Film Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

** This position is in Napa or Stockton, CA.**

** This position begins in January 2026**

The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is a project-based learning program that teaches film to youth in public schools during regular school and/or after school/summer school. YCP Mentors are professional filmmakers that teach 90-minute film classes, twice a week to students in 5th - 12th grades. In collaboration with a co-mentor, YCP Mentors implement our rigorous filmmaking curriculum and guide students through the filmmaking process to produce high-quality short film content over the course of the school year (August - June). YCP Mentors can expect to work 7-14 hours a week.

Minimum Requirements:

• Candidates MUST have a minimum of 3 years working in the film industry as a producer, director or in any below-the-line position.

• Candidates MUST have expertise in at least one specific area of filmmaking.

• Candidates MUST have editing experience - not to a professional editors level but enough to edit simple short content.

• Candidates MUST be comfortable using Google Suite

• Travel (up to 50 miles) may be required. Mileage is reimbursed.

• Candidates MUST have a Bachelors in film.

• Candidates MUST be comfortable in a school environment teaching children.

• Collaborate with other mentors and staff to create a positive and inclusive environment

• Help youth develop life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making

• Provide emotional support and encouragement to youth facing challenges

Preferred Qualifications:

• Film School graduate, a plus

• Previous teaching experience, a plus

• Experience using DaVinci Resolve, Frame.io, Dropbox.

• Advanced working knowledge of camera and audio equipment

• Basic working knowledge of G&E equipment

• Advanced working knowledge of film set logistics

• Intermediate to Advanced working knowledge of film story structure

Duties:

• Teach a year-long film program in the classroom during regular school

• Attend all YCP trainings and professional development meetings (monthly)

• Thoroughly prepare before each class with co-mentor utilizing provided curriculum

• Complete, compile and submit program materials and program data in a timely manner

• Responsible for all class deliverables (finished scripts, films, etc.)

• Commitment to the mission statement and philosophy of the program

• Adhere to Mentor Handbook guidelines

• Build and maintain positive rapport with students, school personnel, and colleagues

• Maintain timely communication with YCP administration and school personnel

• Conduct inventory of classroom film equipment as required

Pre-Employment Bootcamp:

Mandatory for all candidates: Before any role is offered, all candidates must participate in a bootcamp training program.

• Pass/Fail Assessment: The bootcamp has a strict pass/fail evaluation.

• Assessment Criteria:

  • Teaching Structure Understanding: Trainees are assessed on their comprehension of the designated teaching methods and frameworks.

  • Overall Mannerism: Their professional demeanor, communication skills, and overall suitability for an instructional role are evaluated.

• Trainee Pay: During the bootcamp, all trainees receive an hourly wage of $17.87.

  • Mentor Pay: Upon successful completion of the bootcamp and subsequent promotion to the role of "Mentor," the hourly pay increases to $31.80.

• Role Offer: Successful bootcamp graduates are offered a position as "Mentors."

• Class Assignment: Along with the Mentor role, successful trainees are assigned to teach specific classes.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift or carry 40lbs of film equipment

• Regular pushing / pulling / bending / stooping / kneeling / working outdoors

• Regular standing for long periods of time

• Clear loud voice that projects

To Apply, Submit the Following:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• 3 samples of your film work

This position requires candidates to pass a background check, live scan fingerprinting, a TB test, and valid auto insurance. A candidate may be invited to training, but may not be offered a position after the completion of said training. All pre-employment and state required training (sexual harassment, mandated reported, etc.) will be paid at a training rate.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project is an equal opportunity employer that does not and will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical/mental disability or veteran status or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $31.80 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift

• Monday to Friday

• No weekends

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Within a 50 mile radius

Work Location: In person