1

Documentary Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop ...

$20/hr

Collaborate on planning, shooting, and editing short documentaries and video content Create ... film screenings, digital campaigns, and outreach events Maintain and care for film equipment and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Documentary Film information

See salary details

$38K

$75.5K

$129K

How much do documentary film jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary film in the United States is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges documentary filmmakers face when working on a new project?

Documentary filmmakers often encounter challenges such as securing funding, gaining access to subjects or locations, and managing unpredictable real-life events. Building trust with participants is crucial, as is maintaining ethical storytelling while navigating legal considerations like releases and copyrights. Additionally, filmmakers must balance creative vision with editorial integrity, often collaborating closely with producers, editors, and researchers throughout the production process.

What is a documentary film?

A documentary film is a non-fictional motion picture intended to document reality, primarily for instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record. Unlike fictional films, documentaries focus on real-life events, people, or issues, often using interviews, archival footage, and narration to tell their story. The goal is to inform or persuade audiences by presenting factual information, though the filmmaker’s perspective can influence how the story is told.

What Is a Documentary Film?

A documentary film is a nonfictional movie. These films focus on facts and require detailed and in-depth research. Many directors use voiceover narration, but in recent years, other styles have become popular. Documentaries can cover a wide range of categories, including biographical topics, historical events, current events, and politics. People usually make a documentary to document an unknown or interesting angle on a topic, especially if they feel that mainstream media has not addressed a specific viewpoint.

What is the difference between Documentary Film vs Film Editor?

AspectDocumentary FilmFilm Editor
CredentialsFilm production, media, or related degree; experience in documentary projectsFilm editing, media, or related degree; proficiency in editing software
Work EnvironmentOn-location shoots, editing suites, film festivalsEditing rooms, post-production facilities
Industry UsageDocumentary filmmaking, independent and broadcast mediaAll film types, including documentaries, features, commercials

Documentary filmmakers focus on creating factual, real-life stories through filming and storytelling, often overseeing the entire project. Film editors, on the other hand, specialize in assembling footage into a coherent final product, working closely with directors across various film genres. While both roles require media and film knowledge, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Documentary Filmmaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling ability, research skills, and proficiency in visual composition, typically supported by a background in film, journalism, or media production. Familiarity with camera equipment, video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and sound recording tools is essential. Creativity, perseverance, and strong communication skills help filmmakers connect with subjects, navigate challenges, and craft compelling narratives. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing impactful documentaries that engage audiences and effectively convey real-world stories.
What cities are hiring for Documentary Film jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Film job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Film jobs? The most popular types of Documentary Film jobs are:
What states have the most Documentary Film jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Film jobs include:
Infographic showing various Documentary Film job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Sr Documentary Film Producer (Memphis, TN)

American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

At ALSAC you do more than make a living; you make a difference.
We like people who are different...because we're different, too. As one of the world's most iconic and respected nonprofits, we know what it's like to stand out. That's why we're looking at you. Your background, perspective, and desire to make an impact set you apart. As we work to help St. Jude cure childhood cancer, we're calling on the game-changers, innovators and visionaries to join our family. Not just for the kids of St. Jude, but also for you. Because at ALSAC, we develop and celebrate our employees. So, bring your whole, authentic self and become part of our shared mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®
Job Description
The Sr Documentary Film Producer is a visionary visual storyteller who crafts, molds, and creates the St. Jude story through expert-level cinematography and editorial story construction. This role is a creative and innovative documentary-style filmmaker who proactively identifies story opportunities-then produces cinematic visuals and edits that educate, impact, and inspire audiences to action across ALSAC/St. Jude owned channels, including YouTube and other platforms.
This role exists to create cinematic, story-driven content designed to make audiences feel something-to build emotional connection, deepen affinity, and strengthen love for the St. Jude mission over time. It is not a role centered on routine coverage. While events and interviews may be part of the work, the primary responsibility is the constant pursuit of meaningful stories and the transformation of real moments into powerful, authored narratives.
The ideal candidate for this position approaches filmmaking as both a producer and an artist-shaping stories with intention, capturing imagery with emotional intelligence, and constructing narratives that resonate long after viewing. Their work prioritizes authenticity, beauty, and emotional impact, often living on owned channels such as YouTube where stories may unfold over time through serialized or episodic formats. Strong producer instincts ensure that each project is executed efficiently and collaboratively, while the highest standards of cinematographic and editorial craft are maintained at every stage.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Advance ALSAC's strategic priorities through emotionally driven visual storytelling by proactively identifying and developing stories that build deep human connection, strengthen brand affinity, and inspire audiences to engage with and support the St. Jude mission. In close partnership with key internal stakeholders, align storytelling to business objectives while leading assigned projects from concept through completion with clear narrative intent and creative vision.
2. Serve as a visual storytelling authority and creative collaborator within cross-functional teams representing multiple creative disciplines. Champion a story-first approach that elevates emotional impact and audience relevance across owned, earned, and shared channels. Lead sensitive, thoughtful on-camera interviews with patients, families, staff, partners, volunteers, and supporters, and contribute to script development or narrative framing as needed to ensure authenticity and clarity.
3. Approach each project as both a producer and an artist, independently evaluating story potential, clarifying narrative goals, anticipating production needs, and translating strategy into a cohesive visual language. Define stylistic choices-pacing, composition, lighting, camera movement, sound, and tone-that deepen emotional resonance and reinforce the story's meaning.
4. Continuously seek and recognize story opportunities in real time, identifying compelling characters, emotional moments, visual metaphors, and unscripted interactions that can evolve into impactful short-form, long-form, or serialized storytelling. Shape stories designed for owned channels such as YouTube, including episodic arcs, follow-the-journey narratives, and relationship-building content intended to grow long-term audience connection.
5. Lead cinematic image capture for documentary-style storytelling, executing with intentionality and authorship rather than documentation, including: • Interview cinematography designed to reflect emotional context through environment, blocking, lighting, and composition. • Observational and verité shooting that preserves authenticity while maintaining visual continuity and narrative cohesion. • Purposeful capture of b-roll and atmospheric elements that contribute meaningfully to story structure and emotional texture. • Deliberate camera movement and lensing choices that reinforce tone, perspective, and narrative emphasis.
6. Own pre-production for assigned stories with a producer's mindset, including location scouting, visual research and references, shot planning, equipment strategy, scheduling, release and clearance coordination, and contingency planning. Ensure each production is creatively prepared, logistically sound, and positioned to capture meaningful moments as they unfold.
7. Shape stories in the edit suite with a strong editorial point of view, crafting narrative structure, rhythm, and emotional arc from raw footage through final delivery. Build compelling assemblies, refine work through feedback and iteration, and deliver finished content that reflects cinematic quality and storytelling excellence. Responsibilities may include full edit ownership or close collaboration with editing partners, depending on project scope. Exercise strong editorial judgment and creative discernment to help prioritize story ideas and content requests, advocating for work that best serves audience connection and long-term brand impact. Remain open, responsive, and collaborative in incorporating feedback from leadership and stakeholders while protecting creative integrity and story intent.
8. Apply approved St. Jude messaging and brand guidelines with sensitivity and care, ensuring stories are told with accuracy, respect, and emotional intelligence while maintaining alignment with creative direction and brand standards. Ensure all content meets legal, ethical, and compliance requirements, including copyright, trademark, HIPAA regulations, and Better Business Bureau best practices, while preserving the dignity of participants and the trust of audiences. Represent ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with professionalism and integrity, both internally and externally, reflecting positively on the organization, its mission, and its commitment to ethical, human-centered storytelling.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts or Science with specialty in Cinematography and 10+ years of professional, documentary-style visual storytelling experience with expert-level skill in the ability to conceptualize ideas, conduct on-camera interviews, produce, and edit.
  • Expert knowledge of cinematography craft: lighting, composition, camera movement, lensing, exposure, color, and visual continuity; ability to produce "beautiful, moving images" that serve narrative.
  • Strong producing capability: pre-production planning, on-location decision-making, stakeholder coordination, and efficient execution under real-world constraints.
  • High proficiency in non-linear editing and the ability to craft stories in post-production (structure, pacing, music/score sensibility, sound design collaboration, and narrative clarity).
  • Working knowledge of professional NLE environments (Avid Media Composer strongly preferred but not required).
  • The intangible ability to connect with people on a human level that allows them to share their story in an authentic way.
  • Thorough knowledge of English spelling and grammar; ability to speak and write clearly for internal and external relations; ability to understand complex instructions. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to drive an automobile; ability to travel and work nights/weekends as production needs require.
  • Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and After Effects preferred but not required.
Benefits & Perks
The following Benefits & Perks apply toFull-Time Roles Only
We're dedicated to ensuring children and their families have every opportunity to enjoy life's special moments. We're also committed to giving our staff excellent benefits so they can do the same.
  • Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)
  • 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
  • Exceptional Paid Time Off
  • Maternity / Paternity Leave
  • Infertility Treatment Program
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Education Assistance
  • Enterprise Learning and Development
  • And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer.
ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.
No Search Firms:
ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.