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Freelance Camera Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Camera Assistant information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance camera assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Camera Assistant, you need a solid understanding of camera equipment, lens types, shot composition, and on-set procedures, often gained through film school or hands-on experience. Familiarity with camera systems like ARRI, RED, and Sony, as well as proficiency in using focus pullers, monitors, and data management tools, is highly valued. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly and work efficiently under pressure make someone stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring smooth production workflows and supporting the camera department's technical and creative needs.

What is the difference between Freelance Camera Assistant vs Camera Operator?

AspectFreelance Camera AssistantCamera Operator
CredentialsOften requires technical knowledge, basic camera operation skills, and sometimes certificationsRequires technical skills, experience, and often a license or certification depending on the project
Work EnvironmentOn-set support, assisting camera department, working closely with camera operators and crewOperating cameras during shoots, responsible for capturing footage
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance, film, TV, commercial productionsProduction companies, freelance, broadcast, film, TV

While both roles work within the camera department, a Freelance Camera Assistant primarily supports camera operators by handling equipment and setup, whereas a Camera Operator directly controls the camera during filming. The assistant focuses on technical support, while the operator manages shot composition and camera movement.

What are the typical challenges freelance camera assistants face when working on different sets?

Freelance camera assistants often encounter varying equipment, workflows, and team dynamics from project to project. Adapting quickly to different camera systems, maintaining strong communication with directors of photography, and efficiently managing gear under time constraints are common hurdles. Being proactive, organized, and adaptable is essential for success, as is building strong relationships within the industry to secure repeat work and recommendations.

What is a freelance camera assistant?

Freelance camera assistants are independent professionals who support camera operators and directors of photography on film, television, or commercial shoots. Their duties include preparing and maintaining camera equipment, managing lenses and accessories, pulling focus, and ensuring that shots are set up correctly. Because they work on a freelance basis, they are hired per project rather than being employed full-time by a single company. This allows them to work on a variety of productions and develop a diverse skill set. Strong technical knowledge, adaptability, and effective communication are key attributes for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Camera Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Freelance Camera Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Camera Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Camera Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Camera Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Camera Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Camera Assistant job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Social Media Manager
Full-Time, Exempt

Position Overview:
The Social Media Manager will manage the social media channels for George Washington's Mount Vernon, including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Threads, and YouTube. Our social media channels showcase George Washington's life and times and people from his world, the estate's history, and Mount Vernon news and activities, including behind-the-scenes content. The person in this role will tell Mount Vernon's story through text, images, and video in a fun and interesting way, incorporating social media trends where appropriate.
The successful candidate should have experience in managing social media for a brand.
The candidate should be well-versed in video creation for social media and submit a portfolio that includes short-form videos for social platforms.
Compensation:
$65,000-$70,000
Essential Duties:
  • Create and manage Mount Vernon's social media calendar with an eye toward promoting estate visitation.
  • Write, edit, and schedule organic social media posts and stories on deadline.
  • Select and edit high-resolution images for social content.
  • Develop reels for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other channels.
  • Size videos to vertical, square, and horizontal formats for digital ad campaigns.
  • Find and contract with social media influencers to produce content for and about Mount Vernon. Coordinate social media influencer visits (i.e., arrange for tickets, tours, and other experiences). Provide content guidelines, and review and approve content prior to publication. Manage budget and payment for social media influencers.
  • Monitor and respond to social media comments.
  • Record video at Mount Vernon events (approximately 20 events per year), including on weekends and after hours. Also provide video for PR opportunities, such as visits by authors, historians, actors, and other prominent figures.
  • Guide other departments in the effective management of their social media channels. This may include training, reviewing posts, and publishing posts.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of social media content and videos.
  • Coordinate film shoots and video edits with freelance videographers. Assist with writing video scripts, communicate shot details with actors and models, and provide on-site assistance with lighting, mics, props, and other needs.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in social media and video.
  • Troubleshoot Mount Vernon's livestreaming software, StreamYard. Ensure that social media channels are connected and working prior to livestream events.
  • Assist with supervising and training interns.
  • Train Mount Vernon staff on the use of our social media management tool and our filming equipment.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 3 years experience managing social media channels
  • BA degree in communications, film, design, journalism, marketing, English, or a relevant field
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience in producing, editing, and promoting video on the web
  • Ability to capture high-quality video using a DSLR camera is required
  • Knowledge of video production workflow and video editing
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Premiere Pro
  • Understanding of social media and video analytics
  • Ability to manage a complex schedule and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Enthusiastic attitude. Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and produce work under a deadline
  • Outstanding attention to detail
  • Ability to work effectively with little direct supervision
  • Interest in American History

Special Requirements:
Ability to work non-traditional hours on occasion, including some weekends, early mornings, and evenings.
Work Environment:
This position operates primarily in a professional office setting. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The work environment is generally quiet, with occasional interruptions.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, talk, hear, and use hands to type or handle objects. Must be able to stand/walk for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Visual acuity to read and interpret documents and computer screens is required.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Employee referral program
  • On-site Library
  • Employee Discounts
  • Free Parking
  • Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
  • Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
  • Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
  • Flexible spending account for medical care

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.