Film Instructor / Filmmaking Mentor (Part-Time Teaching Artist)
Compensation: $31.80/hour + paid prep + mileage reimbursement
Schedule: Part-time, 7-19 hrs/week
Locations: Napa, CA
Keep one foot in the craft while shaping the next generation of filmmakers.
The Youth Cinema Project hires working filmmakers to teach project-based film classes to students in grades 5-12, guiding them from script to screen on a real short film over the school year. It’s flexible, part-time work that fits around freelance gigs, with paid prep time and a curriculum already built for you. You bring the craft; we bring the lesson plans.
What you’ll do
Teach two 90-minute film classes a week, partnered with a co-mentor
Guide students through the full filmmaking process, writing, shooting, and editing, to produce a finished short film
Teach from our ready-made, rigorous curriculum (no lesson planning from scratch)
Help young people find their voice and discover a path into film
Why filmmakers take this role
Flexible hours (avg. 7-14/week) that work around production schedules and freelance gigs
$31.80/hour, plus paid preparation time and paid training
Mileage reimbursed for any travel
Stay creatively engaged between projects, and give back to your community
What you’ll need
3+ years working in the film industry, as a director, producer, or in any below-the-line role
Strong skills in at least one area of filmmaking
Enough editing ability to cut simple short content (DaVinci Resolve a plus)
Comfortable and confident working with kids in a school setting
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation (some travel up to 50 miles; mileage reimbursed). Comfortable using Google Workspace.
Nice to have (not required)
Film degree or film-school background
Previous teaching or mentoring experience
Knowledge of camera, audio, and G&E equipment; film story structure
Experience with Frame.io and Dropbox
How to apply
Send your résumé and a link to your reel or portfolio. That’s all to get started. Promising candidates will be asked for a few work samples and a short note about your interest in the next step.
Good to know
This position works directly with students and requires successful completion of a background check, Live Scan fingerprinting, and a TB screening prior to employment. The role involves extended periods of standing, frequent outdoor work, and the ability to safely lift and transport up to 50 pounds of filmmaking equipment. All required state-mandated trainings, including Child Abuse Mandated Reporter and Harassment Prevention training, are provided and compensated. Please note that participation in or completion of the pre-instruction Boot Camp training does not guarantee employment or placement as a YCP Mentor.
The Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
