ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Documentary Films Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distant Moon

Post Producer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Experience working in documentary, agency, commercial, or branded content environments About Distant Moon Distant Moon creates films and media designed to move audiences, challenge ideas, and engage ...

Avoca AI

Creative Producer

New York, NY · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

You will architect Avoca's brand archive, the films, photography, animations, and audio that ... documentary, or commercial video, with a demonstrated portfolio across at least three of the four ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsDocumentary Films Jobs

Documentary Films information

See salary details

$11

$31

$57

How much do documentary films jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Documentary Films jobs
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:
Documentary Films jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Films job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 38% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. 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.
Senior Filmmaker

Senior Filmmaker

Willow Creek Community Church Inc

Barrington, IL • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Senior Filmmaker helps bring stories to life through video, creating content that inspires people to take next steps in loving God, loving people, and changing the world.
Working closely with the Programming Director, Central Arts & Worship team, and other key partners, this role leads the creation of high-quality video content for services, campaigns, and digital platforms.
From concepting and directing to shooting and editing, the Senior Filmmaker owns the creative process from start to finish. This role leads crews on set and handles the heavy lifting in post-production-including editing, color grading, sound mixing, music selection, motion graphics direction, and final delivery-to create compelling, engaging stories that connect with people.
What You'll Do:
  • Creative ideation & leadership, pre-production, and video shoots (which includes researching video examples, creating mood boards/treatments/storyboards, shotlists, assembling and reserving filming equipment and locations, coordinating and scheduling with talent and crew, operating cameras, lighting scenes, capturing audio, and setting up and striking sets).
  • Video editing/post-production
  • Creative meetings & skill development
  • Managing all studio space & equipment

Success is defined as...
Success in this role is defined by the creation of compelling, mission-driven films that help people engage more deeply with the message of Jesus, elevate the quality of Willow Creek's storytelling, and effectively support weekend services and ministry initiatives. A successful Senior Filmmaker consistently delivers high-quality content, collaborates well across teams, leads productions with excellence, and helps bring creative vision to life from concept through final delivery.
Requirements
  • Experience creating testimony/documentary videos, promotional content, interviews, and event recaps
  • Strong cinematic storytelling and directing skills across documentary and scripted productions
  • High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Premiere Pro and After Effects; Proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus
  • Strong understanding of all stages of production, including pre-production, filming, editing, lighting, and audio
  • Experience with Sony cinema cameras (FX6, FX3) or similar cinema camera systems
  • Ability to lead creative projects from concept through final delivery while managing multiple deadlines
  • Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience directing interviews and working with non-professional on-camera talent
  • Familiarity with AI-driven video production workflows and generative tools
  • Passion for creating stories that connect with both church audiences and people exploring faith

What We Offer
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000, depending on experience and education.
We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Retirement savings with company match
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Generous paid time off
  • Mental health counseling reimbursement
  • And more

Salary Description
$75,000 - $90,000

Apply