Material Manager - job 2 of 2

The Material Manager at KTLA plays a crucial role in the daily operations of live newscasts. This position involves a variety of tasks including preparing and coordinating pre-production elements, editing video content, tracking edited content status, and ensuring smooth communication with Newscenter Ops and field crews. One must also perform quality analysis of all feeds before they air, manage the news video archive database, and assist in production activities, all ensuring that viewers receive the best possible news coverage.

To apply for the Material Manager role at KTLA, candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Television Production, or related field, and at least two years of experience in live news production. Prospective applicants should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, team collaboration, and be proficient in production operating systems such as Adobe Premiere, ENPS, and Final Cut Pro. Additionally, a successful candidate should possess strong time management abilities and an eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

As a Material Manager at KTLA, your contribution is pivotal to the success of live newscasts. By overseeing the preparation and coordination of pre-production elements, you ensure that all aspects are aligned for smooth operations. Your role in editing video content, managing deadlines, and performing quality checks directly impacts the quality and timeliness of news coverage. Moreover, by facilitating communication among various teams, you help maintain the fast-paced flow that live broadcasts require, ensuring that the audience receives accurate and compelling news.

Candidates for the Material Manager position at KTLA should be well-versed in various production software and tools. Proficiency in Adobe Premiere and ENPS is critical, as these tools are integral to video editing and news production workflows. Familiarity with Bit Central, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office Suite, and Ross Xpression is also beneficial. Understanding these systems enhances the Material Manager's ability to perform effectively under tight deadlines and manage the complexities of live news production.

The compensation for a Material Manager at KTLA starts at $27 per hour, with potential for higher pay based on experience and skill level. This competitive salary reflects the demanding nature of the role and the value placed on skilled professionals in the fast-paced environment of live news production. KTLA is committed to providing fair compensation and considers applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

When answering this question, highlight your familiarity with specific software such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro. Discuss particular projects where you applied your editing skills, emphasizing your ability to produce high-quality segments under tight deadlines.

In your response, speak to strategies you've implemented for maintaining communication, such as using clear signals or structured reporting tools. Provide examples from previous experiences demonstrating how effective coordination positively impacted broadcast outcomes.

Use this question to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Detail the specific challenge, your approach to addressing it, and the outcome. Highlight any collaboration with team members and how it ultimately enhanced the broadcast's success.

Discuss specific quality checks you implement, such as reviewing footage for clarity, ensuring proper formatting, and verifying that audio levels are appropriate. Emphasize how these checks contribute to maintaining the broadcast's professional standards.

Focus on your time management skills and your ability to assess task urgency. Provide an example of a high-pressure situation where you effectively managed competing priorities, ensuring that all critical elements of production were met on time.

Detail your familiarity with video archiving systems and methods you use to organize and retrieve video content. Discuss how effective management of an archive can impact production efficiency and ease of access for various departments.

Highlight how creativity is essential in editing, packaging content, and developing innovative solutions for production challenges. Share an example of how your creative thinking led to a successful segment or improved workflow.

Emphasize your openness to constructive criticism and how you implement feedback to elevate your work. Provide an example of a scenario where feedback led to improved content and strengthened team collaboration.

Discuss your commitment to ongoing education, such as attending workshops, webinars, or industry events. Mention any relevant certifications or online courses you've completed to stay ahead in production techniques and technology.

Provide insight into your strategies for stress management, such as staying organized, practicing deep-breathing exercises, or relying on your team for support. Share an experience where you successfully navigated a high-pressure situation.