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Film Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Senior Manager, Operating Unit Engineer, responsible for leading engineering activities supporting blown film extrusion, inline converting, printing operations, roll stock ...

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Provide engineering and production support for multiple thin film processes including PVD metal deposition, laser drilling, photolithography, electroplating, electroless plating, and wet chemical ...

Provide engineering and production support for multiple thin film processes including PVD metal deposition, laser drilling, photolithography, electroplating, electroless plating, and wet chemical ...

FILM PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Monday through Friday, 2:30pm to 6:00pm Job Overview Artportunity Knocks is seeking a creative and passionate Film Instructor to lead engaging film and digital media programming for students in ...

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Film Developer information

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$40K

$129.3K

$158.5K

How much do film developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for film developer in the United States is $129,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a film developer do?

A film developer is responsible for processing photographic film to produce negatives or prints. This involves using chemical solutions in a darkroom to develop, stop, and fix the images captured on the film. Film developers must carefully control timing, temperature, and agitation to ensure high-quality results. They may also work with both black and white and color film, and sometimes perform additional tasks like retouching or scanning developed images for digital use.

What are some common challenges film developers face when working with different types of photographic film?

Film developers often encounter challenges such as managing varying chemical processing requirements for different film stocks, ensuring consistent temperature control, and handling delicate negatives to prevent damage. Each type of film—black and white, color negative, or slide film—has unique development processes, which require careful attention to timing and chemistry. Staying organized and detail-oriented is essential, as small mistakes can impact image quality. Collaboration with photographers and lab technicians is also frequent, ensuring that the final results meet creative expectations.

What is the difference between Film Developer vs Photographic Processor?

AspectFilm DeveloperPhotographic Processor
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of chemical processing and film typesRequires understanding of various chemicals and processing steps
Work EnvironmentDarkroom or specialized processing labsProcessing labs, photo labs, or darkrooms
Industry UsageUsed mainly in film photography and darkroom developmentUsed in commercial labs, photo studios, and film processing facilities

While both Film Developer and Photographic Processor involve chemical processing of photographic materials, the Film Developer specifically refers to the chemical solution that develops the exposed film, whereas the Photographic Processor encompasses the entire process of developing, fixing, and washing photographic prints or films. The roles often overlap, but Film Developer is more focused on the chemical solution preparation and application, while Photographic Processor handles the full processing workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Film Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Developer, you need a solid understanding of photographic processes, chemical handling, and film types, typically supported by experience or formal training in photography or imaging sciences. Familiarity with darkroom equipment, film scanners, and photo editing software is essential for processing and digitizing film. Attention to detail, patience, and effective time management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality film development, accurate image reproduction, and efficient workflow in both professional labs and creative studios.
More about Film Developer jobs
What states have the most Film Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Film Developer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Film Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,348 per year, or $62.2 per hour.
2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

California Film Institute

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Temporary

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival
Festival House Manager
Location: Mill Valley & San Rafael, CA (15 minutes North of the Golden Gate Bridge)
Status: Season with potential continuation after festival
Dates: Sept 28 - October 12, 2026
Compensation: $22/hour
About CAFILM:
CAFILM supports its mission to celebrate film as art and education by presenting the annual Mill Valley Film Festival and DocLands Documentary Film Festival, exhibiting film year-round at the non-profit Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, CA and Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, CA, and building the next generation of filmmakers and film lovers through CAFILM Education. Founded in 1978, the Mill Valley Film Festival is a world-renowned 11-day event held every October, screening over 200 innovative US and international films for over 60,000 attendees. MVFF has a stellar reputation as a filmmakers' festival with a high-profile, prestigious, non-competitive environment celebrating the best in independent and world cinema in gorgeous Northern California.
About the job:
The Festival House Manager collaborates with Venue Staff and Line Managers to ensure safe theater operations and timely screening starts. This role is pivotal in delivering excellent customer service and managing venue entry and front of house operations throughout the film festival. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously. As the first point of contact for our patrons, the Festival House Manager will create the best possible experience for them by maintaining a friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor, and being well-versed in all areas of audience services.
Responsibilities:
  • Interface closely with the public, volunteers, projectionists, box office, other festival staff, filmmakers, and sponsors.
  • Collaborate with the Development department to meet sponsor and donor requirements.
  • Prepare the venue at the start of each day.
  • Check in with the Theater Operations/Venue Manager to receive a radio, review technical sheets, daily schedules, and show flows. Discuss any special occurrences such as filmmaker/talent arrivals, red carpets, and shows that are on RUSH or likely to go to RUSH.
  • Communicate with the Projectionist to confirm all films and trailers for the day are ready.
  • Set up reserve signs for the first show and prepare any signs for later shows.
  • Evaluate the daily schedule to manage start and end times effectively, especially during tight turnarounds.
  • Supervise volunteers, assigning them to assist with in-house theater duties.
  • Oversee volunteers in counting tickets and ballots (as needed) during screenings.
  • Manage audience traffic flow and maintain reserved seating areas.
  • Keep staff and customers informed of any festival updates and changes.
  • Coordinate show entries and exits with other managers via radio to ensure timely starts.
  • Oversee the theater doors during pre-show and trailers, and monitor the first five minutes of each feature to check sound levels and picture quality.
  • Assist with film introductions, managing microphones, and cuing filmmakers and programmers.
  • Oversee RUSH ticket sales and seating in conjunction with Box Office, determining the number of available tickets with Line Manager and guiding RUSH ticket holders with the help of volunteer ushers.
  • Conduct Q&A sessions and manage patron exit processes.
  • Oversee volunteers collect completed ballots at each theater exit (as needed), assist in cleaning the theater, and set up reserves for the next film.

Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in customer service or event management, preferably in a festival or theater setting.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure.
  • Enthusiastic and positive attitude, with a professional demeanor.

The Festival House Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that our patrons have a memorable and enjoyable experience at our film festival. If you are passionate about film, enjoy working with people, and excel in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit:
  • If you are interested, please send us an email with your resume attached to:

We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment:
We strive for a culture where people feel like they are valued, can bring their whole selves to work free of oppression, injustice, harassment or discrimination, and that they experience belongingness through a common purpose. We are taking steps to ensure that the California Film Institute is a safe and equitable space for staff members, filmmakers and audiences alike by incorporating inclusivity, diversity and accessibility measures into our business plan and tangible KPIs to hold ourselves accountable to serve and engage diverse audiences through our work. We are also working to examine racial justice internally in order to drive self-discovery and best inform how we can change practices and utilize our voice and position within the community.
CAFILM is an equal opportunity employer to all. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our policies prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.