Sustainable Subsea Networks: Documentary Research Film Assistant Position
Nicole Starosielski, Professor
Film Studies
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2025.
The project, in development for Sustainable Subsea Networks, will create a 10-15 minute documentary film investigating the sustainability of subsea cables—the backbone of global digital networks that carry over 99% of transoceanic internet traffic (satellite is responsible for less than 1%).There are currently no industry-wide metrics for assessing the sustainability of the cable system. Our film explores the histories, contemporary uses, and effects of these metrics, aiming to empower international workers doing their part to make Internet infrastructure greener. We are looking for students interested in assisting during each stage of production. Students with backgrounds in producing, cinematography, editing, sound design, motion graphic design/visual effects, and animation are welcome. Assistants will join a small crew conducting interviews and collecting footage in remote locations.
In this position, you can expect to:
--Gain experience working on a documentary crew and increase familiarity with the film production pipeline.
--Develop skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, focusing on sustainability metrics within the data center industry and their potential use across other industries.
--Translate in-depth research on digital infrastructure into a compelling narrative.
--Acquire experience in pre-production, physical production and post-production.
Role: Potential weekly tasks could include:
1. Assistant Editing Tasks: Naming and organizing raw footage into bins, in addition to creating stringout timelines to select pertinent soundbites from. Syncing sound to video clips. Creating AI transcriptions and translations of interviews for subtitles. Editing voiceover in accordance with a script.
2. Narrative Research: Gathering relevant materials for review, synthesizing academic and industry research, and collecting real-world examples from stakeholders (e.g., best industry practices, failed examples, noteworthy policy frameworks, or international agreements). Flagging pertinent research to be referenced during interviews. Translating research into the narrative structure of the film.
3. On-Location Interviews and B-Roll: Join our production team on-location and assist with cinematography, lighting, sound recording, and production logistics. Completing DIT duties such as offloading footage after each interview. Acting as second-unit crew to collect B-roll and inserts.
Qualifications: We seek an undergraduate student with a passion for audio-visual storytelling. Ideal candidates should have experience in film production and/or content creation; you will be asked to submit three links showcasing your skills. In addition, an interest in technology and sustainability issues, particularly in infrastructures and their connection to policy, economic development, industry activities, and the broader natural environment. Candidates should effectively collaborate with researchers, including professors, graduate students, industry stakeholders, and other associations, and work both independently and diligently. Adaptability, learning from the varied expertise of team members, and contributing unique insights to the project are essential. If you are passionate about the film production process, curious about technology and social change, and committed to making internet infrastructures more sustainable, we would love to hear from you.
Required Qualifications:
Proficiency with Davinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere; able to effectively organize footage into bins and stringout timelines
Basic cinematography knowledge (focal length, shot sizes, etc)
Willing to occupy different crew roles in accordance with the production’s needs.
Keen interest in storytelling; focus on representation in a shifting media landscape
Enthusiasm for learning new skills/software
Ability to work independently, collaborate with a geographically dispersed team beyond Berkeley, and be proactive in completing project activities.
Other Skills:
Experience with 2D and/or 3D animation. Proficiency with After Effects, Blender, or Unreal Engine preferable. (If you are primarily interested in animation, please specify on your application.)
Traditional art skills such as drawing, painting, or sculpting
Graphic design skills; familiarity with Photoshop & Illustrator
Diversity:
We strongly encourage undergraduates passionate about technology and sustainability, even if they have not yet had any film production experience, to apply. We are dedicated to increasing the participation of minority students in the field, so first-generation college students or members of minority groups are particularly welcome. Our team is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of our research and providing mentorship to interested students.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: This job can be done remotely, and under flexible hours. Travel to conferences and field sites may also be available.
Related website: http://www.sustainablesubseanetworks.com
Arts & Humanities Social Sciences Engineering, Design & Technologies Environmental Issues