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Volunteer Film Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commonpoint Queens

$16.50/hr

Film Team Supervisor Employment Type: Seasonal Position Summary: Join Commonpoint's Youth ... This volunteer role offers hands-on experience in video production, storytelling, digital media ...

Commonpoint Queens

$20/hr

This volunteer role offers hands-on experience in video production, storytelling, digital media ... film screenings, digital campaigns, and outreach events Maintain and care for film equipment and ...

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Volunteer Film information

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How much do volunteer film jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer film in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer film?

Volunteer Film roles involve assisting with various tasks on film productions without monetary compensation. Volunteers might help with set design, equipment handling, crowd control, or administrative tasks, depending on their skills and the project's needs. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience for those looking to break into the film industry, network with professionals, and learn how film sets operate. While unpaid, volunteering can lead to future paid opportunities and help build a portfolio or resume.

What are some common challenges faced by volunteers in film production, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteers in film production often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, managing multiple responsibilities, and working with limited resources. Effective communication and a willingness to learn are key to overcoming these obstacles. Proactively seeking feedback, staying organized, and building relationships with crew members can help volunteers integrate smoothly into the team and gain valuable hands-on experience. Embracing flexibility and maintaining a positive attitude are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer in film?

To thrive as a Volunteer in Film, you need a basic understanding of film production processes, strong organizational skills, and often a willingness to learn on the job. Familiarity with common production equipment, editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, or scheduling tools can be very helpful, though formal certifications are rarely required. Excellent teamwork, communication, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this collaborative and fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure you can support the crew effectively, contribute to a positive working atmosphere, and help productions run smoothly.

What is the difference between Volunteer Film vs Film Crew Member?

AspectVolunteer FilmFilm Crew Member
CredentialsNone typically required, training often providedRelevant experience or technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, community projects, or independent productionsCommercial, studio, or professional film sets
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit organizations, film festivals, community projectsProduction companies, studios, independent filmmakers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in film productionSeeking professional film crew positions

Volunteer Film roles typically involve assisting on film projects without pay, often in community or non-profit settings, and usually require minimal credentials. Film Crew Members are paid professionals with relevant experience working on commercial or studio productions. While both roles work in the film industry, Volunteer Film positions focus on volunteering and learning, whereas Film Crew Members are part of the paid production team.

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What cities are hiring for Volunteer Film jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Film job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Film jobs?

The most popular types of Film jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Film jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Film jobs are:

Volunteer Film jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Film job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

2026 Mill Valley Film Festival House Manager

California Film Institute

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$22/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 2 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.

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