Job Summary:
As a member of the Oral History Projects Department (a subset of the Academy Museum’s Digital & Strategy team), the Senior Oral History Content Producer will report to the Director of Oral History Projects as the person responsible for oversight of the research, preparation, content-producing and transcription accuracy for the Visual History Program collection. The individual will serve as a steward of the oral history collections, supporting highly quality research for interviewee selection, biographical research, recording, copy editing, and assisting with steps to help make the oral history collection accessible to staff and the public.
As the primary staff person responsible for upholding the oral history methodology and standards for research, interviewing and transcription practices for the department, they both conduct primary source interviewee research projects, conduct open-ended video-recorded interviews, and oversee research and interview projects undertaken by contract researcher/interviewers. The SOHCP will work closely with production, archival, and curatorial staff as well as find, hire and train subject-specialist contractors (typically film scholars). Additionally, they will oversee the process of finalizing transcripts for public access by reviewing and fact-checking reviewed transcripts and keeping to the project’s style guide. The SOHCP will undertake a variety of tasks to support oral history practice and the use of oral histories and Museum exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, and partnerships. They will also be able to undertake and complete assignments promptly, thoroughly, and accurately, and to work independently and collaboratively, in a fast-paced environment where attention to accuracy and detail is critical.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and/or prepare research materials for interviewees (questions, filmography, timeline, recommended films list, bio and resources) for the production of 15-30 video-recorded oral history interviews per year.
- Research, identify and train appropriate researchers and interviewers (typically film scholars) in collaboration with the Director.
- Research and prioritize potential interviewees in conjunction with OHP, Museum and other Academy staff and external partners.
- Research assigned interviewee’s life and career; select and view pertinent films to document.
- Conduct interview sessions in accordance with oral history methodology and best practices (see: Oral History Association; e.g. open-ended questioning, follow-up questions, limited commentary).
- Recommend, train and provide ongoing oversight of contract researchers.
- Assign and evaluate research packets completed by freelance researchers.
- Content-produce interview sessions conducted by freelance interviewers by offering constructive feedback during filming.
- For audio-recorded interviews, train the audio oral history copy editor in the Academy method for publishing oral history transcripts.
- Train and oversee the work of transcript reviewers (Academy staff from Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive) to ensure word-accuracy and fact checking through research.
- Finalize reviewed transcripts for public access; double checking information and ensuring appropriate formatting.
- Provide feedback on short content pieces made from the Visual History Program collection.
- Copyedit text prepared for departmental use as needed.
- Support for international and non-English productions as needed.
- Review, proofread, revise, and export transcriptions using the 3PlayMedia and/or Whisper platforms (training to be provided).
- Responsible for training staff and contractors on how to draft interview summaries and interviewee bios based on transcriptions, making revisions as necessary.
- Track recommended, prioritized interviewees by location, age, craft, etc in Airtable database in collaboration with the Senior Specialist, Production and Operations.
- Collaborate with Curatorial Assistant on clip selection and prioritization of short content uses in the Academy Museum and online.
- Collaborate with department staff in outreach and partnerships to expand awareness and use of oral history collections.
- Collaborate with department staff to assess OHP operations and work directly with Director of OHP to improve workflow and accomplishments.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Advanced (MA or PhD) degree in film studies, film history or related discipline.
- Must have own automobile, valid driver’s license and insurance.
- 2+ years of work experience conducting oral histories.
- Knowledge of oral history professional practice, methodology, theory, and ethics.
- Demonstrated ability to operate independently and collaboratively as a senior subject specialist on global film history 1970 to the present.
- Working knowledge of the evolution of artistic and technical practices and tools for filmmaking.
- Superb people skills to interact with a variety of personalities and holders of a range of experiences, backgrounds and viewpoints in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner.
- Able to illicit trust and draw out people in conversation.
- Able to recruit and train freelance researchers and interviewers via Zoom.
- Superb written and oral communication skills, including ability to edit and proofread transcripts.
- Highly skilled at oral history research, fact-checking and proofreading.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrates ability to establish priorities and solve problems to accomplish goals.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion in alignment with oral history best practices.
- Ability to conduct primary and secondary source research in libraries, archives, and digital environments.
- Prior experience in text editing, publishing and transcribing.
- Familiarity with local and online library resources and archives.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities.
- Working technological aptitude and willingness to work with various specialized pieces of hardware, software, and digital platforms.
- Willingness to supervise the work of paid interns, staff from other departments, and contractors.
- Willingness to perform related duties as assigned and contribute to the Academy’s larger mission.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previously demonstrated project management, planning, or organizational skills.
- Graduate-level coursework, practicums, or fieldwork in oral history.
- Experience working in film production.
- Interest and ability to travel when needed.
- Basic knowledge of video and audio recording, as well as editing.
- Interest in interacting with elder members of filmmaking community and sensitivity to their elder’s specific needs.
- Collaborative problem solver.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Detail-oriented and resourceful.
- Able to provide leadership and vision in coordinating mission and special projects with other Academy departments.
Physical requirements:
- Ability to conduct 4-6 hours seated interview sessions.
To apply and to learn more about the position, click here.
