ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Short Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WeThePeopleHaveHadEnough!

Video Editor

Austin, TX · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

This could turn into more edit gigs , but 1st this short film. Looking for an editor to take over a previous project (major film festival already waiting for 2027 submission. This is an Experimental ...

Bolt Graphics

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$60/hr

Brainstorm, outline, write, and assist in development of a 3D animated short film * Research relevant topics surrounding the setting, characters and themes of the story including film inspiration

LA 411

Executive Producer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$111.60 - $223.20/hr

John Funk Productions (ROSES ON THE VINE) is looking for an Executive Producer collaborator on the short film, AMERICAN FOLK STORY, written and to be directed by John Funk. EP will work with the team ...

Wisconsin

Film Society Producer

Stevens Point, WI

$13/hr

Short-Film Productions Required Qualifications Students applying for this position must pass a Criminal Background Check. Preferred Qualifications Preference goes to: * Media Studies, Writing/English ...

Latino Film Institute

Filmmaking Mentor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

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 ...

Latino Film Institute

Filmmaking Mentor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsShort Film Jobs

Short Film information

See salary details

$18.5K

$91.8K

$359.5K

How much do short film jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for short film in the United States is $91,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short film director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Short Film Director, you need a strong understanding of storytelling, visual composition, and film production, often supported by a background in film studies or media arts. Proficiency with video editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and familiarity with production workflows is essential. Excellent leadership, communication, and creativity help you collaborate with cast and crew and bring your vision to life. These skills ensure the creation of compelling short films that effectively engage audiences and meet production goals.

What is the difference between Short Film vs Film Director?

AspectShort FilmFilm Director
CredentialsFilm school, filmmaking coursesFilm school, extensive experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent projects, film festivalsStudio sets, production companies
Industry UsageCreating a standalone short storyOverseeing entire film productions

Short films are brief, standalone projects often used for storytelling or portfolio building, typically created by filmmakers or students. Film directors are professionals responsible for guiding the entire filmmaking process, often working on feature films or larger projects. While both roles involve filmmaking skills, short films are usually entry points or artistic expressions, whereas film directors oversee full-scale productions.

What is a short film?

A short film is a motion picture that has a shorter duration than a typical feature film, usually lasting anywhere from a few minutes up to about 40 minutes, including credits. Short films are often used by filmmakers to showcase their storytelling, directing, or cinematography skills and may focus on a single concept or story. They are commonly shown at film festivals, online platforms, and can serve as a stepping stone for new filmmakers looking to gain experience and recognition.

How to start working on a short film?

To start working on a short film, begin by developing a clear concept or script, then assemble a team including a director, cast, and crew. Acquire or learn relevant skills such as camera operation, editing, and lighting, and plan your budget and schedule accordingly. Gaining experience through workshops or collaborating on smaller projects can also help build your portfolio.

What are some common challenges a short film director might face during production, and how can they overcome them?

Short film directors often work with limited budgets and tight schedules, which can make resource allocation and time management challenging. They must be creative in maximizing the impact of each scene while staying within constraints. Collaboration is crucial, as directors rely heavily on small, dedicated teams where each member may take on multiple roles. Effective communication and adaptability help overcome these challenges, ensuring the project stays on track and the creative vision is realized.
More about Short Film jobs

What cities are hiring for Short Film jobs?

Cities with the most Short Film job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Short Film jobs?

The most popular types of Short Film jobs are:

What states have the most Short Film jobs?

States with the most job openings for Short Film jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Short Film jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Film jobs are:

Short Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,840 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Festival Short Film Programmer

Sundance Institute

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$22.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

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

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Festival Short Film Programmer is charged with evaluating and curating short film submissions for the Sundance Film Festival.

Working closely under the direction of a Senior Programmer, the Festival Short Film Programmer supports Sundance Institutes commitment to discovering and championing emerging filmmakers while upholding the artistic integrity of the Sundance Film Festival.

This temporary position works from Wednesday, September 2, 2026 through Friday, January 31, 2027. From September 2, 2026 through Sunday, November 15, 2026 the role is expected to work 20 hours per week. The position will work full-time hours (40 hours per week) from Monday November 16, 2026 through Sunday, November 22, 2026. The role will then work a part-time, variable hour schedule of 0 - 20 hours until Monday, January 18, 2027 when hours will increase to a full time schedule through the end of employment.

This position may work a flexible schedule and must be based within a commutable distance to Boulder, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Los Angeles, CA, or New York, NY. Preference will be given to candidates in the greater Los Angeles, CA area. The role requires flexibility as well as travel to Institute locations, events, and meetings as needed.

Top priorities include but are not limited to

  • Watching and evaluating Sundance Film Festival short film submissions including providing coverage, writing notes assessing appropriateness for further consideration, and assigning a final rating to each film.

  • Making determinations regarding advancement, rejection, and second reviews based on artistic merit, originality, and alignment with programming goals.

  • Screening between 500 and 1000 short films in both the first as well as the second and final round of submissions.

  • Identifying strong short films as well as emerging talent to support.

  • Performing outreach to the global filmmaking community in order to solicit works of short film to be considered for selection into the Festival.

  • Actively participating in the selection of films and the structure of the Festival Short Film program.

  • Supporting with preparing written materials as needed, including proofreading copy and film still selection.

  • Supporting with notifying filmmakers of acceptance or rejection and collecting supporting materials for accepted filmmakers as needed.

  • Conducting film intros and facilitates film Q&A sessions at Festival

  • Traveling to other Festivals to participate on juries or panels may be required.

You have the following direct or transferable qualifications and skills:

  • 2 years of experience in programming and evaluating films.

  • Short film programming expertise including a keen curatorial instinct and a deep understanding of the film landscape.

  • Knowledge of U.S. and international marketplaces, film festivals, and various film communities operating across the country and globally

  • Exceptional communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal, essential for engaging with the public, filmmakers, industry professionals, donors, and internal teams.

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recording, tracking, and sharing information.

  • Passion for independent film and a strong alignment with Sundance Institutes mission.

  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple demands effectively.

  • 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 curate and deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.

  • Thoroughly review 500-1000 short films ensuring the Programming team can meet key Festival program decision deadlines.

  • Deliver a well-balanced, diverse, and compelling short film program.

  • Actively contribute to the deliberation of up to 300 finalist films, offering insightful feedback that helps shape the Short Film program.

In addition to an hourly pay of $22.25, 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 7/31/2026 and will be accepted for at least one week

Apply