At a Glance
- Tasks: Help uncover and develop engaging community stories for a new documentary series.
- Company: Join Just Connor Films, a passionate team dedicated to authentic storytelling.
- Benefits: Gain production credits, mentoring, and branded clothing while building your portfolio.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and love for storytelling!
- Why this job: Be part of a creative project celebrating Scotland's communities and landscapes.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, good communication skills, and a passion for local stories are key.
Scotland's Edge is a new observational documentary series currently in development by Just Connor Films.
The series aims to celebrate the people, communities, businesses, landscapes and heritage of Campbeltown, Kintyre and the surrounding islands through authentic, character‑led storytelling.
We are in the research and pre‑funding stage, building a passionate volunteer team to help create a high‑quality documentary series from the ground up.
About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Researchers to help identify and develop engaging stories for the series.
Working alongside our Research Producer and production team, you will play an important role in discovering contributors, researching local history, exploring potential filming opportunities and helping shape the editorial direction of each episode.
This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in television, documentaries, journalism, media production or storytelling.
Key Responsibilities
- Research potential contributors, businesses and organisations.
- Identify interesting stories and characters suitable for the series.
- Conduct background research into local history, heritage and community events.
- Assist with contributor outreach and initial communication.
- Maintain accurate research notes and contributor records.
- Support the production team with fact‑checking and editorial research.
- Attend occasional online production meetings where possible.
- Work collaboratively with the wider Scotland's Edge team.
- We're Looking For People Who Are
- Curious and enjoy uncovering great stories.
- Friendly and confident communicating with people.
- Organised with good attention to detail.
- Reliable and able to work independently.
- Passionate about Scotland, documentary filmmaking or local communities.
- Comfortable using email, online research tools and basic Microsoft Office or Google Workspace applications.
- Previous television or research experience is welcome but not essential
- What You'll Receive
- Full production credits on the series.
- A profile on the Scotland's Edge website.
- Branded Scotland's Edge clothing.
- Mentoring and experience working alongside the production team.
- Opportunities to attend production meetings and filming where appropriate.
- The chance to build an impressive portfolio of documentary research experience.
- Priority consideration for paid opportunities should funding or sponsorship become available.
- Our Commitment
We believe great stories come from great people.
Whether you're an experienced researcher, a journalism student, or someone with a genuine passion for local communities, we'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to play a part in bringing Scotland's Edge to life, we'd be delighted to receive your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Volunteer Documentary Researcher: Community Stories employer: Scotland's Edge
Just Connor Films is an exceptional employer for those passionate about storytelling and community engagement. As a volunteer Documentary Researcher, you'll be part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of Campbeltown and its surroundings. With opportunities for mentorship, production credits, and the chance to build a portfolio in documentary research, this role offers meaningful experiences in a vibrant and culturally rich location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Documentary Researcher: Community Stories
✨Get Involved in Local Media Communities
Join local journalism groups or media guilds in your area. They often have volunteer opportunities that can help you network and get your foot in the door. Plus, being active in these communities can lead to solid references and connections!
✨Offer Your Skills to Non-Profits
Many non-profit organisations need media help for newsletters, social media, or event coverage. This is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and bolster your portfolio while also doing something meaningful.
✨Attend Journalism Workshops and Events
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, and networking events on journalism. Not only will you learn new skills, but you’ll also meet fellow aspiring journalists and industry insiders who could have leads on volunteer positions.
✨Show Your Work Publicly
Set up a blog or a social media page where you can showcase your writing. Share the stories that matter to you and tag relevant organisations or publications. This visibility can attract attention from local media outlets looking for eager volunteers like us!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Documentary Researcher: Community Stories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Samples:As you're diving into the world of journalism-media, make sure to include a few of your best writing pieces in your application. Whether it's articles, blog posts, or even social media content, showcase your range and style. We want to see how you tell stories and engage readers!
Tailor Your CV for the Media World:Your CV should reflect your passion for journalism. Highlight relevant experiences, even if they’re volunteering gigs or class assignments that relate to media. Get creative with your layout—consider including links to your published work or any media platforms you've contributed to. We love seeing initiative!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to share your enthusiasm for the role at Scotland's Edge. Talk about why you’re drawn to this volunteer position specifically, and how it fits into your journey as a budding journalist. Let us in on your motivations and what you hope to learn!
Be Ready to Collaborate:Since this is a volunteer role, emphasise your willingness to work with others in the media field. Mention any group projects or collaborations you’ve done in the past. Skills like teamwork and communication are vital in journalism, and we want to see that you can thrive in a collaborative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland's Edge
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
As a volunteer in journalism-media, we need to present samples of our best writing. Curate a portfolio that highlights different styles – features, news reports, or opinion pieces. Be prepared to discuss the thought process behind your pieces and how you approach different topics.
✨Be Conversational and Engaged
Interviews in the media field can feel more like a chat than a formal interrogation. So, let’s be enthusiastic about our ideas and show a genuine interest in the role. Prepare some engaging questions about the type of stories Scotland's Edge covers and their approach to journalism.
✨Know Your Media Tools
Familiarity with tools like CMS for writing and editing, or social media for content promotion can set us apart. If you've used any multimedia tools or video editing software, don’t hesitate to mention them—it shows versatility and a modern edge in our media approach.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Volunteer Work
Since this role is a volunteer position, we need to convey why we're passionate about journalism and what we're hoping to learn or contribute. Share our motivations for joining Scotland's Edge and how this role aligns with our personal goals in the media industry.
