The Programming Assistant works closely with the Programmer of the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival to coordinate Festival submissions, review entries, and develop and execute film screenings, educational materials, juries, and special events.

Candidates should have a background in film production or criticism, have strong writing skills (for note-taking, correspondence and film descriptions) or have coordinated events. Interns can gain experience in project management, event coordination, research, film programming, writing and publicity.

Duties could include:

Senior Assistant (winter/spring/summer):

• Responsible for organizing and processing Festival submission materials including: contact information & technical information (format, running time, country of production, year of production, etc.)
• Responsible for organizing, testing and trouble-shooting electronic files for film Selection Committee preview.
• Responsible for managing assignments, communicating with other interns, and setting up bi-weekly check-in meetings.

Winter/Spring:

• Working with Senior Assistant: reviewing submissions as a part of the Selection Committee, and providing feedback and context for the Festival Programmer.
• Research and co-manage database as part of solicitation process for potential film/television production for inclusion of Festival line-up.
• Updating, refreshing, researching Call for Entries database to reflect film organizations, schools, television and film studios in order to announce a series of dedicated Call for Entry marketing e-blasts.

Summer:

• Working with Senior Assistant; reviewing submissions as a part of the Selection Committee, and providing feedback and context for the Festival Programmer
• Research and co-manage database as part of solicitation process for potential film/television production for inclusion of Festival line-up.
• Updating, refreshing, researching Call for Entries database to reflect film organizations, schools, television and film studios in order to announce a series of dedicated Call for Entry marketing e-blasts.
• Reviewing submissions and providing Programmer with detailed notes on content, plot, potential content issues, technical issues, and programming suggestions for educational outcomes.
• Assisting with writing and organization of marketing and publicity information and materials related to films including: film and program descriptions, themes and content details, photos, trailers, etc.
• Organizing information and materials for Professional and Children’s (two) Juries. Putting together summer juries viewing lists; tabulate votes for Professional and Children’s Juries.

Fall:

• Working with Senior Assistant; organizing, testing and trouble-shooting electronic files for film Selection Committee preview. Full and part-time available.
• Assisting with writing and organization of marketing and publicity information and materials related to films including: film and program descriptions, themes and content details, photos, trailers, etc.
• Research and co-manage database as part of solicitation process for potential film/television production for inclusion of Festival line-up.
• Updating, refreshing, researching Call for Entries database to reflect film organizations, schools, television and film studios in order to announce a series of dedicated Call for Entry marketing e-blasts.
• Assisting with editing program book materials: gathering film programming and marketing materials, fact checking). Part-time available.
• Assistance with workshops with Filmmakers and children on weekends; assist with venue management at school and weekend general public screenings or special projects as requested. Full or part-time available
• Reviewing and preparing Educational Materials and Supports for use during the Festival, providing research and proper content warnings, and writing Discussion Questions.