SFFILM

The Bay Area's home for the world's finest films and filmmakers.

Artist Development

Artist Development Intern

Overview

This position has been filled for the 2024 SFFILM Festival.

SFFILM’s Artist Development department seeks an organized, data-oriented, and creative person to join us this Spring to assist with all department programs and filmmaker services work. This is a unique opportunity to combine an interest in the world of local independent filmmakers with foundational exposure to the rhythms of a legacy Bay Area arts non-profit.  As a bonus, you will participate in the planning for Artist Development related activities at the 2024 SFFILM Festival in April, including filmmaker conversations, screenings, and other connecting events.

As an intern, you will support SFFILM FilmHouse programs and our Filmmaker Residency; learn about some of our Filmmaker grant review processes; and contribute to programmatic and event planning and work related to SFFILM Artist Development events. You will also learn about the role of organizations like SFFILM in fostering, connecting, and amplifying the work of local artists. This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone interested in arts nonprofts, filmmaker development, events, foundations, and cultivation.

This internship is unpaid and requires a commitment of 2-3 days per week (approximately 12-20 hours per week). This position may occasionally involve attendance at events outside of normal business hours. The ideal start date is in February 2024, with an end date in early May 2024. Application review begins January 22 but will be rolling after that.

Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Working with your supervisor and department advisors, you will develop a project aimed at improving the Artist Development process and pipeline (or other determined area of focus), resulting in a complete and shareable work sample.
  • Through participation in the planning and execution of Artist Development events, talks, and outreach related to the SFFILM Festival, you will develop skills in event design and execution.
  • Gain exposure to communication and project management practices through SFFILM’s existing Filmmaker Residents and applicants for various programs and grants.
  • Contribute to the development of the FilmHouse space as a welcoming and functional gathering and collaborative environment.
  • Support the execution of FilmHouse programs and activations.
  • Support departmental data collection and asset collection.
  • Assist the department coordinator in note-taking at department meetings.

Qualifications

  • Ideal candidates will be skilled listeners and eager problem solvers, with enthusiasm for working both with filmmakers and with connectors in the nonprofit and foundation realm.
  • A self-starter with an interest in mission driven work, you want to spend your Spring influencing an organization and working with creative professionals. 
  • Detail-oriented, comfortable using technology, and curious about understanding and improving the way things work.
  • Interested in understanding more about the lifecycle of independent filmmaking 
  • Team oriented with a professional demeanor.
  • Must be able to express yourself clearly, thoroughly and mindfully.
  • Ability to multitask and exhibit consistent follow-through; can work under time constraints.
  • Familiarity with Bay Area community organizations, businesses and geography a plus.
  • Proficiency with Google Suite. Additional CRM and analytics tools a plus. 

Benefits

  • SFFILM is an internationally recognized nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
  • Excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a world class film organization and create personal connections. 
  • Unique exposure to the development stages and strategies of independent filmmaking
  • Complimentary 1-year SFFILM membership.
  • Interns are able, and encouraged, to attend SFFILM preview screenings and events.
  • Class credit (if applicable).
  • Resume and network builder.
  • Unpaid, but great film perks!

SFFILM is deeply committed to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in both its internal management and external programming. Since 2018, the organization has actively been working in collaboration with two Advisory Boards focused on accessibility and inclusivity and officially began work with a DEI consultant in 2019 to further invest in and build on that work. Candidates are invited to discuss their interest and involvement in DEAI practices in their cover letter, and ask us more about our DEAI process in their interview.

SFFILM, in accordance with federal and state law, is an equal-opportunity employer. SFFILM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy/childbirth, medical condition, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, citizenship or veteran status. This nondiscrimination policy covers all candidates, staff members, interns, and volunteers.