Are you into tech, cats or both?
Blast Theory is a company that makes interactive art: we turn websites and mobile apps into thrilling entertainment experiences; create feature films where actors and stories respond to you in real time; design events where your phone guides you on real-life adventures through the city; and make mobile games that invite you to reimagine yourself and your future. We’ve been nominated for four BAFTAs and won the Golden Nica at Prix Ars Electronica and the Nam June Paik Arts Center Award.
We are looking for a freelance Video Editor to work on one of our most ambitious projects yet. Cat Royale explores the impact of AI on animals and features three cats living in a utopia created by the artists. The work will premiere as a delayed livestream at the World Science Festival in Brisbane on 22 March – 2 April 2023. Online audiences will interact with the project through a daily highlights video shared to our project page at the end of each evening. You can read more about Blast Theory, and Cat Royale, below.
About the role
Directed by the Blast Theory Communications Manager, you will edit a short Cat Royale highlights reel for release by the end of each day. The highlights reel is an integral part of Cat Royale as it is the primary way for audiences outside Brisbane to follow the work.
The Cat Royale installation will be located at Blast Theory’s studio in Portslade, where filming will begin on Monday 20th March and conclude on Friday 31st March. Prior to the start of filming, you will spend two days with the Blast Theory artists and Communications Manager to familiarise yourself with the work and with the brief.
You will work on Premiere Pro in Blast Theory’s fully equipped edit suite. The artists and Communications Manager will be on hand throughout to offer guidance.
About you
You will enjoy working in a fast-paced production environment, with an ability to produce consistently high-quality content within a short timeframe. You will have demonstrable experience of:
- Condensing hours of footage into engaging short-form content;
- Editing horizontal footage into vertical content suitable for Instagram Reels and TikTok.
You will be skilled and confident at working with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Key dates and information
- Apply by 6pm on Monday 27th February
- Interviews will take place on Friday 3rd March (in-person or remote)
- Fee: £3,500 + VAT
- Working days: 16th and 17th March and 21st-March-1st April (14 days in total). Blast Theory’s office hours are 10am – 6pm.
- You will be based at the Blast Theory studio, 20 Wellington Road, Portslade
Equal opportunities
We’re an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from people who are less represented in our sector: particularly people of colour, those with disabilities (including ‘invisible’ disabilities such as dyslexia or autism), and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
How to apply
Click here to complete an online application form.
The application form has the following sections:
Part 1 – Online – About You
Answer a few simple questions including your name, email address and phone number in the online form.
Upload a recent copy of your CV. This should be 2 pages max.
Please answer all questions as fully as you can.
Part 2 – Online, Video or Audio
Please answer the following questions in written form or in a video or audio recording. If making an application by phone suits you better, please contact [email protected].
- Tell us why you would like to work with Blast Theory on Cat Royale.
- Tell us why you are suitable for this opportunity.
- Tell us about two relevant previous projects you have worked on (please include links).
Applying with a video or audio file
You can record the video or audio on your phone: we are not expecting snazzy production values. Your video or audio file can be up to 5 minutes long. Start your application by filling in the online survey about you and submit your video or audio file after.
Part 3 – Online
To finish your application, please complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form.
About Cat Royale
Cat Royale is a utopia where cats live in harmony with artificial intelligence.
Cats will live inside a utopia created by the artists. The cats’ every need will be catered for, with spaces for playing and socialising, and spaces that are relaxing and private. They will have walkways, cubbyholes and raised viewing platforms.
And at the centre of the room will be a robot arm and a computer vision system offering activities to make the cats happier. The system may throw a ball, dangle a feather or offer a massage.
To ensure the comfort and safety of the cats, experts in animal welfare have been involved in the design of the project from the start and will guide us at each stage.
The computer vision system will try to measure the happiness of the cats and learn how to make them happier.
Cat Royale will be presented as a delayed livestream to audiences at the World Science Festival in Brisbane. Filming will start in the UK on 20th March.
About Blast Theory
“The variety of experience at Blast Theory is unmatched. We’ve built systems to make phone boxes ring in Hull, made Europe’s first interactive feature film, participated in parades in the USA, and worked on a very unconventional life-coaching app. It’s a supportive and thrilling environment to develop in as we work together on creative solutions to novel problems of our own making.” – Michael Kane, Software Lead
Blast Theory make interactive art to explore social and political questions. The group’s work places the public at the centre of unusual and sometimes unsettling experiences, to create new perspectives and open up the possibility of change.
Led by Matt Adams, Ju Row Farr and Nick Tandavanitj, the group draw on popular culture and new technologies to make performances, games, films, apps and installations.
Blast Theory have shown work at the Venice Biennale, Tribeca Film Festival, ICC in Tokyo, Hebbel am Ufer in Berlin, the Barbican and Tate Britain. Commissioners include Channel 4, Sundance Film Festival and the Royal Opera House.
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