Creative Lead

POSITION: Creative Lead 

COMPANY: Voyage Pictures - Grand Rapids, MI

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Part-time, 20–30 hours per week on average

COMPENSATION: $2,500–$3,000 per month depending on experience level

START DATE: May 2026

Position Overview

Voyage Pictures is seeking a passionate filmmaker with experience in directing, cinematography, and editing and a desire to grow in their career under the supervision of our Creative Director.  

This role is intentionally designed to balance the consistency of a studio team with the flexibility many filmmakers value in freelance work. The role also has a built-in growth track within our creative structure. As trust and capability expand, so will creative voice within the company. 

We’re looking for someone who is professional, collaborative, teachable, and committed to continually elevating their craft. The ideal candidate thrives under deadlines, communicates clearly, receives feedback with maturity, and brings both creative vision and production discipline to every project.

If you have a gift for storytelling, a passion for both documentary and commercial work, and a strong foundation in directing, shooting, and editing—and want to grow as part of a creative team—we’d love to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

At Voyage, we categorize productions by their production footprint—the scale of crew, planning, and project scope required to bring the story to life. Our Creative Lead will be working in a different capacity within each Tier. Responsibilities include the following:

TIER 3: Small-Scale Productions

• Serve as go-to director and cinematographer for Tier 3 productions.
• Draft interview questions, shot lists, and storyboards
• Direct on set
• Serve as cinematographer (events, interviews, b-roll)
• Edit final products and/or collaborate with Lead Editor during reviews
• Suggest workflow or process improvements

TIER 2: Mid-Scale Productions

• Collaborate closely with and report to the Creative Director in all phases of production.
• Assist on pitches
• Participate in budget discussions
• Contribute to casting decisions
• Lead location scouts
• Draft creative documents (questions, shot lists, storyboards)
• Direct on set as needed
• Serve as cinematographer as needed
• Edit final products and/or collaborate with Lead Editor during reviews

TIER 1: Large-Scale Productions

• Support the Creative Director on high-level productions.
• Assist with pre-production tasks
• Capture behind-the-scenes content
• Produce project case studies (writing, filming, editing)

ADMIN & TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in brainstorms, creative reviews, and project debriefs
• Manage gear room (organization, maintenance, updates)
• Support marketing initiatives as assigned
• Track tasks and hours in workflow system

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 4 years of experience directing, shooting, and editing professional video content
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro
• Experience with motion graphics (After Effects) and/or color grading (DaVinci Resolve) preferred
• Sound design experience preferred 
• Demonstrated passion for cinematic storytelling
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment 
• Positive attitude oriented to problem solving 
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, client-facing, and internal)
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required based on production schedules

COMPENSATION 

The position is structured around a monthly base retainer balancing the flexibility of freelance work with the stability of a studio position. 

Compensation includes:

• Base retainer: $2,500–$3,000 per month (equivalent to $30-$40/hr) for an expected average weekly contribution of 20-30 hours.
• Performance bonuses: Periodic bonuses tied to individual contributions and company success.

WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERS

• The opportunity to regularly direct and creatively shape meaningful story-driven projects
• Ability to continue pursuing freelance work
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to individual and company goals
• Guidance and mentorship from an experienced Creative Director
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid flexibility between our Grand Rapids studio and remote work, depending on production needs
• Paid time off including holidays, vacation days, December rejuvenation*, and your birthday
• Company culture events throughout the year

*Every year, our team has extra flex days over Christmas break meaning we often don’t work between Dec 24th-Jan 1st.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send your resume, cover letter, and 2-3 relevant work samples which you served as the director, shooter, and editor to connect@voyagepictures.com. Your samples must consist of both one commercial piece (online or TV) and one documentary style piece. Please specify how you contributed to the sample. e.g. "I concepted and directed this piece."

Feel free to submit a third in any style.

ABOUT VOYAGE PICTURES

Voyage Pictures is a Midwest film production studio built on partnership. Since 2011, we’ve worked alongside over 500 clients to deliver more than 1,500 projects, earning awards at both national and regional levels. From national spots for major brands to impact films for local nonprofits, we’re proud to partner with clients big and small as we bring bold ideas to life.

Our small team leads with empathy and strategy. We’re driven to tell stories that inspire, transform challenges into impact, and move beyond the transactional—becoming the production partner our clients return to throughout their creative journey.