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Film Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Thin Film Process Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Microelectronics Thin Film Growth Research Engineer Apex Microdevices is seeking an entry-level research scientist or engineer focused on ferroelectric nitride materials and device prototyping to ...

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Job Summary The Thin Film Technician provides technical support, under direct supervision, in all ...

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Job Summary The Thin Film Technician provides technical support, under direct supervision, in all ...

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Film Developer information

See salary details

$40K

$129.3K

$158.5K

How much do film developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,348 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Festival Associate Programmer, Documentary, Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Institute

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$24.50/hr

Full-time, Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Festival Associate Programmer, Documentary, Sundance Film Festival is charged with tracking projects, viewing feature documentary films submitted for consideration to the Sundance Film Festival, and actively participating in deliberations in regards to the final Festival program.
Working closely under the direction of Senior Programmer, Sundance Film Festival, this role supports Sundance Institute's commitment to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences.
This temporary position works full time (40 hours per week) from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 to Friday, February 12, 2027 and requires extended hours, including evenings and weekends to meet key deadlines and respond to on-call needs as assigned. This position is based out of the greater Los Angeles, CA area in order to work onsite in a hybrid capacity throughout the year. Additionally, the role is required to travel and be lodged in Boulder during the January Film Festival.
Top priorities include but are not limited to...
  • Performing outreach to and corresponding with producers, directors, sales agents, and distributors on behalf of Sundance Institute.
  • Conducting research through IMDb, Studio System, and other sources to confirm premiere and eligibility status of highly-rated international features.
  • Completing "first watches" and writing coverage for films submitted for Festival consideration.
  • Viewing highly-rated films as "second watches" and making recommendations to the Programming team regarding the potential inclusion of those films into the Festival.
  • Acting as key programming representative to ensure timely communication between the Programming department and Festival applicants in regards to matters of significance.
  • Tracking projects and managing the programming database with accurate information on feature-length international films and projects currently in production.
  • Updating programming databases as films are received during the submission process.
  • Checking lineups of other film festivals as they are released to notate and remove tracked films that are playing at other festivals.
  • Conducting "checks" of films identified by Festival Programmers and Senior Programmers, as well as those included in the Festival tracking database.
  • Collaborating with the greater Programming team to create "decision lists" for potential inclusion of films into the Festival.
  • Participating in Programming team meetings throughout the programming process as well as in the lead-up to the Festival.
  • Writing film descriptions and other various copy for film guide, catalogue, and website.
  • Conducting film intros and facilitates film Q&A sessions at Festival.
  • Maintaining assigned office hours in the Programming office throughout the Festival.
  • As directed, collaborating with the Programming team on various Festival projects, events, and planning for filmmaker support leading up to and during the festival.
  • Assisting in the planning and execution of online events as assigned, including filmmaker events leading up to the Festival and online industry meetings during the festival.
  • Participating in the planning and execution of SIMS (Sundance Online Industry Meetings), including managing communications with filmmakers, scheduling and curating meetings, and interfacing with industry for Ask Me Anything sessions and associated events.

You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:
  • 3 years of film festival programming experience.
  • Knowledge of film festival industry programming processes and procedures.
  • Knowledge of film theory and film festival selection process.
  • Working knowledge of various video formats and platforms.
  • Outstanding communication skills including written and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
  • Excellent organizational skills including self-management of work schedule.
  • Ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Experience with film festival management websites and software, specifically Film Freeway and Airtable preferred.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States.

You will be successful in this role if you...
  • Work closely with the larger programming team to ensure a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling program.
  • Create a welcoming environment for coworkers, artists, audiences, and external constituents.
  • Contribute to the larger thinking around ways the Festival can continue to improve and serve its constituents and the role programming can have within that process.

In addition to an hourly pay of $24.50, this position* is eligible for benefits & perks, highlights include:
  • Paid sick leave and Institute holidays
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee Wellness Initiatives
  • Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

*Applications open 08/10/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week