Videographer and Studio Lead

Chocolate Films; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced maternity pay

Job summary

Chocolate Films seeks a full-time filmmaker based in London to shoot on location and in the studio, lead workshops for schools and youth, and take ownership of Nine Elms Studio. The role combines hands-on shooting with studio management and occasional editing.

Applicants should have at least 3 years of related experience, demonstrate strong camera and lighting skills, and be comfortable working with children or young people.

Qualifications

• Strong camera skills with Canon cinema cameras (C400/C200/C50) and mirrorless systems.
• Confident lighting, ideally with Aputure kit and programmable lighting states.
• Solid knowledge of sound equipment, accessories and grip.
• Experience teaching or running workshops with children or youth.

Responsibilities

• Shoot on location and in the studio, solo or with a crew.
• Light interviews and events to a high standard.
• Capture sound and manage kit on shoots.
• Lead Chocolate Films workshops for schools and community groups.
• Maintain Nine Elms Studio and train fellow filmmakers.

Skills

Camera skills

Canon cinema cameras

Lighting

Sound knowledge

Teaching/workshops

Editing skills

Communication

Tools

Premiere

DaVinci Resolve

Aputure lighting

Job description

We're looking for a full-time filmmaker who loves being behind the camera. Based at Nine Elms Studio in Battersea, this is a hands‑on role for someone happiest on location or on set: lighting a scene well, capturing bold, dynamic content and solving problems on the day. You'll also lead filmmaking workshops for children and young people, and take ownership of our studio as Studio Lead, keeping it in excellent shape and helping it grow. There is some editing, but this is primarily a shooting, workshop facilitation and studio role. You'll need at least 3 years' experience in a related position.

What is Chocolate Films?

Chocolate Films is a video production company with bases in London and Glasgow. We produce video content for museums, art galleries, charities and corporate clients, with an exciting and inspiring client list. Chocolate Films has been run as a social enterprise since it was founded in 2001. We use profits from our production work to support a wide range of filmmaking experiences for children, young people and vulnerable adults, largely facilitated by our filmmakers. We are the only full‑service video production company to be granted a Royal Warrant by King Charles III.

What the role involves

Shooting

• Filming on location and in the studio, solo or as part of a crew.
• Lighting interviews, events and set‑ups to a high standard.
• Capturing sound, and looking after camera, grip and audio kit on shoots.
• Working across documentaries, museum and gallery films, events, conference films and promos.
• Contributing ideas at the development stage, including treatments and shot plans.
• Keeping Nine Elms Studio clean, organised and ready for clients at all times.
• Setting up, rigging and programming lighting, and making sure kit is checked, maintained and stored properly.
• Recommending improvements and kit upgrades to ensure that the studio is constantly staying up to date.
• Practical upkeep of the space, including repainting the floor and walls when needed.
• Training other filmmakers on studio best practice.
• Suggesting kit upgrades and new ways to improve how the studio runs, then making them happen.

Workshops

• Leading Chocolate Films Workshops for schools, youth groups and community organisations.
• Helping children, young people and vulnerable adults pick up a camera, tell their own stories and build confidence.
• Making filmmaking fun, accessible and hands‑on for groups with a wide range of experience.

Editing

• Cutting footage at Nine Elms Studio using Premiere or DaVinci Resolve.

Who we're looking for

Someone who gets a buzz from a good shoot, takes pride in a well‑run space, and enjoys passing on what they know. You're practical, organised and happy to roll your sleeves up, whether that's rigging a light, running a session with a class of teenagers, or touching up the studio floor before a client arrives. You work well under pressure, on your own or in a team.

Skills and experience

• Strong camera skills, ideally on Canon cinema cameras (C400/C200/C50) and mirrorless cameras.
• Confident lighting, ideally with Aputure kit, including rigging and programming lighting states.
• Solid technical knowledge of sound equipment, accessories and grip.
• Experience working with children or young people, whether teaching, running workshops, youth work or mentoring.
• Editing skills in Premiere (DaVinci is a bonus).
• A positive, can‑do attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new kit, platforms and software.
• Based in London and working from Nine Elms Studio daily.

Payment and benefits

Annual salary of £35,000 to £38,000, depending on experience. Enhanced maternity pay. Employment is contingent on a clean enhanced DBS check and a clean driving licence.

• An initial 6 month trial period with a view to a longer term position. Regular working week Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm, but flexibility is essential as weekend and evening work is common. Time off in lieu is offered for extra hours.advantage.