Filmmaker/Editor

We are looking to hire a new full-time filmmaker/editor, based at Nine Elms Studio, Battersea. The right person will be a creative storyteller with a strong eye for bold, dynamic content, and proven experience (3 years minimum) in a similar role. Alongside your filmmaking, you'll take on the role of Studio Lead working on the day to day care and long-term development of Nine Elms Studio. On days when you're not shooting or editing, this gives you a real opportunity to help build the company.

What is Chocolate Films?

Chocolate Films is a video production company with bases in London and Glasgow. We produce video content for museums, art galleries, charities and corporate clients, with an exciting and inspiring client list. Chocolate Films has been run as a social enterprise since it was founded in 2001. We use profits from our production work to support a wide range of filmmaking experiences for children, young people and vulnerable adults, largely facilitated by our filmmakers. We are the only full service video production company to be granted a Royal Warrant by King Charles III.

What will you be doing?

• Developing ideas and writing treatments and scripts.
• Shooting on location, independently or as part of a crew.
• Editing your own material at Nine Elms Studio, from assembly through to final grade and mix.
• Working across documentaries, museum and gallery films, events, conference films and promos.
• Facilitating Chocolate Films Workshops, helping young people and vulnerable adults build their filmmaking skills.

What does the studio lead responsibility entail?

• Training other filmmakers on best practices.
• Making sure kit and lighting are set up correctly and looked after, including rigging lights.
• Suggesting new kit or equipment upgrades for the studio.
• Programming lighting states.
• Spotting ways to improve how the studio runs, and putting them into practice.
• Keeping the studio in good condition (including touching up the painted floor/walls) and properly organised.

What are we looking for in a candidate?

A self-directed creative, motivated to keep developing their skills, and able to work to fast turnarounds and deadlines. Comfortable shooting solo and working as part of a crew, and happy to take ownership of the studio space.

Desired Skills

• Experience shooting on Canon cinema cameras (C400/C200/C50) and mirrorless cameras.
• Good lighting skills (ideally with Aputure kit) 
• Strong technical knowledge of sound equipment, accessories and grip.
• Excellent editing skills (Premiere/DaVinci)

Essential attributes

• Flexibility to learn and adapt to new platforms and software
• A positive, can-do attitude, with excellent communication skills.
• A full, clean driving licence.
• Based in London and working in the office at Nine Elms Studio daily.
• An interest in supporting and mentoring children and young people through creative practice.

Payment and benefits

Annual salary of £35,000 – £38,000, depending on experience. Enhanced maternity pay. Employment is contingent on a clean extended DBS check and clean driving licence.

An initial 6 month trial period with a view to a longer term position. Regular working week Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 6.00pm, but flexibility is essential as weekend and evening work is common. Time off in lieu offered for extra hours.