Acts with RNA polymerase to initiate transcription from early gene promoters. Is recruited by the RPO-associated protein of 94 kDa (RAP94) to form the early transcription complex, which also contains the core RNA polymerase. ETF heterodimer binds to early gene promoters (By similarity). Heterodimer of a 70 kDa and a 82 kDa subunit. Part of the early transcription complex composed of ETF, RAP94, and the DNA-directed RNA polymerase (By similarity). Belongs to the poxviridae VETF large subunit family.