Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a compelling film showcasing the experiences of a community group on dwarfism.
- Company: Showtown, Blackpool's first museum celebrating entertainment heritage.
- Benefits: Up to £4,000 fee for your creative work and exposure in a temporary exhibition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing important stories through film.
- Qualifications: Experience in filming interviews and working with diverse communities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic project with great opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
Contract Dates: 12 January 2026 to 3 February 2026
Fee: Up to £4,000
Closing date for submission of quotation: 12 noon, Thursday 18 December 2025.
Showtown is seeking quotations for a dynamic and creative individual or a company to plan, record and edit an interview style film with a community group Showtown has established to understand dwarfism within historic circus culture. We invite tenders from filmmakers with proven experience to film a number of interviews with the community group members, and work with the group to create a 5-minute film that will feature in a temporary exhibition exploring the daily challenges people with restricted growth face.
The Context:
Showtown's 'Marvels and Mayhem Community Project' has been exploring dwarfism and the representation of little people in Blackpool's historic collections. The project has engaged with several people with lived experience - whether that is having dwarfism, restricted growth or having a family member who is a little person. Since September 2025 Showtown's staff have supported the group to understand the history of little people in performance and circus with a cohort of nine people from across the country, meeting online every two weeks. During the sessions the group has explored the Blackpool Tower Circus Collection, visual artefacts, historical videos and a research report written specifically for the project. Topics explored include the impact of little people in performance and circus, with stories relating to topics as varied as disability representation and social historical divisions of those with disabilities in the 1900s.
The Commission:
Showtown would like to commission a dynamic, creative and empathetic filmmaker to work with the community group, supporting the delivery of a "day in the life" video of someone with dwarfism. The filmmaker will edit Go-Pro footage filmed by the group and could incorporate B-roll (TBC with group). This video will be part of a temporary exhibition the group will be creating, opening in Feb 2026. The video needs to be created with subtitles and no more than 4 mins in length.
For evaluation and posterity, Showtown would like to film the participants, exploring their experience of the co-production process. The group will be meeting in-person for the first time in Blackpool on 24 January 2026. The filmmaker must attend this day on-site in Blackpool to interview and film the participants, both individually and as a group, viewing the collection and speaking about their experiences. Interviews with members of the museum team will also be included and the people who were involved in the project, as well as B-roll of the group meeting. The filmmaker will then edit these recordings together into a short film for project evaluation purposes and potentially used as a creative output by the community group within the exhibition space. The final film will need to be no more than 5 minutes long and will require subtitles.
This is a competitive process with a budget of up to £4,000 for all fees (inclusive of all materials, expenses, contingencies, and prelims).
Scope of Works:
- The work will need to be completed by 12 noon, 3 February 2026.
Scope of Services:
- Agree and fulfill a filming and delivery schedule with Showtown and community group, including the delivery of all raw footage to Showtown for use in project evaluation.
- Attend planning sessions with Showtown staff ahead of the filming on 24 January 2026.
- Attend filming sessions in Blackpool to record interviews with Showtown staff and the co-production group on 24 January 2026.
- Film and edit together interviews of the community group, incorporating images, collection items and photos of the group chatting together.
- Produce a cohesive and empathetic "day in the life" video from footage filmed by the community group, incorporating B-roll.
- Deliver two films, each of a maximum length of 4 minutes by 12 noon, 3 February 2026. Both films will require subtitles.
We are looking to appoint a filmmaker or company with demonstrable evidence of the following:
- Experience of undertaking filmed interviews, with the ability to adapt their interview techniques to fit the personality of their interviewee and to think on their feet.
- A friendly and supportive attitude to working with community groups and/or individuals with a disability.
- Knowledge of suitable film formats for use in museum displays.
- Must be available on the Saturday 24 January 2026 for filming the group in Blackpool.
Next Steps:
Please send a link to your portfolio, and a quotation including all expenses to Annabel Counsell, Marvels and Mayhem Project Coordinator, annabel.counsell@showtownblackpool.co.uk by 12 noon on Thursday 18 December 2025. The successful proposal will be selected by Tuesday 23 December 2025. For further information on the project or any enquiries regarding the role please contact Annabel on the email above.
Freelance Filmmaker in Burnley employer: Showtown Blackpool
Contact Detail:
Showtown Blackpool Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Filmmaker in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other filmmakers, community groups, and organisations. Attend events, workshops, or even online meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to your next gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your work! Create a killer portfolio showcasing your best films, especially those that highlight your experience with community projects. Make sure to include links to your work on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo so potential clients can see your style.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to come to you. Reach out to organisations like Showtown directly, express your interest, and pitch your ideas. They’ll appreciate your enthusiasm and creativity!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay organised! Keep track of deadlines, project requirements, and your own filming schedule. Use tools like calendars or project management apps to ensure you’re always on top of your game and ready to deliver high-quality work on time.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Filmmaker in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous work in filmmaking, especially any projects that involved community engagement or sensitive topics. We want to see how you've tackled similar challenges before!
Be Creative and Dynamic: This role is all about creativity! Don’t be afraid to showcase your unique style and approach in your application. We love seeing fresh ideas that can bring our project to life.
Tailor Your Quotation: When you send us your quotation, ensure it covers all aspects of the project, including filming, editing, and any additional costs. Clarity is key, so we know exactly what to expect!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Showtown Blackpool
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Showtown's Marvels and Mayhem Community Project. Familiarise yourself with the history of dwarfism in circus culture and the specific goals of the project. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your approach to the community group.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a filmmaker, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with community groups or individuals with disabilities in the past. Highlight your friendly and supportive attitude during the interview.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
When discussing your previous work, don't just show your portfolio—tell the story behind each project. Explain your creative process, the challenges you faced, and how you adapted your techniques to suit different interviewees. This will give the interviewers insight into your filmmaking style and adaptability.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, especially regarding your interview techniques. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios where you might need to adjust your approach based on the interviewee's personality. This will demonstrate your flexibility and quick thinking.
