Documentary Producer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced video producer to join the team at Strange Parts, the production company behind the YouTube channels Strange Parts, Stranger Parts, and Electric Ranch, as well as associated social media accounts. As a producer, you will be responsible for managing the video production process from start to finish across all three channels. This dynamic and fast-paced role requires strong organizational and project management skills, experience in video or film production (including pre and post-production), and a passion for technology, manufacturing, and rural technology projects.

The job involves frequent travel to different factories for video shoots, often in unique and challenging parts of the world, particularly China. Additionally, the role includes in-person production work at our rural property in the mountains, roughly an hour’s drive from Boulder or downtown Denver, for Electric Ranch content. Some remote work is possible for pre-production and post-production tasks such as researching new locations, coordinating shoots, and overseeing the editing and post-production process.

This role starts as a project-by-project engagement. You'll be brought on per shoot or per video as an independent contractor, which lets both of us find out on real work whether it's a fit. Our intent is to move the right person into a full-time position as soon as our production schedule and budget support it, and we'll be straight with you about where that stands along the way.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-production:

• • Research and identify potential shoot locations, including factories and rural property projects.
  • Contact and negotiate shoots with factory representatives and vendors.
  • Organize travel and accommodation logistics for both international and domestic shoots.
  • Coordinate with sponsors and our Head of Partnerships so product, briefs, and any required talking points are in hand before the shoot, and make sure sponsor deliverables are built into the shoot plan.
  • Hire and manage freelance staff (camera operators, fixers, translators, etc.).
  • Coordinate necessary equipment, gear, and permits for shooting in diverse environments.

Production:

• • Oversee shoot logistics and maintain the schedule.
  • Take notes during shoots and communicate shot details and artistic vision to the editing team.
  • Handle all on-location issues, working with factory representatives and ranch personnel to ensure smooth operations.
  • Assist in on-site shoots at the rural property, including operating cameras, drones, and other filming equipment.
  • Coordinate with the host and crew to capture engaging content, whether in a factory or outdoors in challenging conditions.

Post-production:

• • Manage footage backups and delivery of footage to editors.
  • Oversee the editing and finishing process, ensuring continuity of artistic vision between the host, camera operator, editors, and thumbnail artists.
  • Ensure all content meets the high standards and overall style of Strange Parts, Stranger Parts, and Electric Ranch.

Requirements

• 5 to 10 years of experience producing, including a minimum of 3 years as a YouTube, reality TV, or documentary producer with experience in international shoots and a run-and-gun style of shooting.
• The position is based in the greater Denver/Boulder area, with some in-person work required at the ranch in the mountains, roughly an hour’s drive from Boulder or downtown Denver.
• Frequent travel, worldwide, for up to one-third of the time. Locations will initially be focused on mainland China, Asia, and the US. For your application to be accepted, please include in your cover letter that you understand these travel requirements.
• Solid travel experience in developing countries is required.
• Experience operating in China and at least "survival level" Mandarin proficiency is a huge plus (e.g., ordering food, getting around in a taxi, bartering in a market without relying on a phone).
• Candidates must hold a US passport.
• A natural relationship builder who enjoys meeting new people and organizing groups to execute ambitious projects.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, project management, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to adapt to changes in fast-paced environments.
• A background in or passion for manufacturing, engineering, making, and/or technology is strongly preferred.
• Experience working outdoors and in challenging conditions, such as filming in snowy or remote environments, is a plus.
• Understanding of cultural nuances and sensitivities when working in diverse international environments.
• Ability to handle the physical demands of on-site production, including carrying equipment, working long hours, and enduring varying weather conditions.

Compensation

• Day rate: $500-1,000 per day, depending on experience.
• Engagement type: independent contractor (1099), project-by-project, with the intent to convert the right person to full-time employment.
• Travel, lodging, and meals on shoots are covered by Strange Parts, and travel insurance is provided for on-location work.
• Contractors are not eligible for employee benefits. On conversion to full-time, our current employee benefits are: health insurance, 20 days paid time off per year, unlimited sick time, and paid holidays.

Benefits

• Travel to unique and interesting locations.
• Work remotely when not on location.
• Hands-on involvement in cutting-edge projects at the intersection of technology and rural living.
• Collaborative and creative work environment.
• An LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive environment.

Strange Parts is a production company managing multiple YouTube channels and associated social media accounts. The flagship channel, Strange Parts, has nearly 2 million subscribers and explores the ins and outs of manufacturing and technology. Known for its deep dives into difficult engineering projects, such as making a working iPhone from parts bought in the electronics markets in Shenzhen, the channel also provides behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most interesting and innovative factories around the world.
Stranger Parts is an expansion channel focusing on tool reviews and behind-the-scenes content, allowing for deeper explorations and more spontaneous projects.
Electric Ranch is a new YouTube channel exploring the intersection of technology and rural living, with content such as building our own cellular network and automated snowplows. The producer will be involved in creating engaging and high-quality content that showcases the challenges and innovations of maintaining and automating tasks on a rural property.