2024 NOFF Production Assistant

New Orleans Film Society

2024 NOFF Production Assistant

(Temporary Employee)

MISSION:

The New Orleans Film Society is a 501(c) (3) arts non-profit organization whose mission is to discover, cultivate, and amplify diverse voices of filmmakers who tell the stories of our time. We produce the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival annually and invest year-round in building a vibrant film culture in the South to share transformative cinematic experiences with audiences, and connect dynamic filmmakers to career-advancing resources.

VALUES STATEMENT:

• Start with the art and allow artistic vision, equity, and social impact to guide our search for resources.
• Champion filmmakers who have been historically denied access to resources and opportunities within the industry–– including Southern artists, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.
• Seek deep audience engagement.
• Build a working environment that is fair and fulfilling.
• Exhibit dedication and passion and believe that inspired and impactful programs arise from collaboration and mutual respect.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The New Orleans Film Society is seeking a crew of Production Assistants to deliver, build, and restore production equipment in order to create visually-captivating Film Festival events across the city of New Orleans (like film screenings, panels, industry events, receptions, and lounges). Ideal candidates have the ability to complete labor-intensive tasks as assigned and experience (or interest) in live events, film sets, or backstage environments. Some Production Assistants may be assigned to drive Festival vehicles. Production Assistants report directly to the Production Manager but actively collaborate with all Festival departments.

TIMELINE:

Candidates must be fully available October 14-25, 2024 (Festival production dates) plus:

• Occasional availability October 1-13 (pre-production and training)
• Occasional availability October 26-30 (wrap)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Pre-production tasks, including:
  • Preparing equipment and supply storage (1215 Prytania Street)
  • Organizing equipment and supplies for dispatch
  • Delivering, loading in, building, breaking down, and loading out equipment and supplies at screening and event venues
  • Attending meetings and training as assigned
• Festival execution, including:
  • Dispatching production needs from NOFF office (1215 Prytania Street)
  • Executing the packing, delivery, moving, and return of equipment and supplies, including tech gear, marketing collateral, signage, consumables
  • Assisting Venue Managers, Technicians, and Events staff as assigned
  • Providing regular updates to Production Coordinator via digital tools
• Post-production restoration, including:
  • Returning equipment and supplies to storage and organizing as assigned
  • Preparing rental equipment for timely return
  • Transitioning storage to year-round set-up
• Staff collaboration, including:
  • Utilizing NOFS tools and applications, like AirTable and Slack, for effective staff communication
  • Collaborating seamlessly with volunteers and other NOFF staff
  • Cooperating with Tech staff to ensure equipment is safe and functional
  • Working closely with the Production Manager to facilitate a seamless Festival experience, including providing feedback for future events

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE + QUALIFICATIONS:

• Alignment to the organization’s stated mission and values
• Excellent and consistent communication skills, both in person and on digital platforms
• Strong organizational abilities

• Interest in gaining live event, film set, or backstage experience

• Availability to work nights, weekends, and long days during scheduled Festival events
• Ability to work collaboratively in person and digitally, disseminating information frequently (verbally and in writing)
• Ability to stand and move for prolonged periods; load, lift, and carry items up to 40 pounds (accommodations available)
• Reliable transportation to and from office and Festival venues

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE + QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience as a professional who has been historically denied access to resources and opportunities within the industry – including Southern artists, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities
• Experience in teamwork environments
• Rigging, lighting, fabrication, or similar technical skills
• Recent CPR/AED/First Aid certifications
• Valid Driver’s License, clear driving record, and ability to drive Festival vehicles, including oversized cargo vans and box trucks, if assigned (not all positions require driving)

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:

This position is temporary and non-exempt, and the hourly compensation is $18.00 per hour. Temporary staff members are eligible to receive the following benefits:

• Paid sick time and holidays
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Meal stipend for select Festival days
• All Access Pass to the New Orleans Film Festival (for a guest)
• 1 Year Membership to New Orleans Film Society

The New Orleans Film Society reserves the right to change the listed benefits at any moment, with advance notification to employees.

LOCATION:

This position works in-person and dispatches from the NOFF office (1215 Prytania Street) to venues around New Orleans. Training may be both remote or in the office. The candidate should live in the New Orleans metro area or be willing to travel to start the position. The New Orleans Film Society is not able to offer a travel stipend at this time.

APPLYING:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls or inquiries from recruiters will be accepted. Please do not email any staff member individually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

New Orleans Film Society fosters a creative and professional environment that reflects the diversity of New Orleans. We actively recruit a wide pool of applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender, or political affiliation.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATION:

We encourage people with disabilities to consider applying for opportunities within the New Orleans Film Society. Our application process requires submitting written documentation for review, and if invited to the interviewing stage, promptly self-schedule through the provided email link and conduct phone/video calls and/or in-person meetings with final candidates. If you require an alternative application or interviewing process, we will make reasonable accommodations to received requests. Please email us at jobs@neworleansfilmsociety.org or call us at 504-309-6633.

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