Benjamin W. Rizza
Summary
Adaptable professional with experience in technical operations, leadership, and fast-paced environments
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Video Services
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
03.2023 - 05.2026
- Prepare, direct and produce live ESPN+ broadcast and in-house videoboard productions for athletic events
- Assist with live production execution across multiple technical roles including technical directing, graphics, EVS replay, audio, camera operation, clip playback, and Daktronics systems
- Coordinate, produce and edit video content for in-venue videoboard shows
- Develop and manage Daktronics graphics, including live-stat integration, scripted buttons, and show layouts
- Manage, train and supervise student production staff for live event operations and video content creation
- Maintain high production standards in fast-paced live sports and broadcast environments
- Operate and troubleshoot multiple Ross technologies, Ross acuity switcher, Ross Kiva, Ross Tria, Ross Xpression
- Serve as primary liaison with Learfield Sports Properties to ensure sponsorship and advertising obligations are fulfilled
- Assist in setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of broadcast and production equipment
Director of Broadcast Production and Video Services
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Coordinated and directed all ESPN+ broadcasts for Arkansas State Athletics
- Served as executive producer for the football coaches’ show, ensuring high-quality video production
- Led athletics video services staff, overseeing videoboard content producer and broadcast facility engineer
- Evaluated, hired, trained, and mentored graduate and underclassmen in video production workflows
- Prepared graphics, switcher/video elements, audio/music, and production scripts for broadcasts
- Streamed all athletics press conferences and additional events
- Acted as primary liaison between broadcast video services and the athletic department
Director
K-StateHDTV
Manhattan, Kansas
11.2020 - 08.2022
- Produced and directed live sports events for Big 12 Now on ESPN+, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, and baseball
- Communicated directly with ESPN operations and talent during live broadcasts
- Directed in-house video board shows while collaborating with the internal marketing team
- Led and managed student crews, ensuring high performance and effective training
- Created workflow documentation to expedite education for new crew members on equipment and roles
Crew Member
K-StateHDTV
Manhattan, Kansas
10.2019 - 08.2022
- Worked varying positions on all live productions at K-StateHDTV (TD, Graphics, Camera,
Shading) - Performed position of technical director for live ESPN broadcasts and in-house video board
shows. Proficient with Grass Valley switchers (Kayak and Karrera) - Managed set up and tear down of broadcast equipment (Cameras, Announcer booth kits, router signal flows)
- Built and maintained elements and effects for multiple shows and sports
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Accounting
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-2023
Skills
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Photoshop
- Wirecast
- Adobe Media Encoder
- Daktronics
- Motion Rocket
- Ross Acuity
- Ross Xpression
- Ross Tria
- Ross Kiva
- EVS Replay Systems
Timeline
Assistant Director of Video Services
Kansas State University
03.2023 - 05.2026
Director of Broadcast Production and Video Services
Arkansas State University
08.2022 - 03.2023
Director
K-StateHDTV
11.2020 - 08.2022
Crew Member
K-StateHDTV
10.2019 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration Accounting
Kansas State University