I'm a versatile director/technical director and robotic camera operator with a strong background in pre/live/post production, lighting, and sound engineering for film and video. I thrive in dynamic environments, delivering polished broadcasts and visually compelling edits across live and recorded productions. I've edited multi-episode series such as 'The 1939 Library Sit-In' and collaborated with organizations like New America, Spicer & Co., World Bank, and Al Jazeera. I’m proficient with Davinci Resolve, TriCaster/vMix, and a range of lighting and audio setups, and I’m eager to bring my technical expertise to new video editing projects.

Brian J. Hatfield

PRO

I'm a versatile director/technical director and robotic camera operator with a strong background in pre/live/post production, lighting, and sound engineering for film and video. I thrive in dynamic environments, delivering polished broadcasts and visually compelling edits across live and recorded productions. I've edited multi-episode series such as 'The 1939 Library Sit-In' and collaborated with organizations like New America, Spicer & Co., World Bank, and Al Jazeera. I’m proficient with Davinci Resolve, TriCaster/vMix, and a range of lighting and audio setups, and I’m eager to bring my technical expertise to new video editing projects.

Available to hire

I’m a versatile director/technical director and robotic camera operator with a strong background in pre/live/post production, lighting, and sound engineering for film and video. I thrive in dynamic environments, delivering polished broadcasts and visually compelling edits across live and recorded productions.

I’ve edited multi-episode series such as ‘The 1939 Library Sit-In’ and collaborated with organizations like New America, Spicer & Co., World Bank, and Al Jazeera. I’m proficient with Davinci Resolve, TriCaster/vMix, and a range of lighting and audio setups, and I’m eager to bring my technical expertise to new video editing projects.

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Work Experience

Director / Technical Director / Robotic Camera Operator / Video Editor at New America
April 30, 2018 - May 30, 2025
Operated a TriCaster Switcher/vMix computer hybrid setup for live broadcasts, ensuring seamless transitions and high-quality output. Controlled four Panasonic robotic cameras to capture dynamic footage for live and recorded broadcasts. Inserted lower thirds during live broadcasts to YouTube and recorded files, enhancing viewer engagement. Dressed sets and managed lighting as a gaffer in the auditorium, creating visually appealing environments for productions. Engineered audio levels on SQ-6 and assisted with microphone setup, ensuring clear and balanced sound for live and recorded events. Edited the multi-episode series 'The 1939 Library Sit-In' using Davinci Resolve under the direction of Lisa Guernsey, enhancing the visual storytelling and ensuring high-quality production.
Freelance Director / Technical Director / Robotic Camera Operator at Team People
February 1, 2020 - Present
Completed various freelance assignments at locations such as Spicer & Co., World Bank, and Al Jazeera, enhancing production quality through effective camera operation and technical direction. Operated multiple cameras and adjusted lighting and color settings using PTZ technology, ensuring high-quality video production for live broadcasts. Directed and technically directed live meetings and presentations using various switchers and audio engineering techniques, improving the clarity and engagement of live events.
Master Control / Full-time Contract Assignment at WUSA9 CBS
May 1, 2017 - September 1, 2017
Downlinked Microwave, TVU, Dejero, and Internet signals for live broadcasts, ensuring seamless transmission for viewers. Operated Master Control using Crispin Automation software to manage broadcast schedules and ensure accurate program delivery. Controlled on-site robotic cameras for DC WUSA9 Live News/Weather/Traffic, enhancing broadcast quality and viewer experience. Dressed sets and managed lighting for 'Day Washington' and news segments, creating visually appealing and well-lit environments for broadcasts.
Master Control Operator/Crew Chief at Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic Region/NBCUniversal (Cable)
January 1, 2007 - November 1, 2016
Edited, managed, and executed CRISPIN Automation for on-air broadcasting in Washington DC/Baltimore markets, ensuring seamless transitions and high-quality broadcasts. Ingested, edited, and segmented programming, commercials, infomercials, and promo spots for on-air broadcasting, adhering to NTSC and HDTV specifications to maintain broadcast quality. Set up and programmed the Record Scheduler for down-linking and recording video signals from satellites and in-house sources, ensuring accurate and timely content capture. Operated all routers and destination/source router points to facilitate efficient signal routing and minimize broadcast disruptions. Operated and maintained patch-bays and all HDCAM/XDCAM, Digital-Betacam, BetaSX/SP, and DVC-Pro VTR's, ensuring seamless broadcast operations. Managed computer networking tasks to support live and recorded broadcasts, enhancing system reliability and performance. Trained new employees in job-related tasks and modes of operation, improving t
Master Control Operator at Warner Bros./WDCW
April 1, 2006 - January 1, 2007
Ensured on-air integrity of WB television station, maintaining seamless broadcast operations. Cut from tape decks to server commercials and back again at the appropriate time. Downloaded shows from syndication server (Pathfire) and recorded to tape for playback, ensuring content availability for scheduled broadcasts. Operated Dubber 2000 to manage audio recordings, ensuring high-quality sound for broadcasts. Attuned satellite and recorded downlinks, ensuring accurate and timely content capture for broadcasts. Ensured correct commercials and show segments aired at scheduled times using editing software and robotic camera operation, resulting in seamless broadcast flow.
Duplication Technician/QC Operator at Atlantic Video
February 1, 2004 - June 1, 2005
Duplicated various tape and optical formats, including HDCAM, Digital-Beta, Beta-SP, Beta-SX, DVCPRO, DVCAM, Mini-DV, DVD, and VHS, using SDI, AES-EBU, Component, Composite pathways, and multiple routers, ensuring high-quality output for broadcast. Performed closed-captioning for various programs in digital and analog formats, enhancing accessibility for diverse audiences. Assisted in editing projects using AVID, contributing to the efficient production of high-quality video content. Assisted in editing projects using Final Cut Pro, ensuring seamless integration of video elements for final production. Transmitted ESPN's 'Around The Horn' by managing tape playback and routing to Bristol, CT, ensuring timely and accurate broadcast delivery.
Production Operator at National Captioning Institute
September 30, 2001 - September 30, 2003
Operated technical equipment at NCI's technical operations center, ensuring smooth production processes. Routed RF signals from Satellite Receivers into captioning studios for real-time closed captioning, ensuring accurate and timely broadcast. Routed data from studios through correct modem lines to encoders at Television Stations, ensuring seamless data transmission. Maintained on-air caption integrity by coordinating with caption monitor technicians, monitoring downlink signals, and troubleshooting modem issues to ensure uninterrupted service. Encoded captions on BetaSP and VHS tapes using caption data files from the Offline CC department, ensuring accurate and accessible media content.

Education

B.A. at University of Southern California
January 1, 1997 - May 1, 1999
A.A., General Studies at Northern Virginia Community College
January 1, 1993 - May 1, 1995

Qualifications

5-year Dedication to Company Service Certificate
January 8, 2007 - January 9, 2012
Dedication to Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Telecommunications, Education, Government
    paper The 1939 Library Sit-In Project

    This video introduces The 1939 Library Sit-In Project by the Education Policy Program at New America and was first shown at SXSW EDU on March 6, 2024. The project is supported with funding from the William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

    I was the Main Editor for the entire 1939 Library Sit-In documentary series. The rest of the series is available to view at:

    newamerica.org/librarysit-in
    &
    https://www.twine.net/signin