Internship Opportunities
The Empowerment Project internship provides a comprehensive documentary film production experience. We are looking for exceptional students interested in all phases of documentary production. Interns are expected to be team-oriented and to become full participants in the production process.
Areas of interest available to interns include:
Pre-production/ Research: Includes the researching of specific issues for various film projects as well as grant writing, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment. Experience working with Mac systems and web updates a plus.
Production: Operating camera, audio, and lighting equipment. Conducting on-camera interviews and creating effective B-roll segments.
Post-production: Video editing which involves indexing, logging, translating or coordinating translators, transcribing footage, rough cut editing, and working in a team to craft documentary stories. The edit program is Final Cut Pro. Experience working with Mac networks a plus.
Community Organizer: Issue-oriented grassroots organizing, volunteer recruitment, press releases, public relations, letter writing, petitions, fundraising, meeting and workshop facilitation. Work with local, national, and international contacts on local, national, and international organizing levels.
Public Relations: Engaging with EP professional contacts and the media; organizing the booking of speaking engagements and film screenings at colleges and universities for Director, BarbaraTrent, and of promotional screenings and theatrical releases throughout the country.
Archivist: Work with filmmakers and university special collections in organizing and cataloging print and film materials used in EP productions, including the archiving of all material used for the Academy-Award winning The Panama Deception.
Participants attend a weekly intern meeting which include skills workshops taught by staff and other area film and video professionals. Classes in camera field production, lighting technique, and audio recording are also made available to interns at our media facility.
Living arrangements can be made in the rural neighborhood where our office is located or in nearby in downtown Chapel Hill.
Empowerment Project expects a commitment of a minimum of thirteen, 20 hour weeks (approximately three months or the equivalent of one academic semester). Summer interns may have shorter terms but are expected to work 30+ hours.
Comments from past interns:
I gained essential experience in the editing, distribution, and promotion aspects of filmmaking…I was inspired by Empowerment Projectís devotion to the democratization of the media…they taught me the true meaning of perseverance.
I had the chance to assist with the process from the beginning……the internship gave me the opportunity to learn in an environment rich in encouragement and expertise.
I have gained much insight and experience in writing,researching, and coordinating a production…I never learned so much insuch a short period of time!
If interested, please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Barbara Trent to:
The Empowerment Project
2007 Jo Mac Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone: (919) 967-1963
E-mail: project2@mindspring.com