Video Production Intern

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Cato's Audio/Visual team operates a broadcast-ready production facility — including a professional auditorium with robotic camera systems, LED displays, and a full control room — producing live events, long-form documentary and policy featurettes, podcast recordings, and short-form digital content.

Interns are active members of the production team with responsibilities during live events. Each intern manages one full production per term, which includes planning, directing, filming, editing, and delivering an original video about Cato's internship program for marketing and donor communications.

Past interns have also contributed to documentary projects, long-form policy featurettes, live broadcasts, podcast editing, and short videos for Cato's digital platforms. The work is practical and fast-paced, perfect for applicants with real production experience who are prepared to independently manage a project from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, shoot, and edit an original video each term documenting Cato's internship program — a fully intern-led production delivered for marketing and donor-facing use, from concept through final delivery.
• Contribute to creating original video content — including documentaries, policy featurettes, and short-form digital pieces — throughout development, filming, and post-production.
• Operate cameras, audio gear, and studio lighting in both studio and field environments.
• Assist with live studio productions, including operating the production switcher and supporting broadcast workflows in Cato's auditorium.
• Edit video and audio content with Adobe Premiere Pro, including long-form and short-form deliverables.
• Log, archive, and update b-roll footage; manage and enhance the team's archive library.
• Pitch and develop original content ideas in collaboration with the production team.
• Assist with cross-team content projects as assigned, including short-form videos for Cato's digital platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in using video and audio production to communicate ideas to broad audiences; aligns with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.
• Prior on-set production experience with proven ability to work independently in various production roles — whether through a film program, production company, campus media outlet, or freelance work. Applicants who have only assisted on set should consider if they are ready to lead a complete production independently.
• Working knowledge of camera operation, audio recording, and basic studio and field lighting.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro or similar non-linear editing software
• Reliable and composed under tight deadlines and fast-paced workflows.
• Collaborative, receptive to direction and feedback, and able to communicate clearly with producers and on-camera talent.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — production work demands technical precision, consistent follow-through, and professional conduct on set.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in live broadcast production, including operating production switchers or managing multi-camera workflows.
• Knowledge of studio lighting arrangements and broadcast camera equipment.
• Experience directing or producing documentary or long-form nonfiction content.
• FAA drone pilot certification or experience in aerial cinematography.
• A production portfolio showcasing versatility across formats — studio, field, short-form, and long-form.

Finalists will be asked to share a production portfolio or video editing sample.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, D.C.  

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.