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Full Time Documentary Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Baba

Creative Director

New York, NY · On-site

First, cinematic work: documentary-quality patient and customer stories, testimonials, and brand ... This role is full-time and based in our Soho office in NYC, with regular travel for shoots. What ...

New

Baba Care, Inc

Creative Director

New York, NY · On-site

First, cinematic work: documentary-quality patient and customer stories, testimonials, and brand ... This role is full-time and based in our Soho office in NYC, with regular travel for shoots. What ...

New

Podcast Management Inc

Video Editor

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Video Editor This is a full-time, in-person position located in Indianapolis, Indiana. About Us ... Bachelor's degree in Film, Media Production, Communications, or related field preferred; equivalent ...

Emory Healthcare

Ophthalmic Photographer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Identify and image ocular anatomy for diagnostic and documentary photography; perform single and ... BLS certified, film & digital based photo skills at the intermediate level, experience in ...

Emory Healthcare

Ophthalmic Photographer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Identify and image ocular anatomy for diagnostic and documentary photography; perform single and ... BLS certified, film & digital based photo skills at the intermediate level, experience in ...

Just Vision

President & Chief Executive Officer

Familiarity with journalism and documentary film production. * Proven ability to articulate a ... Benefits This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $185,000 - $210,000 ...

The Guardian

Head of Video, US

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

... film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences ... Hybrid Terms and conditions: Full-time, permanent Annual Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 As the ...

The Guardian

Head of Video, US

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

... film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences ... Hybrid Terms and conditions: Full-time, permanent Annual Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 As the ...

Ramp

Filmmaker, Customer Stories

New York, NY · On-site

$132K - $162K/yr

... * 5+ years of film production across a mix of commercial and documentary-style work * A self ... full-time Ramp employees (Global) * Flexible PTO * Centralized home-office equipment ordering

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All Jobsfull time JobsArts and Entertainment JobsFull Time Documentary Film Jobs

Full Time Documentary Film information

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$38K

$75.5K

$129K

How much do full time documentary film jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time documentary film in the United States is $75,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time documentary film job?

Full-time documentary film jobs refer to positions where individuals work primarily on the creation, production, and post-production of documentary films as their main occupation. These roles can include directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, researchers, and sound technicians, among others. Working full-time in documentary filmmaking often involves collaborating with a team to research topics, shoot footage, conduct interviews, and edit films for television, streaming platforms, or festivals. The work can be project-based but is considered full-time when it constitutes a consistent, primary source of employment. Many professionals in this field are employed by production companies, media organizations, or work as staff within dedicated documentary divisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time documentary filmmaker?

To thrive as a Full-Time Documentary Filmmaker, you need strong storytelling ability, proficiency in video production, interviewing skills, and often a degree in film, journalism, or a related field. Mastery of editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, as well as experience with cameras, audio equipment, and possibly drone technology, is typically required. Creativity, curiosity, resilience, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for connecting with subjects and navigating challenging production environments. These skills are crucial for creating impactful, high-quality documentaries that engage audiences and convey compelling narratives.

What are some common challenges faced by full time documentary filmmakers and how can they be managed?

Full-time documentary filmmakers often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding, managing tight production schedules, and gaining access to subjects or locations. To address these, filmmakers typically build strong networks within the industry, apply for grants or pitch to production companies, and develop detailed project plans to stay on track. Collaborating closely with producers, editors, and legal advisors also helps navigate logistical and ethical hurdles, ensuring the project maintains its creative vision while staying within budget and timeline constraints.

What is the difference between Full Time Documentary Film vs Full Time Film Editor?

AspectFull Time Documentary FilmFull Time Film Editor
CredentialsRelevant film or media degrees, experience in documentary productionFilm editing certifications, experience with editing software
Work EnvironmentOn-location shoots, editing suites, production officesEditing suites, post-production facilities
Industry UsageDocumentary filmmaking, broadcast, streaming platformsFilm and TV post-production, various genres

Both roles require strong storytelling skills and technical knowledge, but a Full Time Documentary Film focuses on creating factual, real-life stories often involving fieldwork, while a Full Time Film Editor specializes in post-production editing across various film genres. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the film industry.

More about Full Time Documentary Film jobs

What cities are hiring for Full Time Documentary Film jobs?

Cities with the most Full Time Documentary Film job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Film jobs?

The most popular types of Documentary Film jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Documentary Film jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Documentary Film jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Documentary Film jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Documentary Film jobs are:

Full Time Documentary Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Documentary Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,498 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Media Production Specialist (Fixed Term)

Vast

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$53 - $75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is seeking a Media Production Specialist to join its Media Production team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Production. The ideal candidate is a technically precise, visually driven filmmaker who brings both craft and adaptability to every shoot. This individual will serve as one of the team's camera operators across a range of content - from cinematic brand films and documentary-style shoots; to product photography, events, and social content - playing a central role in how Vast tells its story visually.
This is a hands-on, IC role for someone who identifies as a cinematographer first, but is comfortable expanding their contribution across production as the work demands. You'll operate independently on solo shoots and integrate as a collaborator on larger productions. The ability to move fluidly between roles - cinematographer, gaffer, photographer - without losing your eye or your standards is essential.
This is an in-person role based in Long Beach, CA and starts as an 3-month fixed-term-employment contract with the opportunity to extend.
Key Responsibilities
  • Cinematography: Serve as camera operator across video productions ranging from scripted brand films and documentary content to executive interviews, hardware showcases, and live events.
  • Light Sets: Design and execute lighting setups for both solo-op and full-crew productions. Integrate as gaffer or DoP on larger sets as needed.
  • Pre-Production: Contribute to shot listing, lighting diagrams, storyboarding, and location scouting to ensure shoots are set up for success before the day.
  • Solo Operation: Execute run-and-gun, single-operator productions independently - managing camera, audio, and lighting without additional crew.
  • Capture Photography: Shoot product, hardware, portrait, and event photography as needed, maintaining the same standard of craft as video work.
  • Maintain Equipment: Oversee the care, prep, and organization of camera and lighting gear to ensure readiness across all productions.

Required Qualifications
  • 4+ years of professional experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, or DoP across commercial, documentary, corporate, or brand content.
  • Deep proficiency with professional camera systems (ARRI, RED, Sony FX/Venice, Blackmagic) and a strong working knowledge of exposure, color science, and lens theory.
  • Hands-on experience designing and executing lighting setups - studio and on-location - with both large packages and available/limited resources.
  • Ability to operate as a solo shooter, small crew, or as part of a larger crew, adapting to each context without a drop in quality.
  • Strong eye for composition, movement, and visual storytelling - demonstrated through a portfolio that reflects range and intentionality.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight timelines.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience shooting photography (product, hardware, portrait, events) in addition to video.
  • Experience with high quality location sound capture and interview setups.
  • Proficiency in photo retouching (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop) and video editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (drone operation).
  • Bachelor's degree in Film, Cinematography, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience.
  • Experience in a startup, tech, or aerospace environment.
  • Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.
  • Flexibility to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Pay Range:
  • Media Production Specialist I (Non-Exempt): $53/hr - $75/hr
  • Media Production Specialist II (Exempt): $123,000 - $174,000

Pay Range: California
$110,000-$174,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUSThe person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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