Youth Cinema Project Filmmaker Mentor – Summer (Seasonal)

Benefits:mileage401(k)Competitive salaryFree uniformsOpportunity for advancementTraining & development
Job Description

The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a project-based learning program that teaches filmmaking to youth in public schools during the regular school year and summer sessions.
YCP Summer Mentors are professional filmmakers who lead immersive, hands-on film classes for students in grades 5–12. During the summer term, mentors guide students through an accelerated filmmaking experience, supporting them in developing, producing, and completing short film projects within a condensed timeline.
Mentors work collaboratively with a co-mentor to implement YCP’s curriculum while fostering a creative, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment.

Summer Schedule & Commitment:

Program Dates: June 8 – July 2, 2026 Paid Training: Mid May (required prior to placement)4–5 days per week4 hours of instruction per day1 hour of prep per day1 hour of supplemental/admin time per day24 - 30 hours per week

Minimum Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of experience in the film industry (producer, director, or below-the-line roles)Expertise in at least one area of filmmakingCandidates MUST have editing experience - comfortable in editing simple short content.Proficiency in Google WorkspaceComfortable working in a school environment teaching children.Strong communication and collaboration skills Ability to foster a positive and inclusive learning environmentHelp youth develop life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-makingProvide emotional support and encouragement to youth facing challenges

Location & Travel:

Position based in Bakersfield, CAMust have reliable transportationTravel up to 50 miles may be required (mileage reimbursed)

Education:

Associate’s degree in Film or related field (Required)

Preferred Qualifications

Film School graduate, a plusPrevious teaching experience, a plusExperience with DaVinci Resolve, Frame.io, DropboxAdvanced working knowledge of camera and audio equipmentBasic working knowledge of G&E equipmentAdvanced working knowledge of film set logisticsIntermediate to Advanced working knowledge of film story structure

Duties & Responsibilities

Teach an accelerated summer film program in a classroom settingAttend all YCP trainings and professional development meetingsCollaborate with co-mentor to deliver curriculum effectivelyPrepare daily lesson plans using provided materialsGuide students through all stages of filmmaking (development production post)Ensure completion of class deliverables (scripts, films, etc.)Track and submit program data and materials in a timely mannerBuild and maintain positive relationships with students and school staffMaintain consistent communication with YCP administrationConduct equipment inventory and ensure proper use of gearSupport youth in developing life skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving

Pre-Employment Bootcamp

Mandatory training prior to hirePass/Fail evaluation

Assessment Criteria:

Understanding of teaching structure and curriculum deliveryProfessionalism, communication, and classroom presence

Training Pay: $17.28/hour
Mentor Pay (post-certification): $31.80/hour

Successful trainees will be offered a Mentor role and assigned to a summer site.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs of equipmentAbility to stand for extended periodsFrequent bending, kneeling, pushing, and pullingAbility to project voice clearly in a classroom setting

To Apply, Submit:

ResumeCover Letter3 samples of film work

Additional Requirements

Candidates must complete:

Background checkLive Scan fingerprintingTB testProof of valid auto insurance

Required trainings (e.g., sexual harassment prevention, mandated reporter) will be compensated at the training rate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Job Details

Job Type: Part-Time, ContractPay: $31.80/hourSchedule:Day shiftMonday–FridayNo weekendsWork Location: In-person (Bakersfield)

Compensation: $31.80 per hour

TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY BY EMPOWERING STORYTELLERSThe Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for equity, diversity, and excellence for the Latino community in the entertainment industry.

LFI houses three signature programs: The Youth Cinema Project (YCP), the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), and LatinX in Animation (LXiA).

Skills:
Animation, Auto Insurance, Background Investigation, Communication Skills, Diversity, Editing, Entertainment and Media, Film, Lesson Plans, Lift/Move 40 Pounds, Logistics, Mentoring, Nonprofit, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Scripting (Scripting Languages), Team Player, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Training/Teaching Curriculum

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Latino Film Institute