The Berggruen Institute (BI) is looking for an experienced Associate Producer to assist in the creation and ongoing production of its first inaugural podcast series, Paradigm Shifts. Hosted by BI’s Nils Gilman and produced by Studio B (BI’s production arm) in partnership with Realm of Possibility (REALM), the weekly show will consist of 40 episodes, each approximately sixty to ninety minutes in length. The podcast interrogates the following: Every so often, throughout human history, an idea emerges that is so radical, so profound, that it alters the course of humanity itself. From Plato to NATO, such ideas redefine the prevailing worldview. In other words, a paradigm shift. With each season, we will explore visionary ideas with the power to set in motion such transformational change for the 21st century. Episodes will include the voices and perspectives of a diverse and heady mix of pioneering scientists, philosophers, politicians, and artists, a uniquely “Berggruen Institute” approach.

Duration, Hours & Payment

This is a hands-on contracted role lasting for 8-10 months with the potential for longer term opportunities. The pay is $8,000 per month with the associate producer ideally beginning the project immediately.The project will begin pre-production in September and run through a period of banking of episodes, with the 40-week episode release window beginning in April 2025. Contractor must be based in the greater Los Angeles area, as the majority of episode recordings will be occurring in Studio B’s Downtown LA location.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate directly with the Realm and Studio B leads to develop the production calendar with deliverable deadlines clearly defined.
• Represent BI through production, acting as point of contact between BI and Realm, facilitate all production, including guest booking, host schedule coordination, and tape management
• Work with Realm to schedule recordings and manage logistics for interviews happening at Studio B and remotely (via Riverside).
• Create prep docs and make sure BI talent is informed on all matters for episode interviews
• Sit in on interviews to ensure quality and content. At this time we do not anticipate a set recording schedule and we do expect recordings to happen periodically on weekends and evenings.
• Conduct interviews with all relevant secondary and background sources
• Act as point of contact between Realm, Studio B, and hosts through editing rounds on each episodes content and metadata (up to two rounds of revisions per episode)
• Assist in creation of an archiving and file management system for podcast documents and records.
• Coordinate promotional efforts between Realm and BI talent (in podcast and on supplemental channels)
• Attendance at all planning and production meetings, which may occur on weekends or evenings, taking detailed notes to ensure action items are documented and enhance collaboration.

Deliverables / Period

Pre-production & Planning: September – October, 2024

• Calendar & internal production workflow creation
• Outreach & Interview scheduling
• Other related pre-production tasks to support audio / video
• Support development of style guide for video / audio assets

Batch One Interviews & Story Editing: November – December, 2024

• Research & Develop prep documents
• Support Project Management of Recording, Editing, Approval Process

Marketing & Promo Prep / Support: November – December, 2024

• Support development of promo assets for 11/23 teaser launch
• Work with internal / external teams to develop, traffic, and monitor performance of advertising and other promotional assets

Batch Two Interviews & Story Editing: January – March, 2025

• Research & Develop prep documents
• Support Project Management of Recording, Editing, Approval Process

Series Launch: April, 2025 (Weekly Releases through EOY)

• Duties as required to support launch & distribution

Batch Three Interviews: April, 2025- TBC (dependent on scheduling / events)

• Research & Develop prep documents
• Support Project Management of Recording, Editing, Approval Process

Archiving & Data Storage System Design and Implementation: (Ongoing)

• Organize and catalog all research, scripts, audio/video, promo materials

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Exceptional project management skills
• Superior written and verbal communication and people skills
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task and self-direct
• Enthusiasm for problem solving and working through logistical issues
• Strong technical aptitude and desire to use new technologies and tools to work efficiently
• Experience on a weekly show preferred
• Familiarity with a tape cutting abilities in DAWs a plus

To Apply

Please email your cover letter and resume to careers@berggruen.org. No phone calls please.