Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Video Intern

🎯 Role Definition

The Video Intern is a foundational, hands-on role designed for aspiring creative professionals eager to immerse themselves in the world of video production and digital storytelling. This position functions as an integral support system to a creative or marketing team, offering exposure to the entire video lifecycle—from initial concept brainstorming to final delivery. The intern's primary purpose is to learn and contribute, gaining practical experience in cinematography, editing, motion graphics, and production logistics while assisting with the creation of compelling video content that aligns with brand objectives and engages target audiences. This is a mentorship-driven role focused on developing both technical skills and a professional creative process.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Current students pursuing a degree in Film, Media, Communications, or a related field.
Recent graduates seeking their first professional experience in a creative environment.
Passionate hobbyist videographers or self-taught creators with a strong portfolio.

Advancement To:

Video Production Assistant
Junior Video Editor
Content Creator / Digital Content Producer
Social Media Video Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Marketing Intern (with a focus on visual content)
Social Media Coordinator
Junior Graphic Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist the video production team across all project phases, including pre-production planning, storyboarding, on-set support, and post-production editing.
Operate and maintain a range of video equipment, such as DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras, along with various lighting kits and audio recording devices.
Actively participate in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing fresh ideas for video concepts, social media campaigns, and internal communication projects.
Systematically log, tag, and organize raw footage and other digital media assets to create an efficient and easily searchable library for the post-production team.
Perform foundational video editing tasks, including creating rough cuts, assembling footage on a timeline, and syncing separately recorded audio with video tracks.
Design and integrate basic motion graphics, such as lower thirds, titles, and call-to-actions, into video projects using Adobe After Effects or similar software.
Provide support for color correction and sound mixing processes, ensuring final video outputs adhere to established quality and brand standards.
Help with the physical setup and breakdown of lighting, audio, and camera equipment for both in-studio and on-location video shoots.
Serve as a key Production Assistant (PA) on set, managing the slate, taking detailed production notes, and assisting the director and crew to ensure a smooth workflow.
Prepare and export video files in various aspect ratios and formats optimized for diverse platforms like YouTube, Instagram (Reels, Stories), TikTok, and internal corporate websites.
Source, curate, and manage a library of licensed stock footage, background music, and sound effects to supplement original content.
Collaborate closely with marketing and social media teams to understand specific content requirements and deliver video assets that align with campaign goals and brand voice.
Conduct research on emerging video trends, competitor content strategies, and new production technologies to help inform the team's creative approach.
Take ownership of creating short-form video content, such as Instagram Reels or TikToks, from initial concept and filming through to final editing and posting.

Secondary Functions

Manage and archive digital assets, including project files, final exports, and B-roll, using a digital asset management (DAM) system or cloud-based storage.
Provide light administrative support to the video team, which may include scheduling shoots, helping to coordinate locations or talent, and managing equipment calendars.
Transcribe interviews, dialogue, and voice-overs from raw footage to aid in the editing process and for the creation of subtitles.
Create and embed closed captions or subtitles for final video exports to improve accessibility and audience engagement on social platforms.
Assist in the technical setup and execution of live-streamed events or webinars, which can involve monitoring feeds and troubleshooting minor technical issues.
Help gather and report on key performance metrics for published videos (e.g., view counts, watch time, engagement rate) to contribute to content strategy discussions.
Maintain a detailed inventory of all video production equipment, flagging any malfunctions, damages, or needs for repair and replacement.
Support the creation of internal and external presentation decks by editing and embedding video clips and other multimedia elements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Video Editing Software: Demonstrable proficiency with a non-linear editing (NLE) platform, primarily Adobe Premiere Pro. Familiarity with After Effects, Audition, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve is a significant asset.
Camera Operation: A solid understanding of the fundamentals of operating DSLR or mirrorless cameras, including manual control of aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
Lighting Principles: Basic knowledge of standard lighting setups, such as three-point lighting, and how to shape light for interviews and product videography.
Audio Recording: Practical experience with setting up and monitoring various audio sources, including lavalier microphones, shotgun mics, and external audio recorders, to capture clean sound.
Motion Graphics: Foundational ability to create and animate simple text, shapes, and graphics to enhance video content, preferably using Adobe After Effects.
Color Correction & Grading: A basic understanding of color theory and the technical ability to perform primary color correction to match shots and apply basic creative color grades.
Digital Asset Management: A systematic approach to file organization, including knowledge of folder structures, naming conventions, and best practices for managing large media files.

Soft Skills

Creativity & Visual Storytelling: A strong visual eye and an innate ability to brainstorm and develop compelling narrative and visual concepts.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp focus on the small details, from ensuring smooth edits and correct branding to checking for spelling errors in on-screen text.
Collaboration: The ability to work constructively within a team, take direction and feedback gracefully, and contribute to a positive and productive creative environment.
Adaptability & Flexibility: An eagerness to learn and the capacity to pivot between different tasks and changing priorities in a fast-paced production setting.
Proactive Problem-Solving: The initiative to identify potential technical or creative roadblocks and resourcefully find effective solutions.
Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills to juggle multiple projects and deadlines effectively without sacrificing quality.
Clear Communication: The ability to articulate ideas, provide status updates, and ask clarifying questions in a clear and professional manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program.

Preferred Education:

Actively enrolled as a Junior or Senior in a Bachelor's degree program, or a recent graduate.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film Production / Media Studies
Communications / Broadcast Journalism
Marketing / Digital Media
Graphic Design with a video focus

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years of relevant experience. Academic, personal, and freelance projects are highly valued.

Preferred:

A digital portfolio or demo reel showcasing a variety of video projects (e.g., short films, social media content, event coverage, documentary-style pieces) is strongly preferred and often required to demonstrate skill and creative potential. Prior internship experience in a media or marketing environment is a plus.