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Entry Level Documentary Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Producer Apprenticeship An entry-level position in video, photography, video editing, and ... documentary filmmaking, photography, design and animation. We teach media to middle school and high ...

Junior Producer Apprenticeship An entry-level position in video, photography, video editing, and ... documentary filmmaking, photography, design and animation. We teach media to middle school and high ...

Entry Level Documentary information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$48.7K

$68.6K

How much do entry level documentary jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level documentary in California is $48,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $53,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level documentary job?

Entry level documentary jobs are positions in the documentary film industry that are designed for people with little or no prior experience. These roles typically include research assistants, production assistants, transcribers, runners, and junior editors. They provide a valuable opportunity to learn about the production process, gain hands-on experience, and build connections within the industry. Entry level documentary jobs can be found at production companies, television networks, and with independent filmmakers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level documentary filmmaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Documentary Filmmaker, you need a foundational understanding of storytelling, video production, and editing, typically supported by a degree in film, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with cameras, audio equipment, and editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro is commonly required. Strong communication, adaptability, and creativity help you collaborate with teams and subjects while navigating dynamic production environments. These skills ensure you can effectively capture compelling stories and contribute meaningfully to documentary projects from conception to post-production.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals working on documentary projects, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in documentary production often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with logistical constraints, and adapting to rapidly changing storylines. Collaboration with more experienced team members is key; seeking feedback and being open to learning on the job can help newcomers navigate these hurdles. Additionally, effective communication with directors, editors, and field crews ensures that everyone is aligned and that production runs smoothly, giving entry-level staff valuable exposure to various aspects of documentary filmmaking.

What is the difference between Entry Level Documentary vs Entry Level Video Editor?

AspectEntry Level DocumentaryEntry Level Video Editor
Required SkillsResearch, storytelling, basic filmingEditing, software proficiency, storytelling
Work EnvironmentField shoots, production companiesPost-production studios, freelance
Common EmployersDocumentary filmmakers, media outletsMedia companies, production houses

Entry Level Documentary roles focus on research, storytelling, and filming for documentary projects, often involving fieldwork. Entry Level Video Editors primarily handle editing footage using software like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut, working in post-production. While both roles require storytelling skills, documentaries emphasize research and filming, whereas video editing centers on post-production editing. Both positions are common entry points in media and film industries, but they differ in daily tasks and skill sets.

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary jobs in California?

The most popular types of Documentary jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Documentary jobs in California?

For Entry Level Documentary jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Documentary jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Documentary jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Documentary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,697 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Junior Producer Apprenticeship

Youth Beat

Oakland, CA

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Junior Producer Apprenticeship

An entry-level position in video, photography, video editing, and production, starting at $20 per hour. This position is open to YouthBeat alumni.

Duration: 2 years Time commitment: At least 16 hours per week, but more hours may be available.

Job Summary

Youth Beat at KDOL-TV is a non-profit program that offers free media production programs to Oakland youth. We provide hands-on training and job experience in video and music production, narrative and documentary filmmaking, photography, design and animation. We teach media to middle school and high school students with the goal of keeping them engaged in school and developing job readiness skills to pursue careers in the media industry.

Over the last few years we have been steadily growing YouthBeat PRO, our social enterprise media production business, as a way to earn revenue for the organization AND to provide hands-on professional training to our youth interns, who work as members of our production crews and editing teams.

As a Junior Producer Apprentice you will sometimes spend your time out on the field during productions, other times in the office managing equipment, editing, or performing other administrative work related to our projects. We are looking for someone that is excited to build their portfolio under the mentorship of a team of professionals. If you have ever opened up a Youtube video to learn something on your own or started a random Google Search to figure out how to do something, you're likely the type of person we are looking for.

You will be required to be on site at KDOL Tuesday and Thursday from 10a-6:30p. Additionally, you may work other weekdays, evenings, or weekends as needed for our production projects.

Key Qualifications

  • Basic understanding of Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Organization skills and the ability to maintain a standard video editing process from project creation to archiving and to maintain a neat equipment closet.
  • Prior experience working as a freelance video editor, or casual video editing experience.
  • The ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
  • Take quality notes, document work, and translate client directives into a finalized product.
  • Attention to detail, quick thinking, and a demonstrated proficiency in shooting video and photographs.
  • Proven experience in customer service, with a mindset and goal in developing customer loyalty.
  • Ability to learn new skills and new equipment quickly.
  • Experience using industry a mirrorless/DSLR camera, lighting, and dedicated audio equipment.

Responsibilities & Duties

  • Produce videos and photography work at a high standard for a variety of events, scripted video productions, and creative video projects across a dynamic range of event types and industries, including our internal marketing materials.
  • Creating client communications such as but not limited to emails, messages, client newsletters, and mail campaigns, etc.
  • Developing client creative campaigns by asking questions and developing scripts, storyboards, mood boards, and other creative materials as needed.
  • Maintain all equipment in working order, tracking it using our inventory software, and repairing it in-house when possible or sending it for repairs when needed.
  • Assist with administrative duties for our production company such as, but not limited to, invoicing, contracts, budget management, proposals, etc.
  • Collaborating and coordinating a team of in-house staff and freelancers to deliver high-quality services to our clients.