Joe Zook

Media Operations • Archival Preservation • Film & Media • Mentorship

Education & Talent Development

Alongside managing daily media operations, a cornerstone of my career is training, mentoring, and empowering emerging filmmakers and media production professionals.

I direct structured documentary filmmaking residencies, design hands-on curricula in video production, and provide technical consultation for community producers and fellows.

Programs & Core Competencies

Community Lens Filmmaking Residency & Internship Program

Program Director & Mentor: Designing and overseeing the structured video production internship at GRTV. I recruit candidates and guide emerging storytellers through real-world production and post-production experience.

Program Overview & Application →

Fellow Coaching & Production Consultation

Technical & Creative Advisor: Translating 100+ client productions into practical consultation for fellows selected for Grand Valley State University's Chuck Peterson Video Production Fellowship.

Audio Storytelling For Podcasters Workshop

Guest Instructor: Teaching students of the GRTV Media Makers Summer Camp program how to tell stories and engage and respect audiences using thoughtful sound design, writing, and narrative arc development.

Designing Your Own Media Preservation Suite

Lecturer: Proven techniques, strategies, best practices, challenges, and ideas for how to get started with creating a community-accessible archiving and preservation lab for obsolete media formats (Upcoming: 2026 Alliance for Community Media Central States Regional Conference.)

Mentorship Philosophy & Learning Outcomes

My educational framework equips emerging media makers with both practical knowledge and creative confidence:

Inquiries & Workshop Booking

Interested in educational partnerships, residency mentoring, or technical training workshops?