Film Programming Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A film programmer supports the programming director. Your duties and responsibilities may include promoting a show or play, working to curate a film festival, or working in cinema archives. You select what an event or establishment plays for guests. You may also maintain and develop relationships with people in the film community and negotiate agreements with distributors and filmmakers to play their films or use them for advertising. You participate in the planning of audience attendance goals and the annual budget for an event or your employer.

There is no specific degree or education background to get a film programming job. Some employers prefer their candidates to have a certain background, so it is important to check to see what they desire. The skills and qualifications may include being familiar with video and film formats and having experience with film production. You need to be detail-oriented, have excellent organizational skills, and be an effective communicator. You need be able to work well in high-pressure environments and able to meet tight deadlines. Most aspiring film programmers start with jobs in movie theatres before working up to larger events.