Crew Members for AFI Student Film “The King Is Dead”

Job Description

A new documentary project is seeking an experienced and passionate Cameraman to join the production team immediately. This is a great opportunity for a skilled videographer who can capture compelling visuals, follow direction, and bring a creative eye to documentary storytelling. The selected candidate will work closely with the director and production team to help shape the visual narrative of this exciting and meaningful project.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate professional camera equipment for documentary filming

• Collaborate with the director and production team to achieve the desired visual style

• Capture both planned and spontaneous moments that support the documentary’s narrative

• Ensure high-quality footage, lighting, and framing in various environments

• Maintain technical proficiency and troubleshoot on-set challenges as needed

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Cameraman or Videographer (documentary experience preferred)

• Proficient in using professional camera and audio equipment

• Strong eye for storytelling, composition, and natural lighting

• Ability to work efficiently under tight timelines

• Must be available to start immediately

• Must be based in or near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Compensation Details

• Compensation to be discussed upon inquiry

Job Description

A passionate and collaborative team is being assembled for “Dollface”, a low-budget arthouse short film shooting in Los Angeles, CA. This passion project explores the dark underbelly of hustler sex work through a provocative and emotional revenge narrative. While the roles are unpaid, team members will receive full film credit, footage for their reels, and inclusion in festival submissions. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a boundary-pushing, art-driven production.

The film will shoot for 2–3 days between October 22nd–28th in Los Angeles, California.

Project Synopsis

“Dollface” follows two best friends navigating the gritty world of hustler sex work. When one friend goes missing after a night of working, the other — a male hustler — embarks on a dark journey of revenge against the person responsible. The story is bold, emotional, and challenges societal norms with its raw storytelling and visual style.

Job Responsibilities

The production is currently seeking the following crew positions:

• Cinematographer / Director of Photography (DOP) – Collaborate with the director to shape the visual style and capture the film’s tone.

• Gaffer – Design and manage lighting setups to create the desired atmosphere.

• Boom Operator – Record clear, high-quality on-set sound and dialogue.

• Makeup Artist – Create character-appropriate looks and maintain continuity throughout production.

All applicants must be collaborative, creative, and reliable, with a strong passion for independent filmmaking.

Requirements

• Must be based in Los Angeles, California

• Must own your own equipment

• Prior experience in independent or student films preferred

• Comfortable working on a dark, provocative narrative

• Must be available for 2–3 consecutive filming days

Compensation Details

• Unpaid opportunity

• Film credit, festival submissions, and reel footage provided

Job Description

Seeking passionate and skilled crew members to join the team for the short film “The King Is Dead.” This low-budget, honorarium-paid project follows a creative concept imagining Elvis Presley faking his death to escape fame — only to find that the afterlife offers no escape from the pressures that haunted him in life.

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with emerging filmmakers, contribute to a time-period production, and gain valuable experience working on an American Film Institute project.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the director and production team to execute the creative vision.

• Maintain accuracy and authenticity with period-appropriate wardrobe, hair, and makeup.

• Ensure all on-set tasks and creative duties are completed efficiently and professionally.

• Support the art and production departments in maintaining visual consistency throughout filming.

Available Positions

• Costume Designer – Develops and manages wardrobe that reflects the film’s time period and character personalities.

• Hair/Makeup Lead – Designs and applies makeup and hairstyles consistent with the era.

• Art Production Assistant (Art PA) – Assists the art department with set dressing, props, and visual continuity.

Note: Must be comfortable working with time-period wardrobe, hair, and makeup styles.

Requirements

• Previous experience or strong interest in student and independent film productions.

• Knowledge of time-period styling (for Costume and Hair/Makeup roles).

• Excellent teamwork, creativity, and communication skills.

• Must be available for filming in Los Angeles during the production window.

Compensation Details

• Honorarium Pay (contact for details)

• Low-Budget, Non-Union

• Great opportunity for networking and building AFI credits.