At Rooftop Films, we believe that film is powerful, not only as a creative medium, but as a vehicle for engaging in valuable dialogue with one another about the issues facing our communities. By bringing films directly to audiences, we foster connections between neighbors, artists, activists, youth and the unique spaces we all share.
A growing nonprofit organization, our mission at Rooftop Films is to engage and inspire diverse communities by showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers in outdoor locations, helping filmmakers to produce new films, and renting equipment & supporting film screenings citywide at low-cost to artists, nonprofits and community groups.
Rooftop Films is more than a film festival. We are a community. For over 26 years, Rooftop Films has been championing the work of independent filmmakers and bringing films rooted in compassion, solidarity, learning, togetherness, exploration, and inspiration to tens of thousands of people across all five boroughs of New York City.
We would love to have you join our team!
Now Accepting Applications for the Following Positions:
Assistant Venue Manager (Seasonal)
Under the supervision of the Venue Manager and senior event staff, the Assistant Venue Managers manage all front of house aspects of Rooftop Films events, including: event load-in/load-out, set-up and smooth execution of the box office, line management, sponsorship activations, implementation of safety procedures, and supporting the Venue Manager in general event preparation and execution as needed. Shifts are typically 6-8 hours. Start and end times vary depending on location and event needs but generally begin from 1-4 PM and end 12-1:30 AM.
All Assistant Venue Managers will be required to obtain an F-04 Certificate of Fitness from FDNY. Rooftop Films will reimburse the application fee.
Assistant Venue Managers can expect to work between 1 and 4 days per week through August 2023.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- General Responsibilities:
- Venue Setup and Breakdown
- Load in/out FOH Supplies
- Set up of all FOH aspects of the event, including but not limited to:
- Set up chairs and seating areas
- Set up barriers as needed for ingress and egress
- Sponsorship activations (banners, signage, handouts)
- Crowd management at on-site parties
- Talent hospitality
- Set up box office, tents for staff area, and other event areas as needed
- Ongoing event tidying,
- End of night cleanup, trash removal
- Ensure smooth execution of the event, including:
- General customer service and hospitality
- Crowd control and safety
- Enforce compliance with local public safety regulations including mask usage and social distancing, when necessary
- Execution of safety/emergency plans
- Assistant Venue Manager Roles:
- Box Office:
- Oversee crowd flow and line management
- Check in of pre-sale attendees and at the door sales
- At the door ticket sales, cash handling
- VIP and Rooftop Films member check-in
- Checking ID and vaccination requirements, as needed
- House Management:
- Oversee screening area during load in of attendees
- Box Office:
- Set-up of seating, merchandise and information tables
- monitor reserved seating (for VIP / ADA as needed)
- Enforcement of safety protocols (ie. crowd management, distancing, or mask use as needed)
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in live events, film festivals, or similar environments involving crowd management
- Excellent communication and customer service skills. Customer Service / Service industry experience is a plus, but not required
- Be culturally engaged. A familiarity with and interest in independent film is a plus.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
Start Date: Rolling, events begin on 5/25/2023
Compensation: $20/hour
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject ASSISTANT VENUE MANAGER to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Lead Technician (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for a Lead Technician to take a crucial role in the production of our Summer Series film festival, taking place in May through August 2023 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. Lead Technicians are Rooftop Films’ primary technician role on any given event, responsible for the overall execution of a run of show from start to finish with the assistance from a labor crew that they will lead. This position works closely with the Technical Manager and Technical Coordinator in preparatory pre-show logistics, as well as maintaining a concise show-day schedule to ensure the successful execution of the event. Lead Technicians should be experienced individuals with extensive outdoor and indoor event experience and proven leaders with adequate managerial skills.
Lead Technicians mostly meet on-site at one of our many venues and work through the set-up and breakdown of the event and leave from the site. Because we screen in all 5 boroughs and occasionally out-of-state applicants should be prepared for a variety of work environments.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing pre-show materials including runs of show, site layouts, talent arrivals and riders, and labor rosters
- Being a reliable point of contact for clients, performers, and internal staff alike
- Leading the labor crew in placement, installation, and troubleshooting of all A/V equipment in tandem with the Audio Engineer, Video Engineer, and stagehand labor.
- Assessing onsite inventory concisely
- Coordinating timing of show moments (audio and video signal checks, doors open, top of show, end of show) with internal onsite hospitality team
- Executing load in/out schedules safely and efficiently by overseeing and assisting stagehand and AV Leads and their labor
Qualifications:
- General knowledge of AV and grip equipment (projectors, audio consoles and speakers, signal and power cables/adaptors, generators and power distribution)
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
- Valid drivers license and willingness to operate 16’ box trucks
Experience with any of the following a plus, but not required:
- Working with DCP/DCI Compliant projection systems
- Working with surround sound setups
- Working with outdoor screening setups
Start Date: Late April/Early May 2023
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
Compensation
Compensation is $25 per hour and lead technicians can expect to work between 25 and 40 hours per week June through August. Excellent technicians may have the opportunity to work with us again in the winter season.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject LEAD TECHNICIAN to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Video Technician (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for a Video Engineer to take a crucial role in the production of our Summer Series film festival, taking place in May through August 2023 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. Video Engineers install, operate, and troubleshoot video equipment for Rooftop Films’ Summer Series outdoor screenings. Under the supervision of our lead technicians, video engineers setup, calibrate and breakdown our video systems, and run video for feature, documentary, and short film programs.
Video engineers meet on-site at one of our many venues and work through the set-up and breakdown of the event and leave from the site. Because we screen in all 5 boroughs and occasionally out-of-state applicants should be prepared for a variety of work environments.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist Lead Technician, and Audio Engineer with the staging and setup of A/V equipment.
- Assembly and disassembly of rigging for projection, including the set-up of video components at the tech table.
- Calibrating and assessing projection ranges and determining which lenses are suitable.
- Able to troubleshoot and quickly make adjustments before screenings.
- Recovery and organization of equipment at end of night.
Qualifications:
- Experience operating, configuring, and keystoning projectors.
- Experience with video switching.
- Experience with Playback Pro and Macs
- Knowledge of optimal projection placement.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
Experience with any of the following a plus, but not required:
- Working with DCP/DCI Compliant projection systems
- Working with surround sound setups
- Working with outdoor screening setups
- Projection Mapping
Start Date: Late April/Early May 2023
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
Compensation:
Compensation is $25 per hour and video engineers can expect to work between 25 and 40 hours per week June through August. Excellent technicians may have the opportunity to work with us again in the winter season.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject VIDEO ENGINEER to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Audio Engineer (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for an Audio Engineer to take a crucial role in the production of our Summer Series film festival, taking place May through August 2023 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. Audio Engineers install, operate, and troubleshoot audio equipment for Rooftop Films’ Summer Series outdoor screenings. Under the supervision of our lead technicians, audio engineers setup, calibrate and breakdown our audio systems, and run audio or a feature or short film program as well as sound check and mix a band before our screenings.
Audio engineers meet on-site at one of our many venues and work through the breakdown of the event and leave from the site. Because we screen in all 5 boroughs and occasionally out-of-state applicants should be prepared for a variety of work environments.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist Lead Technician, Projectionist with the staging and setup of A/V equipment.
- Assembly and disassembly of fast-fold and inflatable screens
- Recovery and organization of equipment at end of night
Qualifications:
- Experience operating and configuring digital consoles (X32 or M32 preferred, but not required)
- Experience with front of house and foldback mixing for live music
- Knowledge of optimal speaker placement and gain structure for live sound
- Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Familiarity with professional audio/visual technology and equipment a plus. This includes digital projection, analog and digital video signal routing, inflatable and folding projection screens, and sound reinforcement.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
Start Date: Late April/Early May 2023
Application Deadline: April 28, 2023
Compensation:
Compensation is $25 per hour and audio engineers can expect to work between 25 and 40 hours per week June through August. Excellent technicians may have the opportunity to work with us again in the winter season.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject AUDIO ENGINEER to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Stagehands (Seasonal)
Rooftop Films is looking for Stagehands to take a crucial role in the production of our Summer Series film festival, taking place June through August 2023 at outdoor locations throughout NYC. Stagehands transport, install, operate, and troubleshoot audio, visual, and lighting equipment for Rooftop Films’ Summer Series outdoor screenings. Under the supervision of our AV technicians, PAs aid in the assembly of our outdoor AV exhibition systems and are primarily responsible for the transportation and setup of equipment, including our outdoor movie screens.
Stagehands meet at our offices in Gowanus, Brooklyn for load-out and transportation of equipment to the site for setup or arrive on-site to work through the run of show, concluding with load-in at the end of the night. Because we screen in all 5 boroughs and occasionally out-of-state PAs should be prepared for a variety of work environments.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Pulling and packing equipment in an organized and efficient manner from our shop into vehicles.
- Safe transportation of equipment to venue.
- Assist Lead Technician, Audio Engineer and Projectionist with the staging and setup of A/V equipment.
- Assembly and disassembly of fast-fold and inflatable screens.
- Recovery and organization of equipment at end of night, including the return of vehicles.
Qualifications:
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, as well as a willingness to drive cargo vans, 14’, 16′, and 21′ box trucks.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs independently and to safely lift 50 lbs with assistance.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends.
- Familiarity with professional audio/visual technology and equipment a plus. This includes digital projection, analog and digital video signal routing, inflatable and folding projection screens, and sound reinforcement.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve, and remain flexible under pressure.
- Willingness to play a fluid role as part of a small, tight-knit team, balancing professionalism and a great sense of humor.
Start Date: May 2023
Compensation
Compensation is $20 per hour and stagehands can expect to work between 25 and 40 hours per week June through August. Excellent technicians may have the opportunity to work with us again in the winter season.
Rooftop Films is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to building a culturally diverse staff and an inclusive work environment, and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds, abilities, gender expressions, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, and nationalities to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit résumé, cover letter and references in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name with subject STAGEHANDS to jobs@rooftopfilms.com. Only applications submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Volunteer Opportunities
As a non-profit arts organization, we depend on volunteers for our growth and success! Working with Rooftop is a great opportunity to see fantastic movies (for free, of course!), learn about the inner workings of film festivals, get to know our staff, and meet the artists whose work we screen. We consistently seek volunteers for over 40 shows during our Summer Series—and you can help out at as many or as few as you’d like to.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please register here.
(Just follow the link, click “Join Organization” in upper right hand corner, then select “register new account.”)
Already registered with us as a volunteer? Click here to log in to your account to sign up for shifts.