Sundance Institute
Seasonal Assistant, Catalyst Forum
Sundance Institute, Saint George, Utah, United States, 84790
Catalyst Forum Assistant
Catalyst is Sundance Institute's film financing program. Through our year-round program, we aim to build a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers; to unlock funding for ambitious new independent films; and to engage our community in supporting the independent film ecosystem. Catalyst Forum is the program's signature event that presents a slate of documentary and fiction features seeking production financing and connects filmmakers and investors over the course of a multi-day retreat presentations, individual meetings, panels, and informal social moments. Film teams selected for Catalyst Forum participate in Catalyst's Filmmakers Prep Program, a rigorous, custom lab that offers individualized support in anticipation of presenting to investors at Catalyst Forum. The Catalyst Forum Assistant will support the Catalyst team throughout the Catalyst's Filmmaker Prep Program in preparation of the event, onsite at Catalyst Forum and beyond. As part of the Catalyst Filmmaker Prep Program, this role will play a crucial role in our work with filmmakers as they develop their Catalyst pitch deliverables in the lead up to meeting investors, such as their Forum Presentation, Project Deck, Finance Plan, and Audience Engagement Strategy. The Catalyst Forum Assistant tracks and disseminates the high number of Filmmaker deliverables on a weekly basis, works closely with our Filmmaker advisors and guest speakers, assists in the creation of key Forum materials, and supports team administration, event logistics and onsite execution. Working under the direction of Catalyst Manager, this temporary position works full time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, February 18, 2026 through Friday, May 8, 2026. This position may work remotely from a state of operation until the team comes together in person to support onsite at the Catalyst Forum from Friday, April 24, 2026 through Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at the Sundance Resort in Utah. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required at key points to meet deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned. Top priorities include but are not limited to Supporting the Catalyst team with all administrative work related to Catalyst Forum and the Catalyst program at large. Tracking the weekly delivery and dissemination of film project materials in an urgent and timely manner. Supporting a high amount of email communications to program participants in a timely and detail-orientated manner, and helping to manage the general Catalyst inbox, including but is not limited to travel coordination for Forum filmmakers, advisors, and industry guests, and collecting and filing key paperwork around their program participation. Developing and maintaining the schedule for our weekly work with film teams and their advisors through the Filmmaker Prep. Supporting operational planning, logistics, and production of Catalyst Forum presentations, panels, and events. Working with the Catalyst Coordinator to ensure the programmatic elements of the event run smoothly, remaining well-versed in the minute-by-minute Run of Show breakdown for the entire event. Compiling and creating Catalyst Forum materials such as the Forum schedule, panelist and speaker bios, participant directory, and event one-sheets. Working with the Catalyst Coordinator to track all digital and printed assets for the eventincluding filmmaker presentations, remarks, forms, checklists, etc.and is responsible for maintaining version control and working with Production and Tech teams to ensure a smooth delivery. Assisting the Coordinator in the creation of the Catalyst Forum Lab Book, a 40-page publication containing first-look details of the Catalyst Forum Slate. Partnering with the Catalyst Team in the use of the program's software, FestiCine, to prepare for and schedule dozens of on site investor-filmmaker meetings. The Catalyst Forum Assistant will be trained by the Catalyst team in FestiCine in advance of the event. Providing logistical support onsite throughout Catalyst Forum, including company moves, stage management, meeting coordination, printing materials, guest check in, event time-keeping, and more. Supporting the Coordinator in the development and maintenance of a Forum webpage by collecting materials such as user lists, project decks, presentation recordings, and more. Updating Catalyst files and tracking databases, including constituent contact details, investor commitments, and other records related to Catalyst-supported filmmakers and investors. You have the following direct or transferable skill sets: 1 year of administrative work experience, preferably in the arts or entertainment. Passion for the Sundance Institute mission. Excellent time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to track small details in a high stakes environment. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Excellent discretion and the ability to maintain confidential information. Fluency in Google Applications (Google Drive, Google Sheets/Excel), and experience in Airtable is preferred. Experience working in event or film production preferred. Experience working with high-profile constituents preferred. Interest in independent film or film finance a plus. Legal authorization to work in the United States. You will be successful in this role if you Appreciate how important small details are in producing quality work. Stay on top of deadlines and scheduling for our team across multiple program activities. Regularly communicate updates on your work with the larger team, actively assess potential challenges in the work, and strive to maintain focus on assigned priorities. Exhibit a willingness to learn and stay flexible and positive amid shifting priorities. Smoothly coordinate and effectively organize a wide array of assets. Deliver proof-read, formatted, and version-controlled materials. Track logistics and thrive in an event production environment. Work collaboratively and enjoy problem-solving as a team. Act as a resource for our filmmaker, investor, and industry community. In addition to an hourly pay of $17.28, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include: Paid sick leave and Institute holidays Employee assistance program Employee Wellness Initiatives *Applications open 01/16/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week
Catalyst is Sundance Institute's film financing program. Through our year-round program, we aim to build a culture of partnership between independent investors and filmmakers; to unlock funding for ambitious new independent films; and to engage our community in supporting the independent film ecosystem. Catalyst Forum is the program's signature event that presents a slate of documentary and fiction features seeking production financing and connects filmmakers and investors over the course of a multi-day retreat presentations, individual meetings, panels, and informal social moments. Film teams selected for Catalyst Forum participate in Catalyst's Filmmakers Prep Program, a rigorous, custom lab that offers individualized support in anticipation of presenting to investors at Catalyst Forum. The Catalyst Forum Assistant will support the Catalyst team throughout the Catalyst's Filmmaker Prep Program in preparation of the event, onsite at Catalyst Forum and beyond. As part of the Catalyst Filmmaker Prep Program, this role will play a crucial role in our work with filmmakers as they develop their Catalyst pitch deliverables in the lead up to meeting investors, such as their Forum Presentation, Project Deck, Finance Plan, and Audience Engagement Strategy. The Catalyst Forum Assistant tracks and disseminates the high number of Filmmaker deliverables on a weekly basis, works closely with our Filmmaker advisors and guest speakers, assists in the creation of key Forum materials, and supports team administration, event logistics and onsite execution. Working under the direction of Catalyst Manager, this temporary position works full time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, February 18, 2026 through Friday, May 8, 2026. This position may work remotely from a state of operation until the team comes together in person to support onsite at the Catalyst Forum from Friday, April 24, 2026 through Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at the Sundance Resort in Utah. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends will be required at key points to meet deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned. Top priorities include but are not limited to Supporting the Catalyst team with all administrative work related to Catalyst Forum and the Catalyst program at large. Tracking the weekly delivery and dissemination of film project materials in an urgent and timely manner. Supporting a high amount of email communications to program participants in a timely and detail-orientated manner, and helping to manage the general Catalyst inbox, including but is not limited to travel coordination for Forum filmmakers, advisors, and industry guests, and collecting and filing key paperwork around their program participation. Developing and maintaining the schedule for our weekly work with film teams and their advisors through the Filmmaker Prep. Supporting operational planning, logistics, and production of Catalyst Forum presentations, panels, and events. Working with the Catalyst Coordinator to ensure the programmatic elements of the event run smoothly, remaining well-versed in the minute-by-minute Run of Show breakdown for the entire event. Compiling and creating Catalyst Forum materials such as the Forum schedule, panelist and speaker bios, participant directory, and event one-sheets. Working with the Catalyst Coordinator to track all digital and printed assets for the eventincluding filmmaker presentations, remarks, forms, checklists, etc.and is responsible for maintaining version control and working with Production and Tech teams to ensure a smooth delivery. Assisting the Coordinator in the creation of the Catalyst Forum Lab Book, a 40-page publication containing first-look details of the Catalyst Forum Slate. Partnering with the Catalyst Team in the use of the program's software, FestiCine, to prepare for and schedule dozens of on site investor-filmmaker meetings. The Catalyst Forum Assistant will be trained by the Catalyst team in FestiCine in advance of the event. Providing logistical support onsite throughout Catalyst Forum, including company moves, stage management, meeting coordination, printing materials, guest check in, event time-keeping, and more. Supporting the Coordinator in the development and maintenance of a Forum webpage by collecting materials such as user lists, project decks, presentation recordings, and more. Updating Catalyst files and tracking databases, including constituent contact details, investor commitments, and other records related to Catalyst-supported filmmakers and investors. You have the following direct or transferable skill sets: 1 year of administrative work experience, preferably in the arts or entertainment. Passion for the Sundance Institute mission. Excellent time-management and organizational skills, and the ability to track small details in a high stakes environment. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Excellent discretion and the ability to maintain confidential information. Fluency in Google Applications (Google Drive, Google Sheets/Excel), and experience in Airtable is preferred. Experience working in event or film production preferred. Experience working with high-profile constituents preferred. Interest in independent film or film finance a plus. Legal authorization to work in the United States. You will be successful in this role if you Appreciate how important small details are in producing quality work. Stay on top of deadlines and scheduling for our team across multiple program activities. Regularly communicate updates on your work with the larger team, actively assess potential challenges in the work, and strive to maintain focus on assigned priorities. Exhibit a willingness to learn and stay flexible and positive amid shifting priorities. Smoothly coordinate and effectively organize a wide array of assets. Deliver proof-read, formatted, and version-controlled materials. Track logistics and thrive in an event production environment. Work collaboratively and enjoy problem-solving as a team. Act as a resource for our filmmaker, investor, and industry community. In addition to an hourly pay of $17.28, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include: Paid sick leave and Institute holidays Employee assistance program Employee Wellness Initiatives *Applications open 01/16/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week