TAONI Media Assistants
Our flagship workforce pipeline — youth and young adults documenting TAONI and partner work while building real, portfolio-ready creative careers.
Duration
8 weeks core + paid assignment rotations
Schedule
Saturdays 10am–2pm + on-assignment weeknights
Location
Metro Atlanta — TAONI studio + partner sites
Cohort
10–15 assistants per cohort
Tuition
Free — gear and training provided
What it is
TAONI Media Assistants trains youth and young adults to capture photography, video, and social content across TAONI programs and partner events. Participants build a documented portfolio and gain hands-on creative, technical, and professional experience.
Who it serves
Youth and young adults (high-school and early-career) interested in media, storytelling, content production, and creative workforce pathways.
What participants do
Shoot photo and video on assignment, learn lighting and editing fundamentals, manage projects, deliver assets to partners, and present finished work in cohort reviews.
What you leave with
A real portfolio of published work, foundational media production skills, professional experience working with partner organizations, and a clear next-step pathway into the TAONI Bridgeway track.
Curriculum
- Week 1
On Set 101
Studio etiquette, call sheets, gear handling, and your role as an assistant.
- Week 2
Photo Fundamentals
Exposure triangle, composition, lighting basics — shot on TAONI bodies.
- Week 3
Video Capture
Framing for cut, audio capture, B-roll discipline, and clean handoff.
- Week 4
Edit Bay
Premiere / CapCut workflow, color, music licensing, and export specs.
- Week 5
Live Events
Covering partner events end-to-end, from arrival to delivery.
- Week 6
Story & Voice
Interviews, b-roll for narrative, and TAONI tone of voice.
- Week 7
Portfolio Build
Selecting hero work, building your reel, and writing a creative bio.
- Week 8
Showcase + Bridgeway Hand-off
Public review, partner intros, and entry into Bridgeway.
What you'll need
- Reliable transportation to assignments
- Email + smartphone for communication
- Willingness to be on set, on time, on task
From the field
Sample documentation from past sessions and partner work.
How to join or partner
Apply through the next open cohort, or contact us about partner-hosted Media Assistant placements.
Sign up for TAONI Media Assistants
Fill this out and our team will follow up by email with next steps, dates, and anything we need from you.
Scholarships: Stipends available for partner-funded placements (SYEP track).
Join the TAONI Media Assistants chat
The community chat for this program opens with each cohort. Add your name to be invited the moment it goes live.