Overview of the role
An EVS editor (often called an EVS op) is a key part of the technical and editorial team on a live outside broadcast, or in a live studio setting. They are responsible for VT play-ins as part of a live broadcast or studio record, as well as capturing, editing, and delivering replays and highlights in real time.
As well as ingesting clips prior to broadcast to play in, they manage multiple incoming camera feeds, cut fast-turnaround highlights packages on the fly, and cue up slow-motion replays for immediate playout, often under intense pressure and to tight deadlines
Working closely with the director and producer, they help shape the live narrative by ensuring key moments are instantly available and flawlessly executed on air.
An EVS op often works directly with an EVS edit producer, but often works on their own liaising with the director and script supervisor on studio comms. The role not only demands the technical skills on an EVS machine, but also quick thinking, precision editing, good editorial instincts and a strong understanding of live broadcast and studio workflows.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale, budget, genre of the production and whether the project is a series or a feature documentary.
- Being trained in and up to date with the latest tech in EVS edit systems.
- Realise the playout and ingest requirements across a live broadcast or studio record using the EVS edit in a live studio setting or OB truck.
- Liaise with the OB or studio technical manager to set up the EVS layout during rehearsals before a live event or studio record.
- Recognise key editorial beats while anticipating the most likely moments for replay and highlights based on the broadcast format and show running order.
- Collaborate with the editorial team across a production in order to understand the storytelling beats, whether generating clips quickly during a live broadcast or playing in pre-recorded content for a studio record.
- Ensure all files are correctly named, versioned, and aligned with broadcaster compliance.
- Implement a system to manage EVS server space, network connectivity and media transfers throughout the event to ensure all material is safely recorded, backed up, and accessible to relevant teams.
- Organise pre-record sessions, live ingest schedules, and remote feeds for full coverage of all key moments across multiple sources.
- Communicate clearly with other EVS ops and editors on replay assignments, server allocations, and playout goals. Highlight changes in editorial priorities or technical requirements.
- Share workflow across the EVS team, such as logging, playlist creation, or file exports while providing support in a fast-paced environment.
- Take part in pre-production sessions with production and editorial teams to plan the replay strategy and discuss creative opportunities.
- Provide feedback on EVS playlist structures, clip edits, and ensure technical delivery standards are met.
- Manage and maintain EVS systems, including updates, user access rights, data hygiene, and server naming protocols.
- Be across team briefings to share updates, technical adjustments, and editorial feedback that may impact the delivery of clips and replays.
- Open to being a contact for all EVS-related queries and provide updates on capacity, server load, and media delivery.
- Work with the wider production and edit team to prepare replay packages and highlights for TX and social use.
- Contribute to editorial planning by pitching strong moments and visual storytelling ideas from available footage.
- Provide briefing notes when required, for recorded media, including shot logs, contributor appearances, and any rights-sensitive content.
- Liaise with the director, as required, regarding EVS streams/camera allocations, as well as the producer and floor team needs for replay and capture, meeting all expectations to ensure smooth editorial output.
- Record, log, and edit live feeds efficiently, with a calm approach, rapid communication, and a clear sense of story and pacing.
- Use editorial judgement to select the strongest clips for replay and highlights, communicating these to wider team, considering visual impact, narrative value, and relevance to the production’s tone.
- Manage incoming and outgoing feeds, for live TX playouts, ensuring no delays during the broadcast.
- Create highlights edits and playlist builds to ensure every cut reflects the event's energy and purpose, and is technically sound for air.
- Send clips to air at the director’s command, usually via the script supervisor across Talkback, often in precise sequence, relaying exact timings, with no margin for error.
- Good communication with both production and technical crew, with good attention to detail.
- Cultivate an open working environment where technical or editorial challenges can be raised early in a calm clear way.
- Problem-solving when required, regularly checking in with the director and producer to identify potential issues before they affect the live output.
- Encouraging junior ops to contribute to playlist ideas and package edits, nurturing talent within the team.
- Calmly respond to last-minute editorial or playout changes and work quickly to update playout lists, clip exports or server allocations.
- Share feedback after transmission to support continuous improvement.
- Implement broadcaster compliance and legal protocols when editing or replaying sensitive content, ensuring editorial sign-off where required.
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of EVS editor.
- Technically skilled: proficient in using EVS Multicam, IPDirector, XFile3 and associated systems to ingest, log, edit and play out footage in real time.
- Fast editorial judgement: able to identify the most impactful moments as they happen and react quickly under pressure.
- Highly organised: maintains efficient workflows for ingest, replay, clip labelling and delivery across multiple servers and timelines.
- Industry knowledge: understands live broadcast workflows, OFCOM compliance standards, where necessary, along with rights management, in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communicator: works closely with directors, producers, edit teams and all technical crew to deliver replays and clips exactly when needed.
- Confident under pressure: capable of managing multiple playout demands and edits simultaneously, often during pressured moments.
- Problem solver: approaches live issues calmly and finds quick, collaborative solutions to technical and editorial challenges.
- Detail-focused: ensures every replay, clip and highlight conforms to editorial brief, tone and broadcast standards.
- Excellent file management: understands naming conventions, server structures and media backup protocols for rapid content retrieval.
- Quick-turnaround editing: able to build highlights packages, pre-show VTs or end-of-show montages at speed without sacrificing quality.
- Logistical planning: plan ahead to schedule ingest, server allocations and clip exports with the wider team.
- Cross-department collaboration: works effectively with editorial, compliance, social and post-production teams to share content and meet deadlines.
- Working under pressure: meets tight deadlines while maintaining calm, accuracy and editorial awareness throughout a live production.
- Proactive: anticipates key moments, server needs, and potential workflow issues before they arise.
- Integrity and accountability: handles media responsibly and transparently, especially under time pressure or in sensitive editorial situations.
- Adaptable: responds flexibly to changing editorial priorities, last-minute changes, and unexpected events.
- Focused: maintains focus and composure during long shifts and high-stakes broadcast moments.
- Team player: contributes positively to crew morale, fosters a supportive working environment, and helps bring calm and clarity during live operations.
- Calm: a cool head under pressure is key, being unflappable with good communication and an approachable manner.