Lead Video Assistant Job at Crate&Barrel in Chicago

The Lead Video Assistant is the operational engine and technical backbone of the in-house video production team. Serving as an on-set hybrid of a 1st AC, Key Grip, and Gaffer, this role maintains production momentum by anticipating videographers' needs, managing camera builds, and troubleshooting equipment on the fly. They oversee physical production logistics, including external rentals, cross-functional gear reservations for photo and video, and post-shoot server backups. Designed as a growth track, this position provides direct mentorship from senior creatives to prepare a highly organized, brand-focused candidate for advancement into a full Videographer role.

This is an on-site position based out of our Photo Studio located in Chicago, IL.

A day in the life as a Lead Video Assistant...

Hybrid On-Set Support: Act as the vital backbone of a small, agile team by seamlessly jumping between camera assistance, grip work, and lighting execution

Proactive Anticipation: Stay deeply engaged in the goals of each shoot to anticipate the videographer's next move

Set Readiness: Ensure continuous production momentum by always having fresh batteries ready, swiftly swinging in new lenses, and prepping lighting adjustments before they are explicitly requested

Rigging & Troubleshooting: Rig camera setups and lighting equipment to achieve dynamic shots, acting as a calm, creative problem-solver whenever technical issues arise on set

Set Presence & Consistency: Bring a consistently present, engaged, and excited energy to every single shoot, maintaining a positive attitude even in high-pressure environments

Brand Stewardship: Become intimately familiar with the visual language of the Crate & Barrel brand to make proactive on-set suggestions and anticipate specific stylistic needs

Pre-Production Leadership: Take total ownership of location shoot preparation, actively looking ahead to the production calendar to plan equipment needs

Logistics & Rental Management: Lead the packing process, coordinate cross-functionally to ensure on-time gear arrival, and build strong relationships with external gear rental houses

Cross-Functional Inventory Ownership: Manage and process all in-house lighting and gear reservations for both the video and photo teams, acting as the ultimate gatekeeper for shared production assets

Workflow Assistance: Support the post-shoot workflow by backing up all captured footage onto the in-house server to ensure secure data management

What you'll bring to the table...

Technical Gear Expertise: Demonstrated hands-on familiarity with Aputure LED lighting, Ronin gimbals, Tilta accessories, SmallHD monitors, and Teradek transmitting systems

Camera Proficiency: Working knowledge of maintaining and operating professional camera and audio equipment, with a specific focus on Sony cinema cameras

Creative Problem Solving: An exceptional ability to troubleshoot technical and logistical issues calmly and efficiently on set, keeping productions moving forward without friction

Communication Skills: Highly organized with a track record of clear, proactive communication across digital channels, specifically utilizing Slack and email to keep cross-functional teams aligned

Growth Mindset: A clear, articulated desire to learn, be mentored, and eventually grow into a full Videographer role within the organization

We'd love to hear from you if you have...

Must provide a link to a portfolio (including password) on resume or Reel demonstrating involvement in the creation of high-quality video content

2+ years of professional experience in video production, specifically in 1st AC, Key Grip, Gaffer, or general assisting roles

Working experience with Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Google suite

Euromarket Designs, Inc., which does business as Crate and Barrel and CB2, will be referred to as "the Company". The Company is deeply committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the location you are applying to here and ask to speak with a manager regarding the nature of your request. The Company is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. The Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US. State / City Compliance: The Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.