GRTV Video Production Internship

GRTV Video Production Internship 

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Location: Grand Rapids                                       Status: PT-Temporary
Department: GRTV                                                Period: 6 months (July 2025 – December 2025)
Reports to: Joe Zook                                            Salary: $17/hour

About us: Grand Rapids Community Media Center (GRCMC) is a nonprofit media organization, dedicated to building community through media providing avenues for self-expression, uniting diverse points of view. GRCMC programming includes public-access television stations GRTV and LiveWire, community radio station 88.1FM WYCE, community venue Wealthy Theatre, Web Development Services for nonprofits, and the local online news platform The Rapidian.

POSITION SUMMARY: The GRTV Video Production Internship at the Grand Rapids Community Media Center is designed for a creative, self-motivated individual looking to deepen their skills through an independent project in a supportive, resource-rich environment. This internship is an opportunity for an emerging media maker to develop a unique piece of video work, from concept to final cut, with access to professional-grade equipment, editing suites, and mentorship from experienced staff. 

The central requirement of this 200-hour internship is to propose, develop, and complete a unique video project. Selection will prioritize projects demonstrating a clear community focus and local impact. Candidates should design a project, whether documentary, narrative, experimental, community feature, or other appropriate format, that aligns with GRTV’s mission to amplify community voices and satisfies the core requirement of meaningful community storytelling.

This opportunity is focused on fostering new, original work. Project proposals should represent concepts that are owned by the applicant and are at the conceptual stage and not projects already in production or partially completed. The scope should aim for a completed video with a target runtime of around 15-30 minutes.

The selected candidate will have guidance from GRTV staff throughout the process, including regular check-ins, creative feedback, and access to technical support. The final project may be broadcast on GRTV and shared through our digital platforms, providing visibility and impact with the Grand Rapids community. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is someone with an interest in community media, a passion for storytelling, and the initiative to work independently. They likely already possess some production or editing experience. This internship is a perfect fit for someone looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a full production from start to finish in a supportive and collaborative environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Propose, plan, and complete a self-driven video project (with staff guidance and support)
• Attend regular check-ins with a GRTV mentor to review project progress and receive feedback
• Organize production timelines, scout locations, manage equipment, and coordinate shoots as needed
• Prepare a final version of the project suitable for public viewing and broadcast
• Occasionally, and as needed, provide support to GRTV staff on other unrelated video productions

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for video production and a strong creative drive
• Basic experience with video equipment and editing software
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently
• Willingness to accept and incorporate feedback throughout the creative process
• Ability to meet physical requirements of production demanded by the scope of the project as proposed
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to complete 200 hours over the internship period

PROJECT PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

Applicants should submit a brief outline (1-2 pages) describing the project they’d like to pursue. This should include: 

• A working title and short description of the concept
• Intended style or format (documentary, narrative, experimental, etc.)
• Project goals or themes
• Anticipated production needs (equipment, locations, crew support, etc.)
• A rough production timeline and feasible plan for completion by the summation of the internship (December 31, 2025)

Applicants must show they have realistically considered the full production lifecycle, including potential hurdles unique to their concept, and can reasonably produce a roughly 15-30 minute final video within the allotted 200 hours and six-month duration of the program.

Successful proposals will demonstrate a creative, community-focused concept coupled with a realistic understanding of production requirements, but not every detail needs to be figured out. The proposal serves as a starting point, and GRTV staff will collaborate with the selected candidate to refine the project plan and guide it towards a successful completion. 

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Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. 

GRCMC will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. GRCMC provides equal opportunity to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, physical or mental disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. 

Interested parties should submit their proposals to: jobs@grcmc.org with “GRTV Video Production Internship” in the subject line, or mail to 711 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 30, 2025