Filmmaking Mentor

Youth Cinema Project Filmmaking Mentor

Part-Time / Contract

Location: NJ school sites
Program Term: Summer 2026

Program Overview

The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a project-based learning program of the Latino Film Institute that provides in-school filmmaking instruction to students in public schools. The program focuses on the creation of short-form digital content, including narrative public service announcements (PSAs) and other student-driven media projects.

YCP Filmmaking Mentors are professional filmmakers who teach 90-minute classes, twice per week, during the regular school day to students in grades 5-12. Each class is supported by two YCP Mentors working collaboratively, alongside a credentialed classroom teacher and/or instructional aide assigned by the school district.

Mentors guide students through the full filmmaking process-from concept to final edit-using YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans. Programs culminate with a student film screening opportunity at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF).

Mentors can expect to work approximately 7-14 hours per week, including classroom instruction, required preparation time, and supplemental duties as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Classroom Engagement

• Co-teach filmmaking classes twice weekly (90 minutes per session) in a public school classroom during regular school hours
• Deliver instruction in:
  • Screenwriting and story development
  • Storyboarding and pre-production
  • Casting and directing
  • Production (camera, sound, lighting)
  • Editing and post-production
• Support students in producing short-form narrative and PSA-style content
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment in collaboration with:
  • A co-mentor
  • Credentialed classroom teachers
  • School administrators and staff

Preparation & Supplemental Duties

• Complete required preparation time prior to each class session using YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans
• Participate in supplemental paid hours outside of instructional time as assigned
• Attend all required:
  • Mentor orientations
  • Trainings and professional development sessions
  • Program meetings and check-ins

Program Deliverables & Assessment

• Ensure timely completion of all class deliverables, including:
  • Scripts
  • Edited films
  • Required documentation and reports
• Assist YCP staff with program assessment and data collection as requested by the District

Professional Conduct & Collaboration

• Maintain clear and timely communication with YCP administration and school personnel
• Build and maintain positive rapport with students, educators, administrators, and fellow mentors
• Adhere to all YCP policies, Mentor Handbook guidelines, and district site rules
• Support inventory, care, and basic oversight of classroom film equipment as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the film industry, including roles such as producer, director, or below-the-line positions
• Expertise in at least one area of filmmaking (e.g., directing, cinematography, editing, sound, producing)
• Working knowledge of video editing sufficient to edit short-form content
• Bachelor's degree in Film or a closely related field
• Comfort working in a K-12 public school environment
• Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Sheets)
• Ability to commute up to 50 miles (mileage reimbursed)

Preferred Qualifications

• Film school graduate
• Previous teaching, mentoring, or youth development experience
• Experience with:
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Frame.io
  • Dropbox
• Advanced working knowledge of:
  • Camera and audio equipment
  • Film set logistics
  • Story structure and visual storytelling
• Basic working knowledge of grip and electric equipment

Mandatory Pre-Employment Bootcamp

• All candidates must complete a required Bootcamp training program prior to being offered a Mentor role
• Bootcamp includes a pass/fail assessment evaluating:
  • Teaching structure comprehension
  • Professional demeanor and classroom readiness
• Bootcamp Pay: $17.87/hour
• Mentor Pay (post-Bootcamp): $31.80/hour
• Completion of Bootcamp does not guarantee placement

Pre-Employment Requirements

• DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal background check
• TB test
• Completion of required state-mandated trainings (paid at training rate)
• Valid auto insurance

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs of film equipment
• Regular standing, bending, kneeling, and light outdoor work
• Clear speaking voice capable of projecting in a classroom setting

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay Rate: $31.80/hour (post-Bootcamp)
• Job Type: Part-time, Contract
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, daytime hours
• Benefits: 401(k), flexible scheduling

Equal Employment Opportunity

Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.