DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments * Strong lighting ... Help scale crews when needed: Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots ...
$90 - $180/hr
Freelance Project Hire: Production Specific The Executive Producer (EP) isresponsible for the ... Films and series typeinclude (but not limited to) dramas, serial dramas, documentaries and drama ...
$90 - $180/hr
Freelance Project Hire: Production Specific The Executive Producer (EP) isresponsible for the ... Films and series typeinclude (but not limited to) dramas, serial dramas, documentaries and drama ...
Filmmaker / Storyteller
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$100K - $140K/yr
Background in documentary filmmaking or journalism * Motion graphics and animation skills * Experience managing creative teams or freelancers What You'll Create Your work will span from punchy 30 ...
Filmmaker / Storyteller
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$100K - $140K/yr
Background in documentary filmmaking or journalism * Motion graphics and animation skills * Experience managing creative teams or freelancers What You'll Create Your work will span from punchy 30 ...
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90 - $180/hr
Freelance Project Hire: Production Specific The Executive Producer (EP) isresponsible for the ... Films and series typeinclude (but not limited to) dramas, serial dramas, documentaries and drama ...
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90 - $180/hr
Freelance Project Hire: Production Specific The Executive Producer (EP) isresponsible for the ... Films and series typeinclude (but not limited to) dramas, serial dramas, documentaries and drama ...
Video Editing Intern
Hanover Park, IL · On-site
... freelance, or social media projects Familiarity with file organization, media management, proxies, and common video formats An interest in commercial production, virtual production, or documentary ...
Video Editing Intern
Hanover Park, IL · On-site
... freelance, or social media projects Familiarity with file organization, media management, proxies, and common video formats An interest in commercial production, virtual production, or documentary ...
Video Journalist, NYT Cooking
New York, NY · On-site
$113K - $132K/yr
New York Times Cooking is looking for a video journalist to bring engaging documentary and ... Collaborate with team members and freelancers to create videos at a level consistent with The Times ...
Video Journalist, NYT Cooking
New York, NY · On-site
$113K - $132K/yr
New York Times Cooking is looking for a video journalist to bring engaging documentary and ... Collaborate with team members and freelancers to create videos at a level consistent with The Times ...
Jpixx is seeking Freelance Videographers, Editors or those that excel in both to expand its network ... Ability to shoot both documentary-style/event/run & gun as well as staged shots with lighting and ...
Jpixx is seeking Freelance Videographers, Editors or those that excel in both to expand its network ... Ability to shoot both documentary-style/event/run & gun as well as staged shots with lighting and ...
Video Journalist, NYT Cooking New York, NY
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$113.27 - $132/hr
New York Times Cooking is looking for a video journalist to bring engaging documentary and ... Collaborate with team members and freelancers to create videos at a level consistent with The Times ...
Video Journalist, NYT Cooking New York, NY
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$113.27 - $132/hr
New York Times Cooking is looking for a video journalist to bring engaging documentary and ... Collaborate with team members and freelancers to create videos at a level consistent with The Times ...
Jpixx is seeking Freelance Videographers, Editors or those that excel in both to expand its network ... Ability to shoot both documentary-style/event/run & gun as well as staged shots with lighting and ...
Jpixx is seeking Freelance Videographers, Editors or those that excel in both to expand its network ... Ability to shoot both documentary-style/event/run & gun as well as staged shots with lighting and ...
Senior Podcast Producer
Parker, TX · On-site
$75 - $95/hr
Support and train junior producers or freelance contributors as the show grows What We're Looking For * 3+ years of podcast production experience, ideally true crime, documentary, or narrative audio ...
New
Senior Podcast Producer
Parker, TX · On-site
$75 - $95/hr
Support and train junior producers or freelance contributors as the show grows What We're Looking For * 3+ years of podcast production experience, ideally true crime, documentary, or narrative audio ...
New
Sr. Manager, Multimedia Content Production
Washington, DC · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
... form documentaries. This position also manages Studio 3069 operations, production calendars ... Manage outside production companies, creative agencies, photographers, freelancers and technical ...
Quick apply
Sr. Manager, Multimedia Content Production
Washington, DC · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
... form documentaries. This position also manages Studio 3069 operations, production calendars ... Manage outside production companies, creative agencies, photographers, freelancers and technical ...
Lead Video Producer
San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
You'll be behind the camera and in the timeline: documentary customer stories shot on job sites and ... You'll shoot and cut most of the work yourself, with freelance support on the productions that need ...
Lead Video Producer
San Francisco, CA · Hybrid
You'll be behind the camera and in the timeline: documentary customer stories shot on job sites and ... You'll shoot and cut most of the work yourself, with freelance support on the productions that need ...
Sr. Manager, Multimedia Content Production
Washington, DC · On-site
$100 - $120/hr
... form documentaries. This position also manages Studio 3069 operations, production calendars ... Manage outside production companies, creative agencies, photographers, freelancers and technical ...
Sr. Manager, Multimedia Content Production
Washington, DC · On-site
$100 - $120/hr
... form documentaries. This position also manages Studio 3069 operations, production calendars ... Manage outside production companies, creative agencies, photographers, freelancers and technical ...
Director, Video Production
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
... freelancers, contractors, vendors) to produce professional videos for the Office of the President and internal LCMS clients, including disaster and general news videos, documentaries and mini ...
Director, Video Production
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
... freelancers, contractors, vendors) to produce professional videos for the Office of the President and internal LCMS clients, including disaster and general news videos, documentaries and mini ...
Director, Video Production
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
... freelancers, contractors, vendors) to produce professional videos for the Office of the President and internal LCMS clients, including disaster and general news videos, documentaries and mini ...
Director, Video Production
Saint Louis, MO · On-site
... freelancers, contractors, vendors) to produce professional videos for the Office of the President and internal LCMS clients, including disaster and general news videos, documentaries and mini ...
Talent and Production Coordinator
Upper Marlboro, MD · Remote
$1.5K - $2.5K/mo
... documentaries, and event coverage. Our team is passionate about storytelling and committed to ... The ideal candidate will be responsible for recruiting a network of freelance video production ...
Quick apply
Talent and Production Coordinator
Upper Marlboro, MD · Remote
$1.5K - $2.5K/mo
... documentaries, and event coverage. Our team is passionate about storytelling and committed to ... The ideal candidate will be responsible for recruiting a network of freelance video production ...
Director, Creative Video & Production
Arlington, TX · On-site
$140 - $160/hr
... documentaries, all-access content, commercial productions, team launches, championship campaigns and broadcast features. Lead external production companies, freelancers and creative agencies as ...
Director, Creative Video & Production
Arlington, TX · On-site
$140 - $160/hr
... documentaries, all-access content, commercial productions, team launches, championship campaigns and broadcast features. Lead external production companies, freelancers and creative agencies as ...
Entertainment Producer
Dallas, TX · On-site
$122K - $124K/yr
... freelance crew, vendors, and production partners * Negotiate contracts and maintain production standards Preferred Qualifications: * Experience producing and managing productions in documentary ...
Entertainment Producer
Dallas, TX · On-site
$122K - $124K/yr
... freelance crew, vendors, and production partners * Negotiate contracts and maintain production standards Preferred Qualifications: * Experience producing and managing productions in documentary ...
Freelance Documentary information
See salary details
$23.52 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.90 - $25.57
31% of jobs
The median wage is $32.14 / hr.
$25.57 - $36.23
31% of jobs
$36.23 - $46.90
4% of jobs
$56.23 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$46.90 - $57.56
10% of jobs
$57.56 - $68.23
9% of jobs
$68.23 - $78.89
5% of jobs
$78.89 - $89.55
0% of jobs
$89.55 - $100.22
8% of jobs
$100.22 - $110.88
0% of jobs
$110.88 - $121.55
0% of jobs
$121.55 - $132.21
1% of jobs
$14
$47
$132
How much do freelance documentary jobs pay per hour?
What is a freelance documentary?
A Freelance Documentary job involves independently producing, directing, or filming documentary projects without being tied to a single employer. Freelance documentarians often work on a project basis, covering topics of interest or assignments from clients such as media outlets, nonprofits, or production companies. Responsibilities can include research, filming, editing, and storytelling. Freelancers must often secure funding, manage logistics, and distribute their work independently or through partnerships.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance documentary filmmaker?
To thrive as a Freelance Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling abilities, proficiency in video production, and solid research skills, often supported by a relevant degree or prior experience in filmmaking or journalism. Mastery of camera equipment, video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), and a portfolio of completed projects are typically required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and networking skills help freelancers secure projects and effectively collaborate with clients, interview subjects, and crew members. These abilities ensure the production of compelling, high-quality documentaries and the successful management of independent projects in a competitive industry.
What are some common challenges faced by freelance documentary filmmakers and how can they be addressed?
Freelance documentary filmmakers often face challenges such as securing consistent funding, managing all aspects of production independently, and building a strong professional network. Balancing creative vision with client or broadcaster expectations can also require careful negotiation and flexibility. To overcome these obstacles, many freelancers continuously update their technical skills, actively seek new networking opportunities, and develop strong organizational habits to handle multiple aspects of a project. Joining industry associations, attending film festivals, and regularly updating an online portfolio can help increase visibility and foster new opportunities. Staying adaptable and resourceful is key for long-term success in the freelance documentary field.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Documentary jobs?
Cities with the most Freelance Documentary job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary jobs?
The most popular types of Documentary jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Documentary jobs?
States with the most job openings for Freelance Documentary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Documentary jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Freelance Documentary jobs are:

Part-time
Re-posted 10 days ago
Job description
Men's Health and Women's Health is seeking a Temporary Director of Photography, Producer, and Editor to support our video team. This is a hands-on, doer role: you'll shoot, light, help produce, and edit in partnership with our Executive Producer and production team-bringing sharp visual taste while jumping in wherever the day needs coverage, problem-solving, or post support. This role reports to the Executive Producer.
- DP / camera experience in digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
- Strong lighting + composition fundamentals with great taste
- Producer-minded execution: You're proactive, organized, calm under pressure, and you don't wait to be told what's broken
- Editing experience:Â You can confidently cut in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid/Resolve also great), build rough cuts and selects, and handle clean exports/versions for review
- Post fundamentals:Â Strong file organization, audio awareness, continuity discipline, and comfort working from notes in a collaborative edit workflow
- Schedule flexibility: Ability to support shoots as needed (including early calls and occasional travel, depending on production)
- Shoot the work:Â DP and operate camera on shoots across brands and formats (studio, field, talent-driven, documentary, social-first)
- Support production execution:Â Help with the practical's that keep shoots moving-run-of-show support, coordinating logistics, prepping gear, call sheet support, field problem-solving, and on-set coordination
- Bring strong visual craft:Â Light and compose with intention; elevate work through strong taste in camera, lighting, framing, and movement
- Pitch in on set:Â Keep sets organized and efficient-help the team stay on schedule, keep coverage clean, and communicate needs clearly
- Edit and finish deliverables:Â Cut selects and assemblies; build rough cuts to producer notes; apply pacing, music, and basic sound polish.
- Manage post camera workflow:Â Keep footage, audio, and project files organized; label cards/files; maintain continuity notes; prep clean handoffs (project organization, exports, and versioning)
- Help scale crews when needed:Â Assist with coordinating freelancers/vendors for specific shoots (camera, sound, g&e), with oversight from senior production leadership
- Contribute ideas:Â Bring references, visual approaches, and smart production solutions that keep formats fresh and push the envelope within brand
Be Part of What's Next
Shape the look and feel of premium health and wellness storytelling. As a Temporary Director of Photography, you'll bring ideas to life through camera, lighting, and edit-owning the craft while helping productions run seamlessly from start to finish.
About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines is one of the world's largest publishers of premium content, with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Harper's BAZAAR, Men's Health, Popular Mechanics, and Seventeen. We reach audiences across platforms-print, digital, video, and social-with storytelling that informs, entertains, and inspires. Our culture is collaborative, innovative, and committed to building an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.
Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)
Lead camera and lighting on shoots across Men's Health and Women's Health, spanning studio, field, documentary, and social-first formats
Operate as a hands-on production partner, supporting logistics, run-of-show execution, and on-set coordination to keep shoots moving efficiently
Bring a strong visual point of view, elevating content through thoughtful composition, lighting, and camera movement
Maintain organized, high-functioning sets by communicating clearly, managing time effectively, and ensuring clean coverage
Edit selects, assemblies, and rough cuts, applying pacing, music, and basic sound polish in line with creative direction
Manage post-production workflows, including media organization, file labeling, continuity tracking, and clean project handoffs
Assist in scaling production teams by coordinating freelancers and vendors (camera, sound, G&E) as needed
Contribute creative ideas, references, and production solutions that push formats forward while staying true to brand
Qualifications (What We're Looking For)
5+ Â years of experience in cinematography, video production, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Demonstrated DP/camera experience across digital, documentary, branded, or studio environments
Strong lighting and composition fundamentals with a refined visual sensibility
Producer-minded approach: proactive, highly organized, and calm under pressure in fast-paced environments
Editing proficiency in a modern NLE (Premiere preferred; Avid or Resolve also welcome), including building rough cuts and managing versions
Solid post-production fundamentals, including file organization, audio awareness, and collaborative editing workflows
Ability to flex across multiple roles on set and in post, adapting to evolving production needs
Ability to work onsite Tuesday through Thursday in New York City, with flexibility for early calls and occasional travel as needed
The base salary for this role is $80/hr. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Â
Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
About Hearst Newspapers
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Newspaper publishers
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
New York, NY, US