie in one of our state-of the-art screening rooms. Most of all we want ambitious, driven people who are passionate about technology and film.

Reporting To

The Senior Digital Cinema Mastering Technician will report to the Mastering Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Responsible for the creation of a wide variety of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs): Subtitled, Dubbed, 5.1, 7.1, Atmos etc. Both SMPTE and Interop as well as the creation of subtitle and dubbing reference files. Responsible for the creation of subtitle and dubbing reference files, creating downstream deliverables and edits for censorship purposes. Actively overseeing technical validation and troubleshooting as well as delivering simple audio edits and conforms, while also regularly performing spot checks and short form QCs.
• Act a primary technician for non-standard and complex projects, while working closely with the other Digital Cinema Mastering Technicians to ensure that projects are delivered on time.
• Able to understand the workflows in order to effectively handover and pick up the projects when required.
• Oversee planning of resources for incoming graphics work, book freelancers as and when required and maintaining the internal schedule of all creative projects.

Communication

• To be the primary contact for Account Managers and other departments with Mastering enquiries.
• To represent the department in internal meetings in the absence of the Mastering Manager.
• To effectively communicate a wide range of technical and contextual Mastering issues to those with a varying level of understanding inside and outside the department.  
• Communicate any department or theatre updates to the team, ensuring all knowledge is passed on effectively.  
• Work alongside the Localisation department and Account Managers on any incoming graphics work, and map potential workflows.
• Second tier troubleshooting for client problems, escalating to Head of Client Services and specific departments when appropriate. Working with the Account Managers to ensure that all support queries are resolved, and that clients are updated appropriately. 
• Build a culture of collaboration within the team, department and company through communication, feedback, strategic planning and problem solving. 
• Take lead in maintaining and updating confluence records and department training guides/workflows alongside the Mastering Manager

Leadership

• Work closely with other Digital Cinema Mastering Technicians to ensure that projects are delivered on time.
• Oversee inductions and trainings of new and existing team members.
• Identify current and future training and growth opportunities for direct reports and others 
• Coach and mentor team performance, and drive continuous improvement, fostering a culture of openness, feedback and communication at all levels by both providing and seeking regular feedback from colleagues, peers and employees. 
• Focus on developing team member’s soft and hard skills with a goal of elevating performance through active, actionable feedback. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must exemplify MPS’s Core Values
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Experience

• 3 Years + experience in high volume DCP creation environment

Skills and Knowledge

• In depth knowledge of Digital Cinema Mastering best practice and standards
• In depth knowledge of video and audio codecs and their appropriate usable
• An interest in Digital Cinema and its surrounding technologies
• Ability to explain complex technical terminology in an easy-to-understand way
• Familiarity of command line tools and basic scripting
• Familiarity of frame rate and colour space conversions

Competencies and Personal Attributes

Planning & Organising

• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Excellent scheduling, project management and organisational skills
• High level of ownership and tenacity with a can-do attitude
• Problem solver
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Clear understanding of workflows and escalation processes

Communication

• Committed to offering a high level of service
• Excellent communication skills

Personal Motivation & Commitment

• Cooperative, enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Honest, open and willing to learn
• Adaptable to new software and technologies

Benefits

• 25 days' Annual Leave
• Medicash Health Cash Plan
• Cinema ticket discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Dexters 'No Deposit' Option
• Interest Free Deposit Loan
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Summer & Christmas Parties
• Training (including Study Support & Leadership Programme)