INTERNSHIP: Archival Research and Development for Feature-Length Independent Documentary Film SAUND VS COCHRAN
Documentary Film Internship- Archival Research and Development
Seeking intern(s) to work on a feature-length independent documentary film about the 1956 congressional campaign between Dalip Singh Saund and Jackie Cochran Odlum in California’s 29th district. In this dramatic and groundbreaking campaign, Saund (D), a local judge and recently naturalized U.S. citizen of Indian descent, campaigned against Odlum (R), an aviation pioneer, celebrated WWII army pilot, and owner of a cosmetics empire. Their competition sparked local debate and national conversations about ethnicity, gender, celebrity, prejudice, xenophobia, political representation, and inclusion. While Cochran had unlimited resources and Presidential support, Saund’s grassroots, family-led voter registration drive led to a narrow and unexpected 3,300-vote victory, making him the first-ever Asian American (and Sikh American) member of the U.S. Congress.
For more information: www.saundvscochran.com
The film is directed by Mridu Chandra whose recent films include:
–Becoming Cousteau, nominated for a BAFTA (Best Documentary) https://films.nationalgeographic.com/becoming-cousteau
–Cured -nominated for an Emmy (Documentary Research) https://www.cureddocumentary.com/
Most of Chandra’s films are based on extensive research on overlooked stories that expand our lens on America. SAUND vs COCHRAN looks at how democracy worked in the 1950s. Election coverage in the media shows local, national, and even international attention to this California campaign.
Intern will work alongside the director in the development and research for the film. Primary tasks will involve working with archival and print research –sourcing newspaper, photo, audio, and footage, logging materials found, & organizing archival elements for use in the edit. Other tasks include writing up summaries, fact-checking, & working with local historical societies and other organizations to find interviewees for the documentary. Additional tasks may include creating and managing social media posts and newsletter posts, researching and organizing people and organizations interested in our topic, and managing zoom webinars.
Ideal candidates would have 1) strong organizational and research skills, 2) an arts, film, history or journalism background, and 3) be willing to complete a variety of tasks including occasional admin tasks as needed. Basic video editing (Premiere Pro) and other film related skills would be a plus but are not required.
This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for experience with independent documentary filmmaking and research. Applicants will have the opportunity to develop their research and story development skills to visual journalism and to work with a seasoned producer over the next few months. Applicants should be detail-oriented, consistent with follow-through and should be able to work independently.
LOCATION: Position is remote
DATES: Summer. Flexible start date. Please commit at least 2 or 3 days/ week for 3 months.
COMPENSATION: Academic credit (if requested) and a small stipend will be provided. Several prior interns have been additionally supported by grants from their academic institution.
APPLY: Send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Mridu Chandra at info@saundvscochran.com with the subject line “Internship Application – [Your Name].”