Filmmaker (Volunteer)

Filmmaker (Volunteer)

PromiseStudios | Film, Storytelling & Visual Production

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Hybrid / Remote (NYC-based filming as needed)

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Creative Director / Head of Production

Works Closely With: Associate Producer, PromiseReels Team, PromiseVoice, Program Teams

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Storytelling is central to how we document, reflect, and share the realities of the communities we serve.

About PromiseStudios | Film, Media & Creative Production

PromiseStudios is MAP’s creative division responsible for film, visual storytelling, and media production. Through initiatives like Promise Reels and social documentaries, the division captures real stories, historical context, and community voices with depth and responsibility.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Filmmaker who can take a project from idea to execution—including writing treatments or scripts, filming, and contributing to editing.

This role is ideal for someone who can own the creative process end-to-end while collaborating with a broader production team.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Development

• Write treatments, concepts, and short-form scripts
• Shape narrative direction for short films, reels, and mini-docs
• Translate ideas into clear visual storytelling plans

Production (Filming)

• Shoot video content (interviews, documentary-style, on-site footage)
• Capture high-quality visuals aligned with storytelling goals
• Work in real environments (schools, communities, events) with care and professionalism

Post-Production Support

• Edit or support editing of video content (cutting, pacing, basic sound/visual balance)
• Collaborate with editors for final production quality
• Ensure storytelling clarity and emotional impact

Storytelling & Ethics

• Approach storytelling with dignity, care, and responsibility
• Ensure content reflects MAP’s values and protects the integrity of participants
• Work within consent-driven and trauma-informed storytelling practices

Collaboration & Production Workflow

• Work closely with Associate Producers and creative teams
• Align projects with organizational storytelling goals
• Meet production timelines and deliverables

Communication & Responsiveness

• Maintain timely, professional communication via Google Workspace
• Coordinate across creative and program teams

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in filmmaking, videography, or visual storytelling
• Ability to write treatments or scripts
• Experience shooting video content (camera operation, framing, lighting basics)
• Basic to intermediate editing skills (Premiere, Final Cut, or similar)
• Strong storytelling instincts and creative judgment
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience in documentary or social impact storytelling
• Experience working in community-based or nonprofit environments
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Understanding of ethical storytelling practices

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment required
• Hybrid with NYC-based filming as needed

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience creating meaningful, real-world film content
• Portfolio development with mission-driven storytelling
• Collaboration with a creative production team
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Opportunity to shape narratives that reflect real communities and lived experiences

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Portfolio or sample work (required)
• Brief statement of interest describing filmmaking experience and approach to storytelling

This role captures the story.

From first idea to final frame—help bring it to life.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.