Hi, friends!
So, uh, sorry about not sending a newsletter last week. I got swamped with some new political projects (both freelance and stuff I’m doing on my own) and the week just got away from me. I tried to pull a newsletter together at the last minute, but I just couldn’t find enough time to make it happen.
On the bright side, I did go viral:
It’s been a bit surreal — there are a million Facebook and Instagram pages that make money off screen grabs of other people’s tweets — but ultimately, I see this flash of viral fame as a means to an end. I tweet for three reasons:
To communicate with the friends and acquaintances I feel weird about texting;
To say remarkably dumb and silly stuff, expressing my absurdist id;
And to promote my work.
The viral post was helpful with that third purpose. I used the tweet to get more subscribers for my political newsletter, Progressives Everywhere, and to get eyeballs on my new site, COVIDSuperSpreaders.com. I launched the latter before everyone in the Republican Party got coronavirus, and now I’m using the site in part to track that reckless disaster in-real time.
(If you want to toss a few bucks at helping me keep the progressive newsletter and site going, you can subscribe here — you’ll get newsletters packed with important policy and voting rights news and interviews six days a week!)
I bring all this up not to hype up my own stuff, but to be candid about how crazy the world is right now and how it’s forcing people to reconsider their original creative goals. Look at me: Up until March, my main job was as a features editor in the entertainment space, covering movies, TV shows, and other nerd subjects.
The moral of the story: Follow your passions, even if they lead you in a slightly different direction for the moment. Do the work that makes you feel fulfilled right now. You never know where it’ll take you. My political newsletter, which I began on an angry whim in 2017, is now helping to shape my career.
One more note: I know a lot of these jobs are based on the coasts. I’m working to find jobs and gigs elsewhere! I’m in touch with people, but if you have other tips or ideas, I’m always open to more!
In the comments, let’s talk about our most recent projects — paid or otherwise. What have you been up to? It could be a total hobby!
Writing and Editing and *Content*
Staff Writer at Kotaku (New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA):
“This entry-level position is suited for anyone sick of the freelance grind or simply looking to write about games for a very large readership at a site that is uninterested in hype and is focused on telling interesting stories about games and the communities around them, including the growing culture of gaming on YouTube and Twitch.
We're looking for people who don't necessarily fit the mold of what the gaming press ‘should’ cover or care about. Gaming knowledge is a must, but knowledge about the rest of the world is important, too. Some reporting experience is preferred, but we will consider candidates who are strong in journalism, criticism or both.”
Staff Editor at Kotaku (New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA):
“A Kotaku Staff Editor should be excited to edit other people’s stories, working with our writers to sharpen ideas, sculpt copy, and generally help our writers’ work shine. Your job as staff editor will be to field many of the staff’s game reviews, investigative reports, cultural essays, and occasional silly lists, working with the writers to improve them and get them on the page.
You will edit several stories a day, some meant to be turned around same-day, others in edits for a week or more. This is indeed an editing job, not a writing one, though you can write from time to time.”
Associate Editor — Reviews at BarBend (New York, NY):
“BarBend is seeking an Associate Editor to lead and expand the reviews vertical of BarBend.com. This position will create and manage both written and video review content in order to provide our readers with the best product reviews in strength sports and fitness. In addition, this position will be responsible for curating, growing, and managing our network of brand partnerships.”
Senior Entertainment Editor at Bustle (New York, NY):
“As well as managing a team of editors, this role will be responsible for guiding traffic analysis and strategizing future coverage plans based on data insights. The ideal candidate will be a first-rate line editor with a strong voice and a clear understanding of how to speak to the Bustle reader in a smart, authoritative way. The role will also involve finding and cultivating diverse voices for the section, assigning and editing trend pieces, think pieces, and personal and researched essays on timely pop culture topics.”
Reviews Editor at Mashable (New York, NY):
“Mashable is hiring an experienced and enthusiastic editor to help us expand our service journalism, from product reviews and roundups to guides and explainers. This is a unique opportunity to both optimize Mashable’s current offerings and develop an impactful content strategy from the ground up, with hands-on editorial work that informs and engages big audiences. From initial assignments to editing, publication, distribution, and cross-team coordination, the Reviews Editor will serve as the command center for Mashable’s service journalism.”
Freelance Gaming Guides Writer - Battle Royale at Digital Trends (Remote):
“Digital Trends is seeking several freelance writers with a passion for consumer tech and gadgetry. This is a part-time freelance gig, however, we'd like it to become a consistent, long-term working relationship if we're satisfied with your work. We're currently looking for a competent writer who's willing to contribute to our Gaming section. Each week, you'll write or update an upwards of 6-8 guides, covering a variety of battle royale titles, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone and the like.”
Seasonal Festival Editor at Sundance Institute (Remote):
“This position edits, fact-checks, and proofreads Sundance Film Festival print and digital publications.”
Freelance Mobile Gaming Writer at Touch Tap Play (Remote):
“Touch Tap Play, the global destination for mobile gaming guides and news, is seeking freelance writers to cover top ten lists, traffic-driving features, and breaking news on a wide variety of mobile games.”
Senior Editor at Gold Derby (Los Angeles, CA):
The senior editor will join our team covering all aspects of Hollywood competition, including award shows and the hottest reality TV programs.
The senior editor will write news articles plus items about latest predictions analysis and trends. A strong preference will be given to candidates who have specific knowledge of the details and history of how Hollywood awards truly work and why certain kinds of winners tend to prevail.”
Editorial Assistant at Penguin Young Readers (New York, NY):
“Penguin Workshop is looking for a creative and motivated editorial assistant to provide support for the Editor, Pop Culture & Trends and assist in all stages of the editorial process from acquisition to publication.”
Seeking Pitches:
Playdate Theater, an online theater company, is looking for screenplays for a new web series. More info here.
Empire Magazine in the UK is looking for “TV features for an upcoming issue of EMPIRE. Essays, opinion pieces, interviews, trend pieces, oral histories etc.” More info here.
The BBC’s website is looking for pitches for a new series about the new tech economy. “This will be looking at how technological advances, or the increased use of existing tech, have been driven by the coronavirus pandemic. We pay £335 per 1,000 word feature. Please *email me* any pitches, or if you'd like more information.” Email for info here.
Social Media, Marketing and Communications
Manager, Creative Development & Production at Netflix (Los Angeles, CA):
“You’ll be creating content to talk about our Netflix originals from around the world, and have a great skill for bringing these stories and narratives into the news cycle and social zeitgeist through best in class creative. Working with the editorial audience team, you will develop programming that promotes the Netflix brand, titles and talent and targets our various Netflix communities (NX, Strong Black Lead, Netflix Family, Netflix Film, etc).”
Social Media Marketing Manager at Rooster Teeth (Austin, TX):
“If you know what Rooster Teeth is, understand passionate online communities, are the kind of person who loves calendars, can write your way out of a paper bag, and likes to work in fast-paced environments, you should talk to us. We need someone who can help us oversee the planning and execution of activity across our many social media and community channels. This position reports to the Director of Marketing.”
Community Manager at Loot Crate (Los Angeles, CA):
“This team works together to create and promote licensed products for some of the biggest names in the pop culture, anime, gaming and entertainment industry, like Disney/Marvel, Warner Bros, Elvis Presley’s Graceland, and so much more. Community Manager is a highly motivated, creative individual with experience and passion for connecting with current and future customers. Reporting to the VP of Growth & Performance Marketing, this digital-savvy employee is responsible for creating original content, while also moderating and serving the Looter community by assisting with customer support issues.”
Social Media Manager at Capcom (San Francisco, CA):
Responsibilities include: “Produce creative, engaging and timely content including text (blog posts, social copy, etc), art assets (screens, banner images, etc), video (produced interviews, video features, livestreams), and more. Manage content and conversations on social media channels for fighting brands and titles, including but not limited to Capcom forums, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, etc.”
Social Media Manager at Respawn (Los Angeles, CA):
“You would help own and schedule content that lives across the Apex Legends social channels… Responsibilities include writing copy and posting imagery, videos, etc. to our social media channels, building and maintaining an editorial calendar in partnership with the rest of the social team, and generating data and reports to help assess community engagement and feedback.”
Associate Community Manager at Codeacademy (New York, NY):
“As an Associate Community Manager for Offline Community on our Curriculum Team, you will grow and expand Codecademy's offline community strategy and see to its implementation. You will work with our community of super-users, volunteer hosts, and internal team members to build experiences that connect people, both online and offline. You will intimately understand the learner experience, helping to identify opportunities for improvement, testing different ideas and working with the Community Manager to scale what works.”
Art, Drawing, Graphic Design
Senior Illustrator at Marvel Studios (Burbank, CA):
“The Sr Illustrator will work closely with a project lead to understand the visual needs of the filmmakers and create highly detailed character design images and keyframes that help define the look of each film. Each illustrator is tasked with developing a series of character design images centered on a unique art direction and will be required to adjust the visuals based on feedback from the Directors and Producers. Additionally, illustrators will create dramatic and dynamic keyframe illustrations to visualize important moments from the film.”
Graphic Designer at Penguin Random House (New York, NY):
“Penguin Workshop, an imprint in the Penguin Young Readers division of Penguin Random House, is seeking a children’s book Designer who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They will be responsible for designing and managing a varied list of approximately 25 books a year that includes board books, picture books, chapter books, illustrated novels, graphic novels, middle-grade novels, non-fiction, activity books, and gift books.”
Storyboard Artist for Retro Studios at Nintendo of America (Austin, TX):
Responsibilities include: “Work with narrative team to quickly create storyboards for cinematics and gameplay moments; help define emotional scenes that will resonate with audiences; work with the cinematic lead to help maintain cinematic pillars; explore interesting and innovative scenes that elevate the narrative; manage and track storyboard documents.”
Senior Photo-Art Compositor and Designer at Nickelodeon (New York, NY):
Specialist in digital compositing, color correction, photo illustration, art extension, and special effects with a refined eye for design. Work as an integral part of the Launch design team in developing marketing materials for promoting new shows and other initiatives. Assist throughout the creative process, from ideation through final finishing.”
Senior Illustrator at Rockstar Games (New York, NY):
“Rockstar Games New York is looking for a highly talented and experienced illustrator to work out of our unique NYC based studio. The successful candidate will be working on a variety of exciting, creative, and cutting-edge projects. The ability to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team, take direction, and maintain a positive attitude under pressure is essential.”
2D Artist — Illustrator at TikTok (Mountain View, CA):
“TikTok is seeking a full-time 2D Artist who will contribute to the design team with creating various assets and supporting R&D prototype in our creative Mountain View office. We are looking for a candidate with strong illustration, digital painting, and conceptual skills. As a 2D artist, you should also possess a great eye for design, color, composition, and have strong draftsmanship. The ideal candidate embraces challenge and growth, desire to learn new technologies, thrives in a team environment, and possesses a confident, passionate, self driven attitude.”
Video, Animation, and Audio Production
Editorial Director, Podcasts at Vox Media (New York, NY)
“Starting with our flagship show The Vergecast, you’ll examine our current slate of programming and work with our hosts to adapt those shows for the future. From there, you will direct and oversee the development, production, and strategy of a revamped interview show hosted by The Verge’s Editor in Chief, Nilay Patel. You should identify what makes a Verge show a must-listen, develop the right formats, and execute on new creative strategies.”
Creative Content Manager, AV Studio - Series at Netflix (Los Angeles, CA):
“We are looking for an individual that will oversee a team of Creative Content Managers that manages on set AV capture and creation of assets across our Originals Film and Series campaigns that support Publicity and are also used by Product Creative, Awards, Marketing and Editorial & Publishing teams. This role entails being an involved people leader with on set AV capture experience, as well as a strong publicity/editorial background.”
Content Manager at HBO Max (Burbank, CA):
“The Content Planning Manager will be responsible for supporting the HBO Max Content Strategy team which manages the tracking and documentation for content acquisitions, originals and library content. This role will aid in the execution of long-term content plans for HBO Max. This position will report to the Vice President, Content Strategy & Planning for HBO Max.”
Senior Sound Designer at Warner Bros. Entertainment Group (Chicago, IL):
“NetherRealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc., seeks a Senior Sound Designer for our Audio department. The Senior Sound Designer works closely with the project Lead Audio Designer and the Audio Director to design, develop and implement audio for video games. The Senior Sound Designer typically works on one product at a time, but may be required to support additional smaller projects from time to time. There is NO music composition associated with this job, but musical knowledge is a plus.”
Video Editor at Biden for President (Philadelphia, PA):
“The Biden for President campaign is seeking a digital native and driven Video Editor with a passion for all things digital and social content creation to be part of our in house Digital Content department. As a member of our Digital Content team, you will edit footage from original productions and add visual motion graphics for digital video. Additionally, you’ll customize content to platform specifications and conduct regular research about evolving video specifications. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of thinking outside-the-box and demonstrated aesthetic and technical skill, to support and fulfill the strategic objectives.”
Media Coordinator — Video Production at SpaceX (Hawthorne, CA):
“The Media Coordinator will support the marketing team's photo and video production needs, and have a proclivity for visual storytelling. This individual will help build our company's media archive, set-up equipment for shoots and webcasts, assist producers with edits and retrieve assets for multiple platforms, including: web, social, publicity, webcast, events/tradeshows, appearances, community outreach, and internal presentations.”
Gigs:
Video Editor, As/Is at BuzzFeed (Los Angeles, CA):
“BuzzFeed is looking for a creative Video Editor to join our Post-Production team in a project-based capacity on the As/Is team. We're looking for someone with a focus on storytelling that can cut both comedic and documentary tones that resonate with millennial women. This is a freelance position with a project rate of $300/day.”
Game Design and Animation Skills
Animator at Amazon Games (Orange County, CA):
“We are seeking a Character Animator to create appealing and engaging creatures and player animations for the New World Team. New World is an Open World MMO that pits players against the haunted wilderness of Aeternum, a mysterious island in the twilight of the Age of Exploration.As the Character Animator, you will collaborate with Animation Team, Art Team, and Design Team, help maintain or develop workflows, and create amazing animation to delight our customers. You’ll use a combination of key frame animation and motion capture techniques to bring characters to life.”
2D Character Rig Artist at Bento Box (Atlanta, GA):
“We are looking for experienced and passionate 2D Character Set-Up/Rig Artists for the production of broadcast television and online animated series. The ideal candidate is deadline-driven and able to handle quick turnarounds. Must be comfortable working in a collaborative environment and willing to take and follow direction. Attention to detail as well as a firm understanding of file management and organization are all highly regarded.”
Senior 3D Artist at Jam City (Carlsbad, CA):
Responsibilities include… “Create the visual experience of games, including character design, 3D modeling, asset creation and other 3D art/design needs. Use highly specialized computer graphics and design programs such as Maya, 3dsMax, Zbrush, Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, AS3, Roadkill, 3d Coat, V-Ray, Unity 3D, and Topgun to render graphics and animation, and define player-oriented aspects of games.”
Senior Character Artist at Tactic Studios (London, Ontario, Canada):
“We are looking for a talented character artist to join our team and create high quality 3D characters for an unannounced project. It is a multiplayer, third-person game with a contemporary setting. A successful candidate will be a skilled and motivated character artist capable of producing stunning and lifelike 3D characters for a multiplayer game.”
Layout Supervisor for TV at ILM/Lucasfilm (Vancouver, Canada):
The Layout Supervisor (TV) works independently and under the VFX Supervisor as the leader of the layout crew. They approve shotwork, advise layout artists on aesthetic changes, and are responsible for the final aesthetic look and accuracy of matchmoves and layout shots sent to the VFX Supervisor (TV). This artist works closely with production to schedule and cast shotwork, bid new or existing shots, and help estimate crewing needs. The Layout Supervisor (TV) oversees all outsourced layout work, ensuring that any vendor’s work is held to the same standard as work completed internally or at any ILM facility.”
Animatic Editor - StoryBots at Netflix (Los Angeles, CA):
“We are seeking an Animatic Editor with a deep love of comedy to join the exciting StoryBots franchise in a new episodic (and shorts) production starring the curious little creatures who live under our screens. The intrepid quintet of Beep, Bing, Bang, Boop and Bo of Team 341B go on adventures to help answer kids' biggest questions. An accomplished cinematographer and storyteller themselves, the Animatic Editor will work closely with creative leadership to bring comedy, joy, and learning to the screen in catchy and clever ways.”
Companies With Lots of Jobs Open
In the comments, let’s talk about our most recent projects — paid or otherwise. What have you been up to? It could be a total hobby!
Nerdy Work logo by Liz Lathem
I've been at work all day, so I only had a chance to comment now. I got a new job! I've moved from one government agency to another, and this one is much more focused on the creative side of things. I'll be helping libraries (though I am not a librarian.) I'm also working on a sensitivity consultation for a TTRPG, and hoping to get more sensitivity consultations/readings and/or translation work so I can pay for my car to get fixed. D:
Although this isn't paid, for a bit of a fun note: I've been giving people Greek epithets on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Kobanya_kana/status/1313499686012104704?s=20) so if you want one, check out the tweet and see what epithets I've given others! :D
I've been working on a post-post-apocalypse story featuring cute girls, scary monsters, and mutual aid :D Right now I'm working on examples of how to actually tell the story (as a comic or a written book with illustrations) and showing off early character sketches to my Patrons. I'm also plugging away at commissions and still gradually trying to take my art more seriously.
It's also been nice to follow your Tweets, even though I'm not quite up for another newsletter just yet. Soon, maybe!