Filmmaking Instructor

Fresh Films' year round film program will engage high-school teens on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

We're looking for filmmakers or technically-inclined educators who can engage, guide and mentor the future creatives as they create five different film projects and learn the ins and outs of filmmaking.

This position is perfect for a freelance professional, current teacher, graduate student, or a filmmaker who is looking to give back to youth in your community.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Well-rounded generalists with experience in the film industry
• Any level of experience in the film industry is welcome as long as the candidates are comfortable teaching filmmaking in general (lights, cameras, audio, etc.)
• People who are well-versed in traditional filmmaking technology and the filmmaking process
• Must be able and willing to instruct high school students
• Must pass a background check in order to work directly with teens
• Must be comfortable & confident in working with and mentoring teenagers
• Experience in editing and using editing software is also a huge plus

Time Commitment & Compensation:

• Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays from January 14, 2025 - May 20, 2025
• Time Commitment: 7-8 hours/week
• The program will run from 4:45pm - 6:45pm each day; instructors are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes early to each program session
• Additionally, instructors are expected to spend 1-2 hours/week reviewing student work, prepping for the next program session, and answering student questions as needed
• Lastly, instructors are required to attend a 30 to 45-minute curriculum/program training meeting every Monday at either 9am CT or 5:30pm CT (depending on what works best for the instructor). This timing may change.
• Intro to Program Training Sessions: Instructors are required to attend four 1-hour virtual training sessions; dates & times TBC, but will take place throughout November

Location: Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation

Compensation: $30-$45/hour depending on experience level

Program Format:

Fresh Films will provide the basic film production process curriculum for you to implement. Each project will work through the fundamentals of the film process (pre-production through post-production).

Tuesday sessions begin with a 20-30 minute virtual Global Skills lesson led by Fresh Films staff where students learn filmmaking fundamentals such as concept development, shot styles, interviewing techniques, and more. These sessions often include guest speakers from partners at Roku, Fremantle, Sony, and more.

After the group lesson, the instructor works directly with the youth at their site to guide them through their projects, including that week’s production phase (scripting, shot lists, etc.) and provide technical guidance as needed based on the skills they learned in the large group lesson.

Thursday sessions are dedicated to continued in-person work time for students to film & edit their projects. You will lead the group of 15-20 students as they work in smaller film crews of 4-6 students and guide them through the creation of their video projects. You are their mentor, their guide, and someone that they will emulate, ask for college recommendations and future connections.