Film Camp Mentor

SIFF believes that valuing and promoting diversity is vital to our mission. We are dedicated to improving racial equity within our organization and our community. SIFF uses our unique position to share diverse perspectives in visual storytelling while empowering new voices to share their own stories and promoting accessibility for all people.

About The Position

Filmmaking mentors will guide students (9-14 y.o.) in making short films throughout weeklong summer film camps at SIFF. Mentors will work under the guidance of a lead instructor and are responsible to help enhance an encouraging, inclusive, and safe learning atmosphere for all students.

Dates of Employment:

• August 3-7 (9am-3pm) - SIFF Filmmaking Camp: Stop Motion 1 | Ages 9-11
• August 10-14 (9am-3pm) - SIFF Filmmaking Camp: Stop Motion 2 | Ages 12-14
• August 17-21 (9am-3pm) - SIFF Filmmaking Camp: Science-Fiction | Ages 9-11
• August 24-28 (9am-3pm) - SIFF Filmmaking Camp: Horror | Ages 12-14

Reports to: Camp Lead Instructor

Responsibilities

• Support youth filmmakers as they tackle creative challenges and build skills throughout their time at camp.
• Supervise with writing, storyboarding, camera, and editing films while allowing campers to explore their creative ideas.
• Be aware of the safety of students at all times, especially if they are not in the Mentor's group, but be aware of any students in their vicinity.
• Promptly inform Lead Educator/Education Manager about equipment maintenance needs.
• Facilitate a friendly but disciplined camp setting for the students in which their creativity is valued while respecting their peers, mentors, and equipment.
• Work with the Lead Instructor and students at the beginning of the week to set and maintain Camp Norms of behavior and collaboration.
• Emphasize student inclusion across all aspects of the camp process, both during large group dynamics and within your mentor-guided production teams.
• Arrive promptly at or before 8:30am to prepare for the camp day (students begin arriving at 8:40am) and plan to stay until at least 3:30pm after the close of camp (3:00pm) to clean and prepare for the next day.
• Communicate promptly with the Lead Educator about any student issues or concerns within your production group as well as any communication that may be needed with parents (positive feedback or instructional support).
• Work within the production group to complete all films by 2:15 pm on Friday afternoon to facilitate the transfer of the films to the projectionist.
• Clean up camp environment, with SIFF Education staff and Lead Educator, at the end of the week to set the room as it needs to be for the next use.
• Other duties as required.

Requirements

• Ability to work M-F during traditional school hours (8am – 4pm) for the full week.
• Previous Experience in creative film fields and/or education.
• Pass a Washington State Background Check.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Experience working with youth formally and/or informally.
• Extremely organized and self-motivated.
• Experience with filmmaking. Experience using a camera (we use basic hand held digital cameras).
• Proficient user of digital editing software Final Cut Pro and the ability to explain basic editing tools to youth with no previous experience.
• A commitment to expanding art education and access to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities.

Benefits

• Employees have access to discounts and passes to year-round and Festival programming.

Work Environment

This temporary position will work onsite at our Seattle office and specified theater/s.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to interact with patrons and coworkers, sit and stand for extended periods of time, physically assist patrons when needed, and lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To be considered for this role, attach your resume detailing all relevant professional experience to the role. All attachments must be in PDF file. Please note that, at this time, to be in-person at any SIFF venue (including working in our offices) you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.