Entry Level Documentary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Internship - Appalshop Research and Script Development Intern

Division: Internship

Department: Career, Vocation, and Leadership

Experience: Entry-level

Job Code: NA

Supervisor/Reports To: Jarrod Hamilton (Appalshop)/Angela Lockhart (UPIKE)

Location: Fully virtual or hybrid at 91 Madison Ave. | Whitesburg, KY

Internship Window: 7/1/26 - 8/15/26

Must be a registered UPIKE student

This internship focuses on supporting Appalshop's storytelling and documentary projects by conducting in-depth research, developing script content, and contributing to the creative process of new and ongoing projects. Interns will work closely with filmmakers, writers, and researchers to help shape narratives that highlight Appalachian culture, history, and social issues.

Organization Description: Appalshop is an arts and culture center located in Whitesburg, KY. Since 1969, they have been producing films, plays, and radio about the Central Appalachian Region. Appalshop houses the world's largest collection of Appalachian materials in their Archive. Appalshop began in 1969 as part of the War on Poverty during Lyden B. Johnson's presidency. The goal was to train low-income youth in media. The expectation was that they would move away and use these skills to find work. Instead, they stayed and made Appalshop what it is today.

Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:

Research Support:

• Conduct in-depth research on subjects for films as directed by filmmakers and the Appalshop Films Program Manager. (C&SD, CT, TW)
• Gather information from academic sources, oral histories, and local archives to enrich documentary narratives. (C&SD, CT, T)
• Identify and compile potential interview subjects and community voices to feature in scripts. (C&SD, CT, CTR, P, TW)

Script Development:

• Assist in drafting treatments, outlines, and full scripts for documentary films or podcast episodes. (C&SD, C, P, TW, T)
• Provide feedback on script drafts, ensuring cultural and historical accuracy. (C, CT, L, P, TW)
• Help structure stories by organizing research findings into cohesive narrative arcs. (C, CT, T)

Fact Checking and Verification:

• Ensure that all referenced information, quotes, and historical data are accurate and properly cited. (C&SD, C, CT, T)
• Cross-check sources and verify the authenticity of oral histories or anecdotal accounts. (C&SD, C, CT, P, T)

Storyboarding and Conceptualization:

• Collaborate on initial concepts and pitch ideas for future film projects. (C&SD, C, L, P, TW)
• Develop visual references or outlines to help guide filming and interviews. (C&SD, C, CT, T)
• Brainstorm creative approaches to telling lesser-known Appalachian stories. (CT, CTR, L)

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications:

• A current UPIKE student with interest/major/minor in Film & Media Arts, Communications, History, Anthropology, English, or relevant field.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Passion for storytelling and social justice
• Interest in Appalachian culture, rural communities, and preserving regional narratives.

Skills Developed:

• Storytelling and Narrative Construction - Gain hands-on experience in shaping documentary stories from raw research.
• Cultural Competency - Deepen your understanding of Appalachian culture and history.
• Scriptwriting - Learn the basics of writing for film, podcasts, and multimedia projects.
• Analytical Skills - Develop the ability to synthesize large amounts of research into compelling narratives.

Project Examples:

• Research and develop the script for a short documentary on coal mining's impact on local communities.
• Assist in scripting a podcast episode about Appalachian music traditions.
• Draft a script outline for a film exploring the environmental preservation efforts in the region.

Work Schedule:

Format: Hybrid or fully virtual, depending on intern needs. Access to a reliable laptop or desktop with internet access is required. Film editing skills are not necessary.

Supervision: Weekly meetings (approx. 1hr) with the Film Program Manager (in person or vitual).

Physical Demands:

• General Activity: Sitting at computer for most of the work period.
• Use of Hands/Feet: Primarily using hands for typing, operating equipment, or handling materials.
• Weight Lifted: N/A
• Physical Demands: Sitting, reading, viewing film, typing.

Essential Skills and Professional Expectations:

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to meet deadlines.
  
• Comfortable working both independently and in a team environment.
• Must be able to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain professionalism in various situations.

Number of Positions: 1

Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour

Location: Fully virtual or hybrid at 91 Madison Ave. | Whitesburg, KY

Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.