Apprentices’ time will be divided between instructional workshops, mentorship, and day-to-day work in our production studio. The apprentice will work as an entry-level producer, assisting with tasks related to Storyline’s current productions.

• Two apprentices will be accepted from an open call.

• Beginning in September 2023, for ten months.

• Interactive classes in theory, technique, and business administration tailored to the needs and interests of apprentices accepted to the program.

  • Topics may include: The art of the interview, documentary film analysis, media and art critiques, impact producing, creating art in community, finance and fundraising, budgeting, business models, production sound, and more.

• One-on-one pairing with an industry mentor.

• Specialized consultation with the Storyline Team in the form of artistic producing and career development.

  • This is a temporary, full- time position (40 hours/week), with a total salary of $37,400 for 10 months. Benefits include:

    • Tax-free healthcare reimbursement

    • Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid sick days.

    • Hands-on training in nonfiction craft, business, and creative development
      

• Must be able to attend in-person at our Brooklyn office on weekdays during regular business hours. There may be certain events (workshops, screenings, etc.) that may fall outside of business hours, but will be coordinated based on availability. We are a family and kid friendly operation, and are open to accommodate the needs of parental and/or family care needs.

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be 18 years old or older.

• Identify with a historically underrepresented and underserved population (for example but not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities)

• Live and work in New York City or are able to commute to our Brooklyn office in-person

• Have relevant (creative+ professional) experience, including but not limited to:

  • Demonstrated experience in one or more creative practices

  • Experience working on a team and completing projects collaboratively

  • Any combination of internships, work experience, relevant college degree, etc.

Not required, but candidates ideally:

• Have had previous work experience, with skills and experiences including but not limited to:

  • Email and phone communication

  • Creating and managing spreadsheets

  • Note taking, scheduling and managing multiple tasks at the same time

• Have basic video or audio editing experience - including media file management and project setup

• Are creative, inquisitive, and embrace challenges as opportunities

• Commitment to using media and storytelling as a tool for social justice and community engagement

  • Are inspired by our mission and invested in the power of art and storytelling

Candidates are not eligible if:

• You are currently a student enrolled in any degree-granting program or comparable full-time fellowship/residency or educational program at the time of the apprenticeship

• Have written, directed, and/or produced a feature-length documentary film (60 min or more) that has screened at a national or international film festival

Storyline is a non-profit production company building power with story and strategy. We tell stories that make sense of complicated issues, provoke discussion and inspire action. We find the right medium for each story, crafting content in film, photography, audio, theater, installation, and emerging forms. We specialize in creating participatory documentaries; an inclusive and collaborative process that engages communities in co-creating and co-designing the crafting and dissemination of their own story.

Storyline is a collaborative, artist-led organization. We are a small company with big ambitions. We value team members who are creative, inquisitive, and embrace challenges as opportunities. Our work is guided by a deep love and responsibility to values of equity and justice, and accountability to the communities in which we work. We are looking for collaborators who are inspired by our mission and invested in the power of art and storytelling.

To learn more about Storyline, visit our homepage.

Is this only for makers of nonfiction documentaries?



Storyline produces nonfiction work in the mediums of film, journalism, photography, performance, audio, new media, and emerging technologies. This program is primarily designed, though not exclusively, for people interested in nonfiction storytelling. Previous work experience in nonfiction is not required, as long as you can demonstrate a commitment to pursuing this artistic approach in your future work.



Is this only for directors or producers?



No. We recognize that there are many other critical roles, in addition to directing and producing. However, we are primarily seeking candidates who are interested in a holistic understanding of both the creative and business sides of nonfiction production, and acting in the role of an entry level producer.



Do I need a film or a project to apply?



No, you do not need to apply with a project. This program is designed to support an individual in developing skills needed to pursue a career in nonfiction storytelling. However, we do love idea development, so one of the options for this bespoke apprenticeship program is supporting the creative development of a project idea that you could develop with support from your mentor and the Storyline team. But we do not require having a specific project to apply, and do not require that chosen candidates develop a project by the end of the apprenticeship.



Is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time (40 hours a week) position for the duration of the 10 month apprenticeship term. Hours will follow a regular weekday schedule (Monday- Friday) in-person based out of our Brooklyn office. Exceptions may include screenings, industry events and on-location production days but all will be subject to availability. Because of the immersiveness of the apprenticeship, we expect the selected apprentices to be committed to joining us for the full 10 months of the apprenticeship.

What happens at the end of the 10 month apprenticeship?

During the course of this apprenticeship, we’ll be working closely with you to develop goals for the next stage of your career, whether that is a project proposal, expanded network, draft of grant application, resume/ portfolio, or something else. While this is a temporary position and there will not be continued employment at Storyline after the apprenticeship is over, our goal is to have apprentices ready with tangible skill-sets to go out and find work and continued opportunities in their creative fields and careers.

How will a typical week be spent during the apprenticeship?



This program is tailored to who you are and what you’re looking to gain in the next stage of your career. The full-time apprenticeship program will include the following:

• On the job training as an entry level producer (60%)

  • Working on Storyline’s Audiovisual projects (in a variety of mediums)

  • Day-to-day operations with the Storyline team

• Instructional Workshops (20%)

• Creative/Artistic Development (20%)

What are you looking for when reviewing applications?

We are looking for a clear commitment to expanding skill sets in nonfiction practice in a collaborative setting, which will be just as important as sharing a compelling portfolio and prior creative experience. We are seeking candidates who are driven to join an artist-led organization with a deep love and responsibility to values of equity and justice, and invested in making art that is accountable to the communities in which we work.

What is the selection process and timeline?

In the first stage, a review committee will be reviewing all submitted applications. From those submissions, we will invite a shortlist of candidates for first interviews (remotely) in July. Finalists will then be invited for in-person interviews with the Storyline team in our Brooklyn office in August.
• Applications open May 24 2023
• Applications close June 26, 2023 at 11:59pm ET
• Invitations for first interviews will be sent out July 2023
• Final decisions will be made August 2023
• Program begins in September 2023

NOTE:

Due to the large number of applications we are anticipating, we are not able to provide feedback on individual applications or candidates. We will notify all candidates of their application status. For specific questions regarding eligibility or completing the application, feel free to email apprenticeship@storyline.media.

If you have a disability and are concerned about the application process, please email apprenticeship@storyline.media to request accommodations. We are happy to accommodate all applicants to ensure an equitable application process.

Is it paid?



Yes it is! This is a temporary, full- time position (40 hours/ week), with a total salary of $37,400 for 10 months. Our goal is to allow the selected apprentices the chance to learn and creatively explore the next phase of their careers, while trying to mitigate the financial burden we often experience as independent artists.

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