Fall Intern - Shorts Production
Dhar Mann Studios
Burbank, CAThis is a Part Time Unpaid Internship
BIG PICTURE:
We're looking for a Shorts Production Intern who is comfortable picking up a camera (iPhone), heading into the field, and connecting with complete strangers.
You'll often work as a one-person production team , filming social-first, real-life content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels. Our formats include inviting strangers to leave heartfelt messages for loved ones, social experiments, man-on-the-street interviews, acts of kindness, passing compliments, giveaways, and emotional real-life stories.
This role requires much more than knowing how to operate a camera phone. We need someone who is naturally curious about people, confident approaching strangers, and able to create an environment where someone feels comfortable opening up on camera.
Some days you'll capture joyful, funny, or surprising interactions. Other days, you may meet someone sharing a deeply personal story about grief, illness, financial hardship, family, or another difficult chapter of their life.
The person behind the camera matters. We're looking for someone who knows how to listen without judgment, ask thoughtful questions, recognize when someone needs space, and treat every person they film with dignity and respect.
Your job isn't just to capture content. It's to find the human story inside an everyday interaction and help tell it authentically.
HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME:
• Traveling independently to locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area to film short-form social content
• Working as a one-person field production team , responsible for basic camera, audio, and production needs
• Approaching and interviewing strangers in public locations and making people feel comfortable on camera
• Producing formats that invite strangers to share heartfelt messages, tell personal stories, participate in social experiments, give compliments, or take part in acts of kindness and surprises
• Asking thoughtful follow-up questions that help uncover the deeper story behind someone's experience
• Working sensitively with participants discussing loss, illness, hardship, family struggles, and other deeply personal subjects
• Identifying compelling people and stories in real time and knowing when an unexpected interaction is worth exploring further
• Capturing clean, usable vertical footage and audio while simultaneously thinking about the story the footage will ultimately tell
• Obtaining appropriate participant releases and keeping footage, releases, and production materials organized
• Communicating regularly with producers and the Shorts team about progress, standout stories, production needs, and challenges from the field
• Representing Dhar Mann Studios professionally and compassionately while interacting with members of the public
WHAT YOU HAVE:
• Experience with video production, journalism, documentary filmmaking, social media content, interviewing, or a related field preferred
• Basic proficiency operating a camera and recording clean audio independently
• A genuine interest in people and their stories
• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to approach and start conversations with complete strangers
• Emotional intelligence and sensitivity when working with people experiencing grief, illness, financial hardship, or other difficult circumstances
• Strong interviewing instincts and the ability to listen carefully and ask meaningful follow-up questions
• The ability to work independently, problem-solve in the field, and make good creative decisions without constant supervision
• An understanding of social media and what makes real-life short-form content engaging
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• A positive, patient, and adaptable attitude when shoots don't go according to plan
• A valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and ability to travel throughout the greater Los Angeles area
• A belief that storytelling can make a positive impact by helping people understand one another and recognize the experiences we share
WHO OVERSEES YOU:
The Shorts Production Intern will report directly to the Head of Shorts .
WHO YOU OVERSEE:
Currently, the Shorts Production Intern has no personnel reporting directly to them.
WHERE IT ALL GOES DOWN:
Our Shorts Production Intern will primarily work in the field throughout the greater Los Angeles area , traveling to various locations based on production needs. Some administrative work may be completed at Dhar Mann Studios in Burbank CA.
Because this position requires regular travel to filming locations, reliable personal transportation is required.
WHEN THE MAGIC HAPPENS:
The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week , with specific times varying based on production needs. Candidates should be comfortable with a flexible production schedule, as filming times and locations may change depending on the format and story.
Additional Information
Changing Lives Productions is the in-house video production company of Dhar Mann Studios, the leading creator of scripted positive content online, with over 163 million followers and 45 billion views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Our videos receive more than 1 billion views each month, and we produce several hours of original content weekly that conveys messages of compassion, kindness, and altruism, resonating with viewers of all ages. Our stories address real-life challenges and deliver powerful life lessons that connect with global audiences. Founded by Dhar Mann, recognized as the "Moral Philosopher of YouTube" by The New York Times and ranked #2 on Forbes' 2025 Top Creators list, our mission is to not just tell stories but to change lives, as we believe storytelling has the power to bring people closer together, build empathy, and illuminate the experiences that unite us.