Film Internship Research Assistant Position

Opportunity Description:

The web series, CURIOSITY: The Making of a Scientist, is a unique research project encompassing storytelling, science communication, and documentary filmmaking. CURIOSITY takes us into the labs and lives of scientists to dispel stereotypes and reveal the human side of those who practice in the field. The goal of the series is to explore what motivates and is involved in choosing a career in science, what inspires scientific investigation, and the nature of curiosity itself. CURIOSITY is an interdisciplinary project that speaks to a broad public audience, as well as to a collaborative creative team.

STAGE is seeking both undergraduate student 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, STAGE uses the scientific process as a model for our filmmaking process and we are as invested in the exploration as much as we are in the outcome. Experienced UChicago students already working on the project will guide newer students through the process.

Interns are part of an interdisciplinary team that includes students, faculty, staff and art and technology professionals. Film interns are supervised by the STAGE Lab Director of Science, Dr. Sunanda Prabhu-Gaunkar.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

STAGE is currently 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 STAGE's exploratory process, students are required to commit to a minimum of two quarters of work with the Lab.

• Cinematography
• Animation (traditional frame by frame animation, experience with Clip Studio Paint or Procreate is a plus)
• Documentary Editing (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent software)
• Post-production (color correction, color grading, sound correction on Pro Tools or equivalent software)

Basic training for the use of film equipment from the Logan Media Center for equipment access at start of internship.

Application Process: 

If interested, please submit your CV to stagelab@uchicago.edu, current GPA (if applicable), along with a short statement describing either:

• What your previous filmmaking experience entailed, and why you’re interested in working with the STAGE Lab and in a new way?

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

• Why you’re interested in working in this capacity with the STAGE Lab?

In your statement, please include hours per week that you would be able to commit to working on this project.

Although STAGE does 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. Work study opportunities are available for eligible students. Students may also have the option of working with STAGE for independent study credit.

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. Rough deadlines are as follows:

For Summer Quarter: apply mid-January through mid-May
For Fall Quarter: apply mid-April through mid-September
For Winter Quarter: apply mid-October through mid-December
For Spring Quarter: apply mid-January through mid-March