Filmmaking Mentor
Latino Film Institute, Glendale, CA, United States
Youth Cinema Project Filmmaking Mentor
Part-Time / Contract
Location:
Los Angeles school sites Program Term:
February 16, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Program Overview
The
Youth Cinema Project (YCP)
is a project-based learning program of the Latino Film Institute that provides
in-school filmmaking instruction
to students in public schools. The program focuses on the creation of
short-form digital content , including
narrative public service announcements (PSAs)
and other student-driven media projects.
YCP Filmmaking Mentors are
professional filmmakers
who teach
90-minute classes, twice per week , during the regular school day to students in grades
5-12 . Each class is supported by
two YCP Mentors working collaboratively , alongside a
credentialed classroom teacher and/or instructional aide
assigned by the school district.
Mentors guide students through the full filmmaking process-from concept to final edit-using YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans. Programs culminate with a
student film screening opportunity at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) .
Mentors can expect to work
approximately 7-14 hours per week , including classroom instruction,
required preparation time , and supplemental duties as assigned.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Classroom Engagement Co-teach filmmaking classes
twice weekly (90 minutes per session)
in a public school classroom during regular school hours Deliver instruction in: Screenwriting and story development Storyboarding and pre-production Casting and directing Production (camera, sound, lighting) Editing and post-production
Support students in producing
short-form narrative and PSA-style content Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment in collaboration with: A co-mentor Credentialed classroom teachers School administrators and staff
Preparation & Supplemental Duties
Complete
required preparation time
prior to each class session using
YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans Participate in
supplemental paid hours
outside of instructional time as assigned Attend all required: Mentor orientations Trainings and professional development sessions Program meetings and check-ins
Program Deliverables & Assessment
Ensure timely completion of all class deliverables, including: Scripts Edited films Required documentation and reports
Assist YCP staff with
program assessment and data collection
as requested by the District Professional Conduct & Collaboration
Maintain clear and timely communication with YCP administration and school personnel Build and maintain positive rapport with students, educators, administrators, and fellow mentors Adhere to all YCP policies,
Mentor Handbook guidelines , and district site rules Support inventory, care, and basic oversight of classroom film equipment as required Minimum Qualifications
Minimum
3 years of professional experience in the film industry , including roles such as producer, director, or below-the-line positions Expertise in
at least one area of filmmaking
(e.g., directing, cinematography, editing, sound, producing) Working knowledge of video editing sufficient to edit short-form content Bachelor's degree in
Film or a closely related field Comfort working in a
K-12 public school environment Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills Proficiency with
Google Workspace
(Docs, Drive, Sheets) Ability to commute up to
50 miles
(mileage reimbursed) Preferred Qualifications
Film school graduate Previous teaching, mentoring, or youth development experience Experience with: DaVinci Resolve Frame.io Dropbox
Advanced working knowledge of: Camera and audio equipment Film set logistics Story structure and visual storytelling
Basic working knowledge of grip and electric equipment Mandatory Pre-Employment Bootcamp
All candidates must complete a
required Bootcamp training program
prior to being offered a Mentor role Bootcamp includes a
pass/fail assessment
evaluating: Teaching structure comprehension Professional demeanor and classroom readiness
Bootcamp Pay:
$17.87/hour Mentor Pay (post-Bootcamp):
$31.80/hour Completion of Bootcamp
does not guarantee placement Pre-Employment Requirements
DOJ LiveScan fingerprinting and criminal background check TB test Completion of required
state-mandated trainings
(paid at training rate) Valid auto insurance Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to
40 lbs
of film equipment Regular standing, bending, kneeling, and light outdoor work Clear speaking voice capable of projecting in a classroom setting Compensation & Schedule
Pay Rate:
$31.80/hour (post-Bootcamp) Job Type:
Part-time, Contract Schedule:
Monday-Friday, daytime hours Benefits:
401(k), flexible scheduling
Equal Employment Opportunity
Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Part-Time / Contract
Location:
Los Angeles school sites Program Term:
February 16, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Program Overview
The
Youth Cinema Project (YCP)
is a project-based learning program of the Latino Film Institute that provides
in-school filmmaking instruction
to students in public schools. The program focuses on the creation of
short-form digital content , including
narrative public service announcements (PSAs)
and other student-driven media projects.
YCP Filmmaking Mentors are
professional filmmakers
who teach
90-minute classes, twice per week , during the regular school day to students in grades
5-12 . Each class is supported by
two YCP Mentors working collaboratively , alongside a
credentialed classroom teacher and/or instructional aide
assigned by the school district.
Mentors guide students through the full filmmaking process-from concept to final edit-using YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans. Programs culminate with a
student film screening opportunity at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) .
Mentors can expect to work
approximately 7-14 hours per week , including classroom instruction,
required preparation time , and supplemental duties as assigned.
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Classroom Engagement Co-teach filmmaking classes
twice weekly (90 minutes per session)
in a public school classroom during regular school hours Deliver instruction in: Screenwriting and story development Storyboarding and pre-production Casting and directing Production (camera, sound, lighting) Editing and post-production
Support students in producing
short-form narrative and PSA-style content Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment in collaboration with: A co-mentor Credentialed classroom teachers School administrators and staff
Preparation & Supplemental Duties
Complete
required preparation time
prior to each class session using
YCP-provided curriculum and lesson plans Participate in
supplemental paid hours
outside of instructional time as assigned Attend all required: Mentor orientations Trainings and professional development sessions Program meetings and check-ins
Program Deliverables & Assessment
Ensure timely completion of all class deliverables, including: Scripts Edited films Required documentation and reports
Assist YCP staff with
program assessment and data collection
as requested by the District Professional Conduct & Collaboration
Maintain clear and timely communication with YCP administration and school personnel Build and maintain positive rapport with students, educators, administrators, and fellow mentors Adhere to all YCP policies,
Mentor Handbook guidelines , and district site rules Support inventory, care, and basic oversight of classroom film equipment as required Minimum Qualifications
Minimum
3 years of professional experience in the film industry , including roles such as producer, director, or below-the-line positions Expertise in
at least one area of filmmaking
(e.g., directing, cinematography, editing, sound, producing) Working knowledge of video editing sufficient to edit short-form content Bachelor's degree in
Film or a closely related field Comfort working in a
K-12 public school environment Strong communication, collaboration, and classroom management skills Proficiency with
Google Workspace
(Docs, Drive, Sheets) Ability to commute up to
50 miles
(mileage reimbursed) Preferred Qualifications
Film school graduate Previous teaching, mentoring, or youth development experience Experience with: DaVinci Resolve Frame.io Dropbox
Advanced working knowledge of: Camera and audio equipment Film set logistics Story structure and visual storytelling
Basic working knowledge of grip and electric equipment Mandatory Pre-Employment Bootcamp
All candidates must complete a
required Bootcamp training program
prior to being offered a Mentor role Bootcamp includes a
pass/fail assessment
evaluating: Teaching structure comprehension Professional demeanor and classroom readiness
Bootcamp Pay:
$17.87/hour Mentor Pay (post-Bootcamp):
$31.80/hour Completion of Bootcamp
does not guarantee placement Pre-Employment Requirements
DOJ LiveScan fingerprinting and criminal background check TB test Completion of required
state-mandated trainings
(paid at training rate) Valid auto insurance Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to
40 lbs
of film equipment Regular standing, bending, kneeling, and light outdoor work Clear speaking voice capable of projecting in a classroom setting Compensation & Schedule
Pay Rate:
$31.80/hour (post-Bootcamp) Job Type:
Part-time, Contract Schedule:
Monday-Friday, daytime hours Benefits:
401(k), flexible scheduling
Equal Employment Opportunity
Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.