Filmmaking Mentor

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Cinema Project Filmmaker Mentor - Part-Time

** This position is in Bakersfield, CA.** 

** This position has a start date of January 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 Requirements:

• Candidates MUST have a minimum of 3 years working in the film industry as a producer, director or in any below-the-line position.

• Candidates MUST have expertise in at least one specific area of filmmaking.

• Candidates MUST have editing experience - not to a professional editors level but enough to edit simple short content.

• Candidates MUST be comfortable using Google Suite

• Travel (up to 50 miles) may be required. Mileage is reimbursed.

• Candidates MUST have a Bachelors in media, film or communications.

• Candidates MUST be comfortable in a school environment teaching children.

• Collaborate with other mentors and staff to create a positive and inclusive environment

• Help youth develop life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making

• Provide emotional support and encouragement to youth facing challenges

Preferred Qualifications:

• Film School graduate, a plus

• Previous teaching experience, a plus

• Experience using DaVinci Resolve, Frame.io, Dropbox.

• 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

Duties:

• 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