Thank you for your interest in Penn FilmAid!

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Please fill out this form so that we can get to know a bit more about you, what you're interested in and what kind of experience you have. If you don't have any experience, don't worry and definitely don't let it stop you from checking off a box for whatever it is you want to do - we will make sure you're given the skills you need before you go out and start shooting!

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Keep scrolling for more information on available positions within Penn FilmAid. 

Producers:

You are the administrative nexus of the production, from coordinating shoots to supervising equipment and insuring everything rolls on schedule. You are also key in the client-crew relationship as you will be in charge of making sure the films produced meet the clients request. Producers need to be organized and have strong communication skills.

Directors:

The director is responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of a film from start to finish. This includes working closely with the producer to understand the project goals, directing interviews and managing the crew on set. It also includes working with the editing team in post-production to insure content and style are what is desired. Directors must have good organization, communication and leadership skills. They must also have a strong creative vision and be active problem-solvers. Ultimately, however, the director's main role is balance the project goals with the needs of the films' subjects. Empathy is key to good directing!

Sound Recorders:

Sound recorders are responsible for recording all sound during filming. This involves the choice of microphones, operation of a sound recording device, and sometimes the mixing of audio signals in real time. Sound recorders must have a sharp ear and be able to communicate with the director to insure the environment is controlled and that the soundtracks will be clear. Good sound is essential to high quality filmmaking!

Cinematographers:

You are responsible for translating ideas into visual images based on the director's requests. This includes decision about camera settings, framing and lighting among others. This does not mean you are all eyes though. In addition to being behind the camera shooting interviews, you will be listening closely to what audio content is given to be able to shoot the necessary visual supports (i.e b-roll). Cinematographers need to have a good eye and be good listeners and to pay close attention to detail because it's in the little things that great films are made.

Editors:

The saying goes that "documentaries are made in the edit room." Editors assemble raw recorded material with suitable sound effects, graphics and special effects to create a polished final project. They must have the ability to bring another's creative vision to life, drawing connections between visual and audio content that may not be evident at first. They must also be able to make tough decisions on what is included and, perhaps the toughest decision of them all, what gets cut to insure effective storytelling. The best editor have a strong sense of narrative rhythm and work ethic.

Grips:

When they say "all hands on deck" in the film world - they're really talking about the grips. You work as lighting and rigging technicians, assist the cinematographers and sound recorders and make sure shoots run smooth. This is a great position if you don't have a lot of film experience or want to familiarize yourself with all the workings of a set before settling into a single role.

The committee's goal is to assist FilmAid International students and alumni, who currently reside in refugee camps, in submitting their films to festivals in the United States and around the world. Getting their films to festivals not only offers the chance to win monetary awards but gain international recognition, which could potentially be life changing for the refugee filmmakers who have already overcome tremendous obstacles to create these films.

The Film Festival Submission Committee will:

- Research film festivals for the student and alumni's films.

- Work directly with Keefe Murren, the executive director of FilmAid International, and FilmAid students to help them submit their works to festivals.

As part of the Penn FilmAid Events and Outreach Team you will assist in planning and promoting events, from preparing and distributing flyers to managing social media pages. This team is key to the functioning, growth and impact of the club.

The Penn FilmAid photographer would be in charge of capturing our events, photographing our video "subjects" wonderful behind the scenes moments. This position will allow you to get a taste of all of the projects and work with all of the Penn FilmAid members. You will be producing invaluable material that will be used in promotion and fundraising as well as for the team to keep through the years to remember where we started and the progress that we will be making.