James Smith Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Directing news shows for various countries across the globe.

Miami, Florida, United States

My position required me to skillfully lead and communicate during high stress situations. The objective was to direct a show that typically lacked a fully completed rundown due to frequency of breaking news and weather, which demanded constant flexibility and critical thinking. It was the very definition of a “living and breathing” newscast.❖ Oversaw a 9 person control room staff and a 5 person floor crew while directing a consistently evolving 5 hour morning show and 1 hour noon show❖ Built multiple video switcher macros for use while operating the video switcher❖ Coordinated with Producers to conceptualize and implement creative elements for shows❖ 90% success rate leading breaking news, weather, traffic alerts and online video updates

San Diego, Ca

Daily tasks are a combination of editing news and entertainment content for up to 6 hours of shows and the technical operation of Jib, SteadiCam, robotic cameras and audio. Newscast director responsibilities are currently on an advisory basis; switching as needed.❖ Tasked in streamlining equipment operations and presets within 4 months of employment❖ Guest relations and coordination for up to 9 daily parties, each ranging from 1 interviewee to large groups of 20 or more, such as bands or dance troupes❖ Brainstorm with production and news staff to proactively choreograph up to 9 daily multifaceted show segments and interviews, such as camera placement, studio lighting and digital graphics usage

Miami, Fl

This was the arena production for the Miami Heat and I was brought on to switch games for the in-house video board. Directing an NBA game was immensely fast-paced with many moving parts.❖ Communicated with Director to facilitate a 14 camera game with 4 highlight replay operators❖ Built between 4-8 switcher effects per game for sponsorships and fan events❖ Coordinated video streaming of live game to major media outlets and to arena monitors

Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area

My position required me to skillfully lead and communicate during high stress situations. The objective was to direct a show that typically lacked a fully completed rundown due to frequency of breaking news and weather, which demanded constant flexibility and critical thinking. It was the very definition of a “living and breathing” newscast.❖ Oversaw a 9 person control room staff and a 5 person floor crew while directing a consistently evolving 5 hour morning show and 1 hour noon show❖ Built multiple video switcher macros for use while operating the video switcher❖ Coordinated with Producers to conceptualize and implement creative elements for shows❖ 90% success rate leading breaking news, weather, traffic alerts and online video updates

Greensboro/Winston-Salem, North Carolina Area

Here’s where I transitioned from the traditional 3 camera show to a rapid 9 camera production and massively expanded my technical abilities. I immersed myself in technology selection, setup, operations and maintenance. Using an automated production control system, I excelled at the complex task of operating audio, cameras, show graphics, video playback, routing live shots and calling a show simultaneously.❖ Responsible for building all codes for Sony ELC and snapshot/shotboxes for our Sony switcher❖ Designed informative digital graphics for company website, social media and sales marketing daily❖ Implemented crucial training on production method and operations with 5 person crew❖ Assisted Promotions with cameras, studio lighting, staging and storyboards at least 3 times a week

Wilmington, North Carolina

My first professional job was a 10 year journey to learn everything from sustaining a functioning production studio to overseeing a production crew and monthly promotional projects. Later, I expanded my knowledge and practical abilities into parts of the news, engineering and promotions. When on location, I led our team as field producer and coordinated weekly special events and live broadcasts as well as troubleshoot site logistics.❖ Mastered all technical positions and promoted to newscast director status in less than 2 years❖ Coordinated, set up and served as director and audio operator for nearly 60 live and recorded media events including: city parades, community programs, local sports, political debates and health hotline marathons❖ Designed 80% of the daily newscast graphics and assisted Graphic Artist with various projects❖ Collaborated with engineering team to diagnose equipment malfunctions and tackle repairs❖ Tackled scheduling and instruction of 7 employees and participated in procurement of staff❖ Became a mentor to over 30 production assistants new to the media industry over a 8 year span

Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina

Education record

Practical training on studio production method, equipment operations and troubleshooting, quality story judgment, audio, directing.

High School Diploma, High School/Secondary Diplomas And Certificates

Activities and Societies: New Hanover County Schools Television: Volunteer 2000-2001 New Hanover County Schools Television: Apprentice.