Production Assistant - BFI Doc Society Fund
About DOC SOCIETY
We are an innovative non-profit organisation founded in 2005 that works with the most inspiring independent documentary filmmakers all over the world. We are a team of around 20 people working from offices in London and New York.
Our mission:
We bring people together to unleash the transformational power of documentary film. We stand in solidarity with filmmakers and work to unite them with new friends and allies, building new models globally. We aim to innovate, share and innovate again.
A commitment to anti-racism, economic justice and climate justice is embedded in all we do and how we do it.
Our driving principle:
Great documentaries enrich the lives of individuals. They have a unique ability to engage and connect people, transform communities and improve societies.
Equity and Inclusion:
We want Doc Society to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and to do their best work. Doc Society’s promotion of diversity and inclusion is clearly reflected in all of our documentaries and across all of our programmes. We are fully focused on equality and believe in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other characteristics that make us who we are. For this reason we strongly encourage applicants from under-represented groups.
MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION
Working with the BFI Doc Society Fund and Talent Development team, the post of Production Assistant is a unique opportunity to support individual filmmakers and ensure the smooth running of our exciting Film Awards and Talent Development initiatives. The role will support in delivering these two key UK wide BFI National Lottery funded documentary programmes and will be split across a 70% focus on the Awards Programme and 30% on the Talent Development Programme.
Your role is to:
- Ensure smooth running operations across the Fund, on our film slate and across Ensure smooth running operations of the Talent Development events and programmes
- Be the first port of call for filmmakers who are new to the fund
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide assistance across awards processes including contracting and application review
- Managing deliverables as they are submitted and coordinating their review by appropriate team members
- Diary management for both internal team and external stakeholders.
- Assist data management across the funds
- Deal with filmmaker enquiries in relation to the Awards and Talent Programmes
- Manage all aspects of film funds application system including: being the first point of contact for all filmmaker enquiries either via the application system or email supporting maintenance of the online application system
- Assist with the delivery of quarterly and annual reporting
- Help to maintain BFI Doc Society Fund related pages on www.docsociety.org
- Supporting Communications Lead with filmmaker asset delivery
General
- Carry out responsibilities in a way which supports Doc Society values and promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion
- Be an ambassador for Doc Society and maintain a professional approach at all times
- Build & maintain databases and trackers
Talent Development Programme
- Support the planning and all logistics of in-person and virtual outreach events
- Support the planning and delivery of Talent Development Programme labs, delegations, webinars and workshops
- Support with outreach to UK-wide partners and filmmakers
- Maintaining Talent Development Programme pages on website and liaising with communications lead to promote activity and call-outs
- Attend events and represent the film awards and Talent development programme as required
Are you the right candidate?
The successful candidate will have a solid track record of working in a similar role in film, content or other relevant digital media in a production role. An understanding of independent documentary feature film production and workflow is desirable.
Essential skills
- Strong organisational and time/project management skills with excellent attention to detail
- Strong time management and ability to prioritise conflicting tasks
- Ability to deal calmly, confidently and positively with people at all levels via email and in person
- The ability to work independently and proactively & take ownership of workflow systems
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Enthusiastic, can do attitude
- Some experience in budgeting and finance processes at assistant level
Desirable skills
- Some understanding of film production processes
- Understanding of UK wide film industry
- An understanding of access support
- Familiarity with Google workspace suite of software
- A keen interest in documentary film
This is not an entry level position - candidates should write about their professional experience in relation to the role and essential skills needed in their cover letter.
If your skills & experience fit the above requirements and you would like to take the next step, please provide a CV and covering letter via the following Airtable links below by March 2nd.
The covering letter should reflect on your work experience and why you are suited to this role, and in particular how your values align with Doc Society’s mission statement.
We would also appreciate you filling out our Equality Monitoring Form, which is anonymous, so we can better track who we are reaching.
How to apply
The opening date for applications is 18 February 2026
The closing date for applications is March 3rd 2026 at 10am GMT.
Candidates will be notified if their application is progressed to interview stage by March 9th 2026
To apply, please follow this link:
https://airtable.com/appRARfofMth2JqLH/pagpjQt3dX8PIrXaQ/form
and then answer the Equality Monitoring form, available here:
https://airtable.com/appY1JwUIHiTCOk5A/shr2u3iREmhYhoD4l
Should you have not heard from us by March 13th you should assume that your application has not been successful. We will be unable to give feedback to applicants not selected for an interview.
We would like the post-holder to start as soon as possible after April 1, 2026.
Terms
- Optional office working at 180 Strand (if based in London)
28 days including bank holidays - Employer pension contribution after 3 months probationary period
- Fixed term to March 31 2029, subject to continued programme support
Salary:
Full time fixed term contract: immediate start to March 31st 2029 with the possibility of an extension
Salary: £ 30,000 p/a
Location: Based anywhere in the UK - we would expect you to come into the London office when required and attend limited UK events. Applicants must be able to legally work in the UK.
Employment is subject to a probationary period of three (3) months. During this time, your performance and suitability for the role will be assessed.
Equity and Inclusion:
We want Doc Society to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and to do their best work. Doc Society’s promotion of diversity and inclusion is clearly reflected in all of our documentaries and across all of our programmes. We are fully focused on equality and believe in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other characteristics that make us who we are. For this reason we strongly encourage applicants from under-represented groups.
