Director of Photography Apprentice

Assignment Desk is hiring a Director of Photography Apprentice in Washington, DC. This is a full-time, federally accredited 12-month paid apprenticeship for video shooters who want to grow into a Director of Photography. We have run this apprenticeship for 20+ years. It is a career path, not a short-term gig.

Think of the first year as your boot camp. You will be based in Washington, DC and work regularly with our Washington staff DP for clients like The Weather Channel, Discovery, ESPN, NFL Network, ABC, NBC and E!. You will be training both on and off the field as a camera assist, running audio, and lighting. Anything and everything to teach you all aspects of high-end video production.

At the end of the apprenticeship phase (8-12 months) you will be considered for a multi-year contract position where we continue to develop you into a Director of Photography. If you advance, you are placed in your own market with a full gear package and truck outside of Washington, DC. If you want to live full-time in Washington, DC, this position is not for you.

We often work odd hours on short notice, and some weeks are busier than others. Lots of driving and heavy travel are guaranteed; our crews drive hundreds of miles before and after shooting on a regular basis. Experience in PA, audio and grip work is a plus, but a solid reel and a hard-working attitude are what matter most.

Yearly Salary: $35,500 + Commission. Requirements: valid driver's license, passport, and a dependable vehicle. Federal apprenticeship guidelines require at least a college degree or two years of related work experience. All applicants must have a reel - no exceptions. Make your reel three minutes maximum, showing interviews and B-roll, cut as one cohesive piece that shows us who you are behind the lens. Reels and resumes are accepted on or before November 1st; anything received after that will not be reviewed.

Term: multi-year contract. The apprenticeship is a 12-month paid apprenticeship with a review and first right of hire for the remainder of the contract at 9 months.