STAGE Research Assistant 

Opportunity Description:


STAGE is seeking spring/summer Research Assistants for the documentary style web series "CURIOSITY - The Making of a Scientist with @STAGE_UChicago." Expand beyond the traditional modes of filmmaking in this team-driven interdisciplinary project. Each episode of the web series dives into the personal and professional lives of scientists, in and out of the lab. We are looking for experienced filmmakers with hybrid filmmaking skills as well as a flexible mindset to take on multiple roles in our project, i.e. cameraperson, editor, interviewer, lighting technician, advanced sound designer etc.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

We are seeking both scientists and artists who want to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of filmmaking and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. This is a team-driven project that requires a willingness to explore a non-traditional method of filmmaking. Specifically, we use the scientific process as a model for our filmmaking process; that is, we are invested in the exploratory process as much as we are in the outcome. We have several experienced UChicago students already working on this project who will guide newer students through the process.

 

Core skill sets desired:

  • Cinematography (tripod and/or handheld), lighting, sound
  • Strong visual sensibilities (ability to identify visually compelling footage)
  • Editing (principles of editing on Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro or equivalent software)
  • Post-production (color correction, color grading, sound correction on Pro Tools or equivalent software)

Application Process: 

If interested, please submit your CV to stagelab@uchicago.edu, along with a short statement describing either:

  • What your previous filmmaking experience entailed, and why you’re interested in working on this project and in a new way

OR, if you don’t have previous filmmaking experience,

  • Why you’re interested in working on this project

In your statement, please include hours per week that you would be able to commit to working on this project. We are accepting applications from third- and fourth-year students, and, on a case-by-case basis, freshmen and sophomores with broad experience in filmmaking. Due to the exploratory nature of this project we require students to commit to a minimum of two quarters of work with the Lab. Successful candidates from the school year will be considered for a full time paid internship during the summer. Although we do not offer direct funding, students do receive appropriate production credit (i.e., they will be listed in the film credits), and we do whatever is possible to enable students to apply to the various University funding channels available. Students may also have the option of working on this project for independent study credit.

Deadline for first round of applications is March 15, 5pm. After this date applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis. First interviews are held on a rolling basis. As a general rule, therefore, applications should be submitted as early as possible.