Freelance Video Editor / Motion Graphics Animator

WE ARE... the Metropolis Media Group. A multi Emmy® award-winning boutique T.V commercial production house who primarily produce high-end political and environmentally orientated T.V ads, documentaries, and digital / social media video campaigns for our clients. Our clients include campaign, ballot initiative and public affairs groups as well as critical social issues and environmental advocacy organizations.

"We tell stories that matter, and have been fortunate enough to work closely with our clients on topics and campaigns that have changed the world for the better.

"We're looking for a fast, highly talented, imaginative, and driven video editor with excellent motion graphics skills to join our team in a freelance / contractor position. We are based in Los Angeles but will happily entertain applicants from any state in the USA. Your skills are more important to us than where you are.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

You will be the newest freelance integral member of our Editing / Creative Department of which we already have 3 in-house freelance editors.

In this position, you will be responsible for taking client scripts and creating impactful & persuasive :30 and :15 second commercials. . Most commercials you work on will be editing either a mix of filmed footage (talking head to camera + Broll) with stock footage enhanced with simple, stylish Motion Graphics, or commercials built solely from Motion Graphics, Stock Footage, & animations.

All our T.V. commercials are then converted/adapted for digital content, so fast adaption / orientation to platforms such ad Instagram & Facebook stories is important.

While scripts come pre-written from our clients with their basic creative visual ideas attached, the ideal applicant will have a strong ability to take scripts and bring them to life by interpreting & envisioning compelling video content concepts, and identify the best techniques and methods to communicate the client's message on-screen.

The successful applicant will possess the following:

• Strong and efficient Video Editing skills, crafting words on screen and shaping cuts through multiple iterations quickly.
• Ability to identify notable lines and best takes from interview footage for use in ads. Understand tonal nuances, inflections etc.
• Excellent research skills in finding appropriate stock footage & audio selection to fit the narrative
• Strong ability in Motion Graphics. Ability to Conceive, Layout, Design, Edit, and shape high quality, layered, Motion Graphic TV commercials that communicate the narrative, goals and agenda of the script with appropriate pace and timing.
• Technically proficient in managing and editing raw video footage (from Arri Alexa, Red, Sony), and excellent skills in color grading raw footage.
• Proficient in efficient editing workflows, use of Frame.io Google Dive, Slack etc.
• Have a reliable, fast editing system at home with fast internet connection. Be up to date and well versed in the latest motion graphics processes, methods, plugins.
• Knowledge of conforming and adapting finished TV ads into multiple formats for social media platforms (1x1, 9x16 vertical format etc)
• Last, but most important: Easily & quickly communicate with our clients (who are also the directors) to participate in brainstorms, share new design perspectives and creative ideas etc. FAST email response times to our client's change requests with edits as well as email responses... "Sure thing, on it!" *We do not use a Post Production coordinator so you will deal directly with our client's through email, receiving their change requests, questions, ideas etc. and generally "hashing out" their vision until they are happy. Excellent email communication skills are a must.

You also have:

• The ability to work unsupervised as well as collaboratively delivering against tight deadlines while meeting high-quality standards.
• Strong quality control skills and attention to visual detail is an absolute must
• Are self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and technical problem-solving skills

EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years in editing, motion graphic design / animation experience.
• Highly proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects & Premiere primarily or Final Cut Pro).
• Political TV commercial editing is an advantage and should be noted and highlighted on your application.
• A degree or similar experience/interest in Political Science would also be highly advantageous to understand the landscape of communication.

WORK/PRODUCTION TIMELINES:

This is a freelance/contractor position and you will be recruited on a per-project (per commercial) basis. When times are busy, we may stack several commercials back to back for you. The average commercial takes several days to a week complete, including client reviews. We can discuss and negotiate your daily/weekly rate and we pride ourselves on quick payments to our freelance team as we value your time and effort. (Payment is usually made within 48 hours of receiving your invoice)

**Applications without links to previous editing AND motion graphic work/reels will not be entertained.**

We have a fun working team environment with fantastic, long term clients and we have achieved many accolades over the last 10 years for our work including multiple Emmy® Awards, Tellly, Communicator, and Reed Awards.

Our team is very excited to review applications so we look forward to hearing from you!

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $650.00 - $850.00 per day

Application Question(s):

• What is your ideal day rate for freelance work? What hours of the day do you work & are you ok for late night if deadlines are tight?
• What state are you based in? Do you invoice under an LLC or Inc?
• While not a deal-breaker, have you worked on political campaign commercials previously and/or have an interest in political initiatives / advocacy? Any links to political work will be appreciated.
• If we spoke to your previous clients/employers, how would they describe you as an editor in general in regards to your work speed & communication skills? And what would be the one weakness they would tell us?
• Direct & fast email responses with our clients is very important as part of our workflow. An excellent communicator with extensive vocabulary skills who can creatively contribute to the process in getting our client's 'vision' on screen as efficiently as possible is imperative. Q: If a client wasn't sure on how to visualize part of their script on screen, what's your best method to comfortably work with them to 'find' what works for them?
• If you were to make a pie graph of the work you've done in your career, what would it look like? (EG: 50% commercial, 25% documentary 25% social media)
• Do you have any other film production super-power skills, complimentary to Editing & Motion Graphics, that may make you stand above the rest? If so, what?

Work Location: Remote