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Short Film Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bolt Graphics

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will be working closely with the CMO, Creative Director, and internal studio to write and develop a ~5 minute short film based on a story outline. This is a two (2) month contract role with ...

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 ...

Latino Film Institute

Filmmaking Mentor

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

  • Retirement

... short film content over the course of the school year (August - June). YCP Mentors can expect to ... Candidates MUST have a minimum of 3 years working in the film industry as a producer, director or ...

Latino Film Institute

Filmmaking Mentor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$31.80/hr

  • Retirement

... short film content over the course of the school year (August - June). YCP Mentors can expect to ... Candidates MUST have a minimum of 3 years working in the film industry as a producer, director or ...

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Short Film Director information

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$29.5K

$76.9K

$119.5K

How much do short film director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for short film director in the United States is $76,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Short Film Director vs Film Producer?

AspectShort Film DirectorFilm Producer
Primary RoleOversees creative aspects, directs actors, and manages the artistic vision of a short film.Handles production logistics, funding, and overall project management of a short film.
Required SkillsCreative vision, directing, storytelling, leadershipBudgeting, organization, negotiation, project management
Work EnvironmentOn set during filming, collaborating with cast and crewOffice, meetings, overseeing production progress
Industry UsageCommonly credited as director in film creditsOften credited as producer, involved in financing and distribution

While both roles are essential in short film production, the Short Film Director focuses on the creative and artistic direction, whereas the Film Producer manages the logistical, financial, and organizational aspects. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the film industry.

What are some common challenges short film directors face when working with limited budgets and resources?

Short Film Directors often encounter the challenge of creating a compelling story with limited budgets and resources. This typically requires creative problem-solving, such as maximizing the use of available locations, working with a smaller crew, and sometimes managing multiple roles themselves. Directors must also prioritize essential elements like casting and equipment, while maintaining high production values. Flexibility and strong communication skills are crucial to ensure the vision is realized despite constraints.

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

To thrive as a Short Film Director, you need a deep understanding of film language, storytelling, and visual composition, often backed by formal education or practical experience in filmmaking. Familiarity with editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and production management tools is essential. Strong leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication skills help guide the cast and crew effectively. These skills ensure that the director can bring their artistic vision to life while managing resources and collaborating efficiently on set.
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Short Film Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Film Director 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 $76,855 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Festival Short Film Programmer

Sundance Institute

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$22.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

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