The Smithsonian's National Zoo invites applicants for a video production and editor internship in the Zoo's busy Office of Communications, Exhibits and Planning. The department promotes the Zoo through traditional media relations and digital media including web video of our science, animals, and staff. Current college students who have experience editing video, hands on experience operating camera equipment through class work, or experience filming video are encouraged to apply. The video production and editor intern will interact closely with a professional media producer and be part of a larger media and communications team that produces content for national viewership.
- Log footage on video archive
- Edit B-roll packages for distribution to news media and Smithsonian Networks
- Work directly with the Zoo’s Media Producer as a production assistant and camera operator when requested
- Obtain B-roll of the Zoo's animals
- Prepare video equipment for productions
- Film events and press conferences
- Create short (0:30-3:00 minute) web videos for the Zoo's website and YouTube channel.
- Upload all complete videos into the Smithsonian Archives (DAMS)
- Interns will gain experience producing professional video packages that include quality b-roll of the Zoo's animals and exhibits, interviews with keepers, curators and researchers, and a strong conservation message.
- Interns will write interview questions and work with the Communications Team Member to ensure you've hit all the right marks. You'll also contact and set up interviews with individual keepers/curators, etc.
- Interns will film events and press conferences as requested.
- Interns will gain experience working with the media by fulfilling requests for b-roll from reporters, producers, Zoo staff, etc.
- Interns will be responsible for archiving b-roll and final video packages on our video archive
- Communications staff will act as mentors to the interns and ensure that they receive constructive feedback on all assignments.
- Videos and b-roll prepared by interns (and reviewed by SI staff) will be used in a variety of communications, including press releases, social media, web updates, and e-newsletters.
- Major in digital media, broadcast journalism, or communications
- Applicants with prior experience working in a fast-paced environment (such as a newsroom) and/or conservation organization preferred
- Proficiency with Adobe Premiere digital editing software
- Experience operating camera equipment
- Willingness to take initiative and offer perspectives on how to increase outreach and engage viewers
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to research and fact-check content.
- Flexibility and a good sense of humor
- Professionalism
The Office of Communications, Exhibits and Planning holds three video internship sessions: fall, spring, and summer. The fall session takes place September – December. Spring takes place January – May. Summer takes place June – August. Internships require between 24 to 40 hours of time per week. Reasonable exceptions may be made in order to coordinate with university and work schedules.
To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don't have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
- Basic personal information
- Professional resume or CV
- A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations
- Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Two letters of reference (one must be from a current or a former supervisor)
- Schedule of availability.
Once you create your account and provide the information above, you will see a screen where you select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
- Type of appointment: “Internship”
- Unit of interest: “National Zoological Park”
- Program: “National Zoological Park Internship Program”
- Project: “Video Production and Editor Internship”
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered complete when you hit “Submit.” Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.