Freelance Photo Editor / Digital Asset Manager (Coverage)

The Refinery; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The Refinery is seeking a freelance Photo Editor / Digital Asset Manager to provide coverage for the Photo Editor during planned absences. This on-demand role supports our creative teams by managing digital assets, processing images, and handling requests to keep projects moving.

Ideal candidates will have entertainment or agency experience, strong Photoshop and Capture One skills, and a proven ability to meet tight deadlines while coordinating with art directors and vendors.

Qualifications

• Experience in entertainment advertising or a creative agency environment.
• Hands-on experience with photo editing, digital asset management, photo production, and stock licensing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize changing needs and respond promptly.

Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for the Photo Editor during planned absences, managing daily requests and keeping projects moving.
• Download, organize, upload, and maintain unit photography, special shoot assets, frame grabs, and stock imagery.
• Track photo approvals and kills, compare file lists, identify missing assets, and ensure teams are working with the correct images and versions.
• Source imagery, provide comps, coordinate stock licensing requests, and track usage rights and restrictions.
• Pull high-quality stills from screeners or supplied footage, including specific timecode requests.
• Process RAW files in Capture One and Photoshop, apply supplied settings, match approved references, and export files for creative and finishing teams.
• Communicate with art directors, creative directors, account teams, and external vendors to prioritize requests and provide clear status updates.
• Handle confidential and unreleased entertainment assets with care and discretion.

Skills

Photo editing

Digital asset management

Stock licensing

Communication

Deadline management

Tools

Capture One

Photoshop

Extensis Connect

Box

Job description

We’re looking to add a Freelance Photo Editor / Digital Asset Manager to our freelance roster to provide coverage for our Photo Editor during planned absences. This is an as-needed freelance opportunity. The role supports our creative teams by managing digital assets, handling photo requests, processing images, and keeping projects moving smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for the Photo Editor during planned absences, managing daily requests and keeping projects moving
• Download, organize, upload, and maintain unit photography, special shoot assets, frame grabs, and stock imagery
• Track photo approvals and kills, compare file lists, identify missing assets, and ensure teams are working with the correct images and versions
• Source imagery, provide comps, coordinate stock licensing requests, and track usage rights and restrictions
• Pull high-quality stills from screeners or supplied footage, including specific timecode requests
• Process RAW files in Capture One and Photoshop, apply supplied settings, match approved references, and export files for creative and finishing teams
• Communicate with art directors, creative directors, account teams, and external vendors to prioritize requests and provide clear status updates
• Handle confidential and unreleased entertainment assets with care and discretion

Qualifications

• Experience in entertainment advertising or a creative agency environment
• Hands-on experience with photo editing, digital asset management, photo production, and stock licensing
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize changing needs and respond promptly
• Positive, professional communicator who works well with creative teams and external partners
• Experience with Photoshop, photo approval platforms, and frame-grab software a must
• Experience with Extensis Connect, Capture One, Box, DF Studio a plus
• Responsible in handling confidential and unreleased materials

Requirements

• Availability for as-needed freelance coverage during agreed-upon working hours
• Willingness to complete paid onboarding and a handoff before beginning assignments
• LA-based and/or Pacific Time Zone candidates preferred.