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Documentary Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... winning films and high-quality documentaries. From Got Talent to Baywatch, Family Feud to Idols, and Match Game to The Price is Right, our focus is simple - Fremantle creates and delivers ...

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... films, technical storytelling, and long-form documentary content. You'll join a small but mighty production team that moves fast, collaborates closely, and takes pride in producing world-class work.

... films, technical storytelling, and long-form documentary content. You'll join a small but mighty production team that moves fast, collaborates closely, and takes pride in producing world-class work.

... films, technical storytelling, and long-form documentary content. You'll join a small but mighty production team that moves fast, collaborates closely, and takes pride in producing world-class work.

About TIME Studios TIME Studios is the Emmy Award-winning film and television division of TIME, developing and producing premium documentaries, scripted series and films, unscripted formats, specials ...

VP, Production, Studios

New York, NY · On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

About TIME Studios TIME Studios is the Emmy Award-winning film and television division of TIME, developing and producing premium documentaries, scripted series and films, unscripted formats, specials ...

... films and media designed to move audiences, challenge ideas, and engage deeper questions about culture, meaning, and human flourishing. Our work spans documentary, commercial, educational, and ...

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Documentary Films information

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$11

$31

$57

How much do documentary films jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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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What cities are hiring for Documentary Films jobs? Cities with the most Documentary Films job openings:
What states have the most Documentary Films jobs? States with the most job openings for Documentary Films jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Documentary Films jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Documentary Films jobs are:
Infographic showing various Documentary Films job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 13% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 71% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,728 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Film and Digital Production Part-Time Instructor Pool 2026-2027

Utampa

Tampa, FL

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

If you are a current University of Tampa student, please search for and apply to student jobs here via Workday. Job applications for current students will not be considered if submitted through the external career center.

Position Details

The Film, Animation and New Media Department (FMX) in the College of Arts & Letters at The University of Tampa invites applications for part-time instructors to teach all levels of narrative, documentary and experimental filmmaking using digital cameras, lighting sound, and post production techniques. Successful applicants will have specializations within any of the following areas will be considered for courses as they become available:
-- Digital filmmaking

-- Cinematography

-- Lighting for film
-- Post-production, workflow, editing, color correction, compositing
-- Location audio and audio post production

-- Documentary production

-- Narrative production

-- Experimental filmmaking

-- Producing motion pictures and production management

-- Virtual Production


Responsibilities will include:
1. Teach one or two 4-hours course(s) per semester.
2. Utilize department syllabus and course assignments.
3. Provide meeting time outside of class hours for students.
4. Grade assignments.
5. Manage online/paperwork grading system.

The successful applicant will have:
1. Master of Fine Arts degree is preferred, in related area.
2. Minimum of a Master's Degree and at least 18 credit hours in your discipline, is required.
3.College teaching experience preferred in related areas.

Required Attachments

Please be sure to attach all required documents listed belowin the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Links to online streaming videos samples of films or media.

TheDepartment of Film, Animation and New Mediaaims to prepare filmmakers and visual producers to participate in the vanguard of the 21st century. In keeping with the mission of The University of Tampa, students learn by doing and thinking with courses in studio production and using state-of-the-art facilities, computer labs, digital cameras and production suites. Designed to foster creative expression and professional technique, the curriculum includes hands-on studio classes in narrative, documentary, experimental and animation filmmaking; screenwriting; producing; digital media and imaging; 3D animation, printing and modeling; digital and interactive media; and experimental computing. Each program includes courses in critical studies structured to educate, challenge and inspire future professionals.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in film and media arts is a professional degree program with a focus on hands-on production of documentary, narrative and experimental films using state-of-the-art motion picture cameras and post-production facilities. The robust curriculum includes a broad array of courses in production and post-production, as well as cinema studies, art history, screenwriting and more, designed to prepare students for roles as directors, producers, editors, special effects artists, sound designers, screenwriters and/or independent filmmakers. Elective offerings allow students the flexibility to explore coursework in their area of interests. Students create a short format thesis film as a capstone experience. A digital copy of the approved project must be submitted to the UT library's institutional repository. Find more details about the BFA in film and media arts portfolio requirement on our website. The BFA in film and media arts is accredited by NASAD.

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in film and media arts is a liberal arts program that combines critical studies with production experiences and provides students with a foundation of theory and application. Blending creative expression with technology, students study critical perspectives and practice implementing techniques in emerging (digital) formats. Courses cover narrative, documentary and experimental forms and utilize both single- and multiple-camera approaches. The B.A. in Film and Media arts is accredited by NASAD.

The University of Tampa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, veteran status or any other non-job related criteria. The University of Tampa recognizes the importance of a multicultural community of students, faculty, and staff who seek to advance our commitment to diversity. The University invites applications from underrepresented groups and those who have academic experiences with diverse populations.

Submission Guidelines

To receive full consideration fora faculty appointment with The University of Tampa, please be sure touploaddocumentsas required for thisposition at time of application submission. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made. Required documentsshould be submittedin the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application. Note: A maximum of five (5) documents may be attached to your application. If more than five (5) documents are required, please combine the additional documents into a single attachment so that you may continue through the application process.

Background Check Requirements

Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check.