Archive Manager/Filmmaker (12 month FTC)

We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile Archive Manager / Filmmaker for a 12-month fixed term contract. This exciting role will be a part of Google DeepMind’s Creative team but will work closely with external documentary filmmakers. 

You will be instrumental in building and managing a comprehensive film archive with the potential to evolve into a future long-form film. You will also actively identify and execute opportunities to create engaging short-form video content utilizing new and existing archival material.

This position offers a unique blend of archival management and hands-on filmmaking, making it an ideal opportunity for someone with a passion for documentary storytelling, a strong technical foundation in video production and post-production, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The ability to shoot and edit is highly advantageous.

Artificial Intelligence could be one of humanity’s most useful inventions. At Google DeepMind, we’re a team of scientists, engineers, machine learning experts and more, working together to advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, and collaborate with others on critical challenges, ensuring safety and ethics are the highest priority.

Pre-Production & Production:

• Collaborate closely with the feature documentary team to identify and pursue upcoming filming opportunities.
• Help manage and coordinate shoots across our London and Mountain View offices, including scheduling, logistics, and communication.
• Gather necessary assets for filming, ensuring efficient organization and accessibility.
• Working with the wider team, support logistical aspects of shoots, including scheduling interviews, booking filming locations, filing necessary permits, and coordinating with security personnel.
• Ability to set up and operate camera, lighting, and audio equipment for on-camera interviews and remote filming setups would be a plus.

Media Management:

• Efficiently ingest, transcode, group, and sync raw footage from shoots within Adobe Premiere Pro, ensuring appropriate output formats for various needs.
• Develop and maintain a well-organized folder structure for all project assets, implementing robust backup and archiving procedures.
• Generate proxy files for transcription purposes and seamlessly integrate completed transcription documents into the project drive.
• Collaborate closely with the external Director and Producer on the output of specific sequences and deliverables.
• Maintain meticulous asset tracking documents to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Organize and catalog existing archival assets, including past video projects, GDM podcasts, animation files, and relevant news clips, ensuring they are easily searchable and accessible.

Post-Production / Video Output:

• Creatively edit archival assets to produce compelling video content for sharing internally and externally.
• Collaborate with external creative partners and agencies to produce videos utilizing the rich archive of materials.
• Develop engaging motion graphics and light visual effects using Adobe After Effects and exploring the potential of GenAI tools to enhance storytelling.
• Provide editing support for other Google DeepMind video projects as needed, such as video podcast episodes, B-roll reels, and social media assets.
• Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements in web-based and digital media technologies.

To set you up for success as the Archive Manager/ Filmmaker at Google DeepMind,  we look for the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable experience setting up video and audio recording setups for single-camera interviews, including familiarity with equipment such as Sony FX6 cameras and Tentacle audio recorders.
• Solid working knowledge of contemporary video cameras, file formats, codecs, and best practices for their handling within a post-production workflow.
• Proven ability to maintain and troubleshoot video equipment between shoots, including cameras, lenses, teleprompters, lighting kits, and storage drives.
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in video/film production, with specific experience as an Assistant Editor. Please provide a list of project titles and the names of the lead editors you worked with on these projects.
• Extensive and proficient knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and the broader Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with media management software such as Shotput Pro 6.
• Familiarity with colour correction software such as Davinci Resolve.
• Experience with transcription tools such as Speedscriber.
• Proficiency in using downloading and conversion software such as 4K Video Downloader, ClipGrab, and HandBrake.
• Comprehensive understanding of advanced video compression techniques and associated software packages.
• A strong grasp of post-production workflows and the ability to proactively identify and recommend improvements to existing processes for increased efficiency.
• Experience creating motion graphics and/or animation is a plus. Please include a reel if available and specify software used (e.g. After Effects, Cinema 4D, Sketch2AE, Overlord).
• Experience with Avid Media Composer is a plus, but not mandatory.
• Comfort and proficiency with Google Apps suite (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to understand, research, troubleshoot, resolve, and provide advice on technical video issues.
• A strong sense of self-motivation, initiative, and excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate needs and ideas in a positive and productive manner within a collaborative team.