Filmmaking Mentor

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Part Time, Calistoga, CA, US. Position begins in August 2026.

The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a project-based learning program that teaches film to youth in public schools during regular school and/or after school/summer school. YCP Mentors are professional filmmakers that teach 90‑minute film classes, twice a week to students in 5th - 12th grades. In collaboration with a co‑mentor, YCP Mentors implement our rigorous filmmaking curriculum and guide students through the filmmaking process to produce high‑quality short film content over the course of the school year (August – June).

YCP Mentors can expect to work 7‑14 hours a week.

• Minimum 3 years working in the film industry as a producer, director, or any below‑the‑line position.
• Expertise in at least one specific area of filmmaking.
• Editing experience sufficient to edit simple short content (not at a professional editor's level).
• Comfortable using Google Suite.
• Travel up to 50 miles may be required; mileage reimbursed.
• Bachelor's degree in film.
• Comfortable in a school environment teaching children.

• Previous teaching experience.
• Advanced working knowledge of camera and audio equipment.
• Basic working knowledge of G&E equipment.
• Advanced working knowledge of film set logistics.
• Intermediate to advanced working knowledge of film story structure.

• Teach a year‑long film program in the classroom during regular school.
• Attend all YCP trainings and professional development meetings (monthly).
• Thoroughly prepare before each class with co‑mentor utilizing provided curriculum.
• Complete, compile and submit program materials and program data in a timely manner.
• Responsible for all class deliverables (finished scripts, films, etc.).
• Commitment to the mission statement and philosophy of the program.
• Adhere to Mentor Handbook guidelines.
• Build and maintain positive rapport with students, school personnel, and colleagues.
• Maintain timely communication with YCP administration and school personnel.
• Conduct inventory of classroom film equipment as required.

Mandatory for all candidates:
Before any role is offered, all candidates must participate in a bootcamp training program. The bootcamp has a strict pass/fail evaluation.

• Teaching Structure Understanding:
  Trainees are assessed on their comprehension of the designated teaching methods and frameworks.
• Overall Mannerism:
  Their professional demeanor, communication skills, and overall suitability for an instructional role are evaluated.
• Mentor Pay:
  Upon successful completion of the bootcamp and subsequent promotion to the role of "Mentor", the hourly pay increases to $31.80.

• Ability to lift or carry 40 lbs of film equipment.
• Regular standing for long periods of time.
• Clear loud voice that projects.

• Resume.
• 3 samples of your film work.

This position requires candidates to pass a background check, live scan fingerprinting, a TB test, and valid auto insurance. A candidate may be invited to training, but may not be offered a position after completion of said training. All pre‑employment and state‑required training (sexual harassment, mandated reporting, etc.) will be paid at a training rate.

Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer that does not and will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical/mental disability or veteran status or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.