Freelance Producer, Complex Bets

Role overview

Top 3 Keys to Success - Execute premium content: Produce and direct new to world and recurring shows that embody Complex’s voice and creative standard, leading the charge from concept through broadcast, coordinating between studio, production, and talent teams. Work Schedule 40 hours a week Monday - FridayWhat You'll Do CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT Support the ideation, documentation, and packaging of new video formats and franchises. Lead and participate in brainstorms and creative development sessions, contributing fresh, trend-informed ideas and providing detailed documentation to track progress and push forward through the greenlight process. Use AI and creative tools (such as Midjourney, Runway, or Gemini) to generate concept art, visualizations, and pre-production imagery.

What you'll do

• CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
• Support the ideation, documentation, and packaging of new video formats and franchises.
• Lead and participate in brainstorms and creative development sessions, contributing fresh, trend-informed ideas and providing detailed documentation to track progress and push forward through the greenlight process.
• Research and identify new talent, emerging creators, and content trends relevant to Complex’s audience.
• Create development decks, treatments, and visual materials to communicate and sell new concepts internally and externally.
• Assist in managing the Greenlight submission process and help shepherd approved projects into pilot production.
• Use AI and creative tools (such as Midjourney, Runway, or Gemini) to generate concept art, visualizations, and pre-production imagery.
• VIDEO PRODUCTION & DIRECTION
• Directing high-impact visual content from conceptualization through post-production, ensuring narrative consistency and aesthetic excellence.
• Extensive experience directing and producing top-tier celebrity talent, maintaining a professional, efficient, and comfortable onset environment.
• Managing multi-disciplinary production teams (in-house and freelance) to execute Complex shoots on time and under budget.
• Defining and maintaining the visual DNA of Complex ensuring all output aligns with the brand’s identity while pushing creative boundaries.
• COLLABORATION & EXECUTION
• Partner with the Executive Producer and VP of Video Development to advance active projects and optimize creative workflows.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Editorial, Social, and Commerce teams to align creative direction and ensure brand consistency.
• Support ongoing franchises with creative input, ideation for special episodes, and live extensions.
• SUCCESS METRICS
• Quantitative:
• Consistent delivery of high-quality productions aligned with the creative intent of Complex Bets.
• Consistent cadence of well defined, new development projects successfully advance through the Greenlight process & into pilot production.
• Audience growth, engagement, and retention metrics across live and social content.
• Qualitative:
• Positive internal feedback from the development, production, and social teams.
• Recognition for creativity, professionalism, and innovation in both live and development work.
• Contribution to the creation of repeatable, scalable video formats that strengthen Complex’s IP ecosystem.
• VIDEO PRODUCTION & DIRECTION
• COLLABORATION & EXECUTION
• Consistent cadence of well defined, new development projects successfully advance through the Greenlight process & into pilot production.

What the employer is looking for

• 4+ years of experience in sports digital video production and creative development
• Proven ability to produce multi-camera digital productions
• Experienced record of directing A-list celebrity talent
• Strong creative instincts with an understanding of emerging talent, cultural trends, and digital storytelling formats
• Proficiency in communication, public speaking and presentation design with experience creating visually compelling decks
• Comfort with or openness to using AI and emerging technologies as visualization tools to create development imagery and pre-visualizations
• Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills—able to work across multiple projects simultaneously
• A collaborative spirit, creative drive, and enthusiasm for culture, content, and innovation