Filmmaking Instructor: Dual Language Doc Lab Instructor

ABOUT REEL WORKS 

Reel Works mentors, inspires, and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, therefore creating a springboard for successful careers in media and beyond. Using a one-on-one mentoring model, Reel Works challenges teens to tell their stories and have their voices heard. In turn, students build skills in literacy, leadership, and self-confidence to create productive futures. Reel Works serves 1,000 youth annually from middle school through college to launch careers in media.

The Dual Language Documentary Lab (June 2024-August 2024)

The Dual Language Documentary Lab is a 5-week course that challenges 12 high school students to create a documentary film about their lives and communities.

Students meet four days a week in July/August to collaborate on the creation of documentary films about culture, family, health, women’s empowerment, and wellness. Students will range from native Spanish speakers to those who only know conversational Spanish. Courses will be taught in English and Spanish.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

We are seeking a Documentary Filmmaking Instructor to teach the Documentary Lab.

Filmmaking Instructors are responsible for guiding students through the making of their short documentary films. The documentary co-instructor will guide students through the elements of doc story development and production as outlined in our documentary curriculum. The Filmmaking Instructor is also responsible for writing lesson plans. This role works closely with the Director of Education. All lessons will be taught in Spanish and English.

This is a part-time position. The lab runs between July 08 - August 08, four days a week, 9:30 - 2:30 PM., in addition to attendance at the rough cut and final screenings. Lesson and curriculum building begin in early June. Orientation would be scheduled individually with the Director of Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Lesson Plan Development

    • Responsible for developing engaging and informative sequential sessions for Documentary Filmmaking

    • Create lessons that are customized to student’s strengths and ideas to improve their experiences and educational outcomes

  • Teaching

    • Be available to run in-person workshops in Brooklyn, NY

    • Lead a practical, fun, and engaging in-person workshop

    • Chaperone weekly trips to shooting locations

    • Provide overall industry and career advice in a positive atmosphere

  • Collaboration

    • Foster community with Instructors, Students, and Mentors

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Professional Documentary Filmmaker in the media industry with a resume that reflects a mature body of work with a distinctive voice

  • Some experience with teaching teens and/or young adults

  • Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles when working with young people

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

    • A high degree of self-awareness, strong personal boundaries, and the ability to ask for help

  • Effective organizational and time-management skills

  • Demonstrated experience in team-based work

  • Spanish and English required

SALARY: This is a part-time position with various weekly hours that does not include health benefits. Hourly wage commensurate with experience in filmmaking, technical skills, teaching, and youth development.

Salary range: $50/hr

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, references, and work sample to christine@reelworks.org with the job title in the subject line. Responses will take up to 3 weeks. No calls, please. 

Reel Works is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and developing an inclusive staff team. BIPOC, people with intersecting identities - LGBTQIA+, women and non-binary people, people living with disabilities and others with lived experience being part of marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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