Now Hiring

Video Production Apprentice

for Star Turtle Web Series

Supported by the CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS CREATIVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Z Puppets is now seeking a Video Production Apprentice

for a paid 6-month  apprenticeship.

The apprentice will take on the role of Production Assistant, learning and gaining experience in all aspects of video production while working on Z Puppets’ musical adventure into the Cherokee language, Noquisi Dagsi (ᏃᏈᏏ ᏓᎦᏏ): Star Turtle. The creation of this family friendly web series is led by Cherokee Nation tribal member Chris Griffith (Co-Creative Director of Z Puppets).

To best achieve the goal of providing programs for and cultivating meaningful partnerships with Native American communities, and to intentionally create professional development and economic opportunity for Indigenous people, Z Puppets encourages Native American candidates to apply for this position. 

The apprenticeship requires up to 720 hours, starting as early as March 1, 2023 to  be completed by Dec.1, 2023. We anticipate the apprentice will average 30 hours/week for 6 months but have some flexibility with the schedule.

The work will be approximately 70% in-person at Z Puppets Rosenschnoz (4054 Chicago Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55407) and 30% online/remote.

Compensation is $20/hour, plus free professional development workshops at Springboard for the Arts. 

To apply, by 5pm on Feb. 8, 2023 please:

Funding for this activity is provided by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy in the City of Minneapolis

Overview Z Puppets Rosenschnoz

Z Puppets Rosenschnoz is an award-winning performance company leading people to the power of playfulness and feats of imagination since 1998. Z Puppets’ Creative Directors Chris Griffith (Cherokee Nation) and Shari Aronson have over two decades of experience in arts education, arts management and developing original content for family audiences.

For 3 years, Z Puppets has been producing family-friendly programs to engage people in keeping alive the Cherokee language (funded by the NDN Collective, Tiwahe Foundation, MN State Arts Board, Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and the Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation). Through Z Puppets’ live and streaming performances of Say It! Sing It! Play It! In Cherokee and Star Turtle, people see, hear and learn Cherokee words at a critical time for this endangered Indigenous language. For more info about  Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, visit www.zpuppets.org

 Video Production Apprentice

In the role of Production Assistant, the Apprentice will learn about all aspects of pre-production, production and post production/distribution of a small, independent video production.  

The Video Production Apprentice will work closely with and report to Z Puppets’ Creative Directors who have been producing web series and music videos in response to the Cherokee tribes declaration of emergency for the language in 2019. The Apprentice will also work on specific, independent research projects in coordination with and under the guidance of the Z Puppets’ Creative Directors. Through hands-on experience, this Apprentice will gain valuable skills in a growing field with high potential for future career opportunities. 

The Apprentice will learn technical aspects of video production, including:

  • Pre production planning 

    • creating prop and shot lists, organizing build timelines and crew schedules

    • design and building techniques for puppets, props, practical effects and sets: using different tools and materials, factors to consider in designing, best practices for camera

  • Principal shooting audio and video

    • using microphones, camera, lighting and prop equipment, setting up and troubleshooting

  • Post Production 

    • mixing and editing: organizing, preparing and manipulating digital files, using LogicProX, FinalCut ProX, Adobe AfterEffects software

    • marketing and community engagement strategies: creating and tracking social media content and campaigns, researching community groups and events, developing community outreach plans, effective written and verbal messaging

Responsibilities include:

  • Attend weekly production meetings with Creative Directors 

  • Help organize and coordinate the STAR TURTLE schedules, production documents, and crew

  • Assist the build of puppets, sets and costumes

  • Provide technical assistance during video shoot

  • Research, develop and implement plans for engaging and providing access to Cherokee language learners and community organizations, while raising awareness of endangered Indigenous languages worldwide

  • Support the development of marketing materials

  • Brainstorm and generate ideas for social media content; strategize improvement of social media reach, track social media engagement, manage social media posts

  • Help plan in-person and online streaming video release and screening events.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and direct experience with Native American communities and culture

  • Excellent verbal and written communication 

  • Strong people skills 

  • Proficiency in and aptitude for databases, on-line apps (e.g. google drive, docs, sheets and calendar) and cloud platforms

  • Direct experience or coursework in video production, marketing, community engagement social media and/or research 

  • Must be 18 or older 

Desired Qualities:

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently and also collaborate effectively with a team

  • Effective time management skills and ability complete tasks on a deadline

  • Highly organized with attention to details

  • Flair and zeal for creative problem solving

  • Access to a computer

  • Reliable transportation to South Minneapolis

  • Sense of humor a plus


For the safety of Z Puppets’ staff, we require all employees to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering our building and may require masking indoors.

To apply, by 5pm on Feb. 8, 2023 please: