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Documentary Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inside Success TV

Be Seen First

Sales Account Executive (TV/Marketing) | Inbound | Remote

Miami Beach, FL · Remote

$125K - $225K/yr

Inside Success TV is a TV production company, streaming platform, and marketing agency that helps entrepreneurs turn their stories into cinematic documentary films -- then leverage that content to ...

Westport Public Schools

Media Teacher

Westport, CT · On-site

Expertise with scripted and non-scripted productions, including TV News, TV Sports (in-studio and field production), documentaries, films, or studio-based entertainment productions preferred;

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$11

$31

$57

How much do documentary films jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary films in the United States is $31.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $39.66 per hour, 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 events during filming. Balancing creative vision with factual accuracy can also be demanding, as real-life stories sometimes evolve in unexpected ways. Additionally, filmmakers frequently work in small teams, collaborating closely with editors, sound designers, and researchers to bring the project to completion under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Documentary Films vs Film Editors?

AspectDocumentary FilmsFilm Editors
Required CredentialsFilm or media production degree, storytelling skillsFilm or media production degree, editing software proficiency
Work EnvironmentOn-location shooting, post-production editingPost-production editing suites, studio settings
Industry UsageDocumentary filmmaking, storytelling, social issuesAll film genres, editing for narrative flow

Documentary filmmakers focus on creating non-fiction stories through filming and storytelling, often involving on-location shoots. Film editors work in post-production, shaping the footage into a cohesive final product across various genres. While both roles require media production skills and familiarity with editing tools, documentary filmmakers emphasize storytelling and research, whereas film editors concentrate on technical editing and pacing.

What are documentary films?

Documentary films are non-fiction movies that aim to document reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a historical record. They often feature real people, events, and issues, and use a variety of storytelling techniques such as interviews, archival footage, and narration. Unlike fictional films, documentaries strive to present facts and authentic perspectives, though the filmmaker’s point of view can influence the narrative. They are widely used in journalism, education, and entertainment to inform and engage audiences about real-world topics.

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 abilities, research skills, and a solid understanding of film production, often supported by a degree in film, media, or journalism. Proficiency with cameras, editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, and knowledge of sound recording equipment are typically required. Creativity, perseverance, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building narratives and collaborating with subjects and crew. These skills and qualities are vital for producing compelling documentaries that inform, engage, and resonate with audiences.
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Documentary Films jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Films job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Production Coordinator (National Geographic DC)

Production Coordinator (National Geographic DC)

The Walt Disney Company

Washington, DC • On-site

$52K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 48 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Production Coordinator (National Geographic DC)

Req ID:

10151485

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Production Coordinator supports the SVP of Production Management at National Geographic Content. This role will collaborate with Development and Production to oversee budgets, schedules, and deliverables from third-party production companies for unscripted, team nature, and documentary films.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage the Executive's calendar, meetings, agendas, communications across time zones, travel arrangements, and expenses; prepare reports and presentations for leadership at National Geographic and Disney; coordinate with internal stakeholders.

  • Track and oversee departmental budget in Excel.

  • Handle department admin tasks, such as mail, supplies, and vendor relations.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum 2 years' unscripted production experience working as a Production Coordinator or Production Assistant for cable networks and/or streaming platforms and/or third-party production companies.

  • Passion for nature, and documentary films is a must.

  • Demonstrated expertise in designing and conceptualizing presentations using PowerPoint and Canva.

  • Requires strong project management skills and ability to excel in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment.

  • Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for meeting requests and scheduling required

  • Applicants should reside close enough to our offices at 1145 17th St NW, DC, to commute easily. This position requires being onsite four days each week.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with production and post-production processes/logistics in addition to familiarity with broadcast deliverables and technical specifications.

  • Experience working with international clients and Artificial Intelligence.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $52,700 to $72,300 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

National Geographic

Job Posting Primary Business:

National Geographic (DET)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Producing

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Washington, DC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-04

What Walt Disney Company employees say

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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