Writing for Narrative Film/Screenwriting Faculty
Information & Responsibilities
The Film Directing Program (FDP) in the School of Film / Video at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) seeks a full time faculty with a focus on writing for film and moving image. We are looking for a screenwriter and/or filmmaker where writing is a focus of their practice. We seek applicants with experience in and awareness of a multiplicity of cinema and screen forms.
The Film Directing Program fosters the individual voice of the filmmaker in developing innovative approaches to narrative in cinema. We embrace narrative filmmaking as a tool to describe and depict the world and celebrate its potential to create new realities, new systems and new relations.
We are interested in applicants with a broad background and practice in narrative film with a willingness to embrace multiple filmmaking and scripting processes, from traditional dramaturgy to adaptation to process based and collaborative creation, with an awareness of a broad range of cinemas and histories. Candidates should have an ability to mentor and advise around professional paths as a writer for film and moving image, as well as advising filmmakers and directors in writing for their own work.
We seek someone with a tangible and demonstrable interest in or love for teaching who sees teaching as a part of their creative practice.
In particular, we seek applicants with focus on and awareness of international cinema forms or practice and/or whose work foregrounds the diasporic experience and/or stories of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, AAPI, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or Disabled communities.
The Film Directing Program:
Grounded in the history of narrative cinema, the Film Directing Program curriculum provides a rich understanding of the fundamental aesthetic and technical components of narrative filmmaking, including staging and visual design, screenwriting, acting and working with actors, narrative theory, cinematography, sound and editing, and a broad variety of graduate-level seminars in contemporary and historical cinemas and practices.
The program embraces a diverse range of aesthetics and traditions, encouraging students to explore their individual voice within a constant questioning and expansion of the definition of narrative cinema itself. The work our students make is aesthetically diverse, exploring a variety of methodologies from independent narrative filmmaking to hybrid and experimental narrative practices.
Students in the Film Directing Program are diverse in identity and perspective; over 70% of our community comes from outside the United States, from such countries as Iran, Iceland, China, Taiwan, Colombia, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil (among many others).
This multiplicity of perspectives deepens our conversations and awareness of the multitude of experiences, realities and voices that surround us. These unique and rich perspectives are an essential part of our program, which are central to our understanding of the practice of creating images, constructing stories and questioning representation.
We seek to employ faculty who can engage our diverse communities of learners at the highest levels of artistic endeavor and critical thinking. We welcome candidates who possess a demonstrated worldview and cultural competency to support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities and gender expressions. CalArts is an equal opportunity employer.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will design and teach writing courses, mentor and work independently with students, and take a lead role in collaboratively working with the rest of the core faculty to develop the role of writing for film and moving image, narrative form and ideas of narrative structure into FDP’s unique and individualized curriculum.
SALARY RANGE:
Reflecting its experimental mission and commitment to non-hierarchical pedagogy, CalArts does not have a conventional tenure-rank system but offers renewable multi-year contracts, a step-based faculty salary advancement plan (FSAP, 2021-22*) and a merit program. Starting salary for this position is in the range of $67,650 – $82,000, depending on experience. Compensation also includes full benefits and a paid creative leave semester every 7 years.
For more information about FSAP and merit policy at CalArts: https://calarts.edu/academics/office-of-the-provost/faculty-affairs/faculty-recruitment
Requirements
Applicants should have clear and evidenced experience as a writer for film and/or moving image and demonstrable teaching experience of intermediate and advanced filmmakers or students.
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin on 12/30/21. For full consideration please apply by that date. Please go to this link to apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/98268
Please provide:
-
A cover letter that describes your interest in the position, relevant qualifications, approach to teaching, and a reflection on your past accomplishments and future potential to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, equitable and just academic and creative environment.
-
A syllabus or brief proposal for at least two (2) courses that reflect your interests as a practitioner and teacher (250 words)
-
A current CV
-
Up to three (3) work samples: you may submit written samples and/or moving image. You must have a writing credit on moving image samples or be able to explain your role as writer in it.
-
Names and contact information for three references.
All submissions are confidential.
Equity & Diversity
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) seeks to employ faculty who can engage our diverse communities of learners at the highest levels of artistic endeavor and critical thinking. Across the range of practitioners from artists to scholars and librarians, we welcome candidates who possess a demonstrated worldview and cultural competency to support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities and gender expressions. CalArts is an equal opportunity employer.
Further Information
CalArts has a multidisciplinary approach to its studies of the arts through six schools: Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Theater. CalArts encourages students to explore and recognize the complexity of the many aspects of the arts. It is supported by a distinguished faculty of practicing artists and provides its Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts students with the hands-on training and exposure necessary for an artist’s growth. CalArts was founded in 1961 and opened in 1969 as the first institution of higher learning in the United States specifically for students interested in the pursuit of degrees in all areas of visual and performing arts.
California Institute of the Arts
Related jobs:
Sibling for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking young talent to portray a sibling in family-oriented scenes. This Atlanta casting opportunity is looking for performers with a fun, relatable, and natural personality who can bring authentic family energy to the production.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a sibling in a promotional video.
- Perform naturally in family-oriented scenes.
- Bring fun and relatable energy to the character.
- Follow age-appropriate direction from the production team.
- Interact naturally with other cast members on camera.
Requirements
- Talent ages 8–18.
- Fun, relatable, and natural personality.
- Comfortable appearing in family-oriented promotional scenes.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- Paid opportunity; rate provided upon booking.
Father for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking a male performer to portray a warm and supportive father. The production is looking for Atlanta talent who can bring a personable, approachable, and authentic family presence to the screen.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a father in family-oriented promotional scenes.
- Bring a personable, supportive, and warm presence to the role.
- Interact naturally with other cast members on camera.
- Follow creative direction throughout filming.
- Maintain professionalism during the production.
Requirements
- Male talent ages 35–50.
- Personable, supportive, and warm personality.
- Comfortable portraying a father on camera.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- Paid opportunity; rate provided upon booking.
Mother for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking a female performer to portray a warm and nurturing mother. This Atlanta casting opportunity is looking for talent who can naturally convey a loving and supportive family presence on camera.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a mother in a promotional video.
- Bring warmth, affection, and nurturing energy to family scenes.
- Interact naturally with other performers on camera.
- Follow direction from the production team.
- Maintain a professional and collaborative attitude during filming.
Requirements
- Female talent ages 35–50.
- Warm, loving, and nurturing presence.
- Comfortable portraying a mother in family-oriented scenes.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- Paid opportunity; rate provided upon booking.
Adult Main for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking male and female talent to portray a featured adult character. The production is looking for charismatic, grounded, and approachable performers who can authentically represent adulthood in a project showcasing characters across different stages of life.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray the Adult Main character in a promotional video.
- Bring a charismatic, grounded, and approachable presence to the role.
- Perform naturally and confidently on camera.
- Follow creative and production direction during filming.
- Collaborate professionally with the cast and crew.
Requirements
- Male or female talent ages 25–35.
- Charismatic, grounded, and approachable personality.
- Comfortable appearing on camera.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- Paid opportunity; rate provided upon booking.
Teen Main for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking a young male performer to portray a featured teen character. This Atlanta casting opportunity is looking for talent who can bring confidence, authenticity, and relatable teenage energy to the screen.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray the Teen Main character in a promotional video.
- Deliver a confident and authentic on-camera presence.
- Perform naturally in scenes representing the teenage stage of life.
- Follow creative direction from the production team.
- Work professionally with fellow cast members and crew.
Requirements
- Young male talent ages 13–18.
- Confident, relatable, and authentic personality.
- Comfortable performing on camera.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- Paid opportunity; rate provided upon booking.
Young Main for Promo Video
Job Description
A promotional video for a new studio is seeking young talent to portray a featured character representing an early stage of life. This Atlanta casting opportunity is looking for boys and girls who are bright, expressive, charismatic, and comfortable appearing on camera.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray the Young Main character in a promotional video.
- Bring bright, expressive, and charismatic energy to the role.
- Perform naturally and confidently on camera.
- Follow age-appropriate direction from the production team.
- Collaborate professionally with cast and crew during filming.
Requirements
- Boys and girls ages 5–10.
- Bright, expressive, and charismatic personality.
- Comfortable appearing on camera.
- Must be able to work in Atlanta, Georgia.
Compensation
- $150.
Experienced Male Bartender for “Chicago Fire”
Job Description
“Chicago Fire” is seeking an experienced male bartender for a non-speaking background role in Molly’s Bar scenes. This paid TV casting opportunity is open to men of all ethnicities who have real bartending experience and can confidently perform authentic bar service actions on camera. Talent must be local to Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois border states.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray a bartender in Molly’s Bar scenes on “Chicago Fire.”
- Perform realistic bartending and bar service actions on camera.
- Handle typical bartender duties naturally during background scenes.
- Follow direction from the production and assistant directing teams.
- Maintain continuity and professionalism throughout filming.
Requirements
- Male talent.
- Ages 20s–50s.
- Open to all ethnicities.
- Must have real bartending experience.
- Must be comfortable performing a non-speaking background role.
- Must be local to Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois border states.
- Must not have recently worked on the production or already be booked for an upcoming episode.
Compensation
- $136.40 for 8 hours.
- Time-and-a-half pay after 8 hours.
Background Actors for National Restaurant Chain Commercial
Job Description
A national restaurant chain commercial is seeking experienced background actors in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. This non-union production is looking for a diverse group of performers across a wide range of ages and backgrounds to create an authentic restaurant environment. Adults, children, and older adult or grandparent types are especially encouraged for this paid commercial background opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
- Appear as background talent in a national restaurant commercial.
- Perform natural actions and interactions appropriate to a restaurant setting.
- Follow direction from the production and assistant directing teams.
- Maintain continuity and professionalism throughout filming.
- Be prepared for a full production day that may extend beyond eight hours.
Requirements
- Ages 6 through 70s.
- Open to all ethnicities.
- Especially seeking men and women ages 30–45.
- Especially seeking children ages 6–10.
- Older adult and grandparent types are encouraged.
- Must have previous background acting experience.
- Must be a local hire in Nashville, Tennessee, or surrounding areas.
- Must have full-day availability and be prepared for up to 12 or more hours on set.
Compensation
- $125 for 8 hours.
- $15.625 per hour with an 8-hour guarantee.
- Time-and-a-half after 8 hours.
SI Otis Stand-In for “Chicago Fire”
Job Description
“Chicago Fire” is seeking a stand-in to match the appearance of the SI Otis character for upcoming production work in Chicago. This paid stand-in role involves assisting the production team with lighting and camera blocking while closely matching the general physical appearance of principal talent.
Job Responsibilities
- Work as a stand-in for principal talent during production.
- Assist with lighting, camera setup, and scene blocking.
- Follow positioning and movement instructions from the crew.
- Maintain consistency during rehearsals and technical preparation.
- Remain professional and attentive throughout filming.
Requirements
- Caucasian or Latino talent.
- Height between 5’5″ and 5’9″.
- Slim to medium build.
- Dark hair.
- Must be local to Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois border states.
- Stand-in or background acting experience is a plus.
Compensation
- $192 for 8 hours.
- Time-and-a-half pay after 8 hours.
SI Archer Stand-In for “Chicago Fire”
Job Description
“Chicago Fire” is seeking a male stand-in to match the appearance of the SI Archer character for production in Chicago. The selected performer will assist with lighting and camera blocking by standing in for principal talent between takes and during scene preparation.
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as a stand-in for principal talent on “Chicago Fire.”
- Assist the camera and lighting departments during scene setup.
- Follow blocking, positioning, and movement instructions.
- Maintain consistency throughout lighting and camera rehearsals.
- Remain available and professional during the full production day.
Requirements
- Caucasian male.
- Ages 40s–60s.
- Height between 6’0″ and 6’2″.
- Slim to medium build.
- Grey hair.
- Must be local to Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois border states.
- Stand-in or background acting experience is a plus.
Compensation
- $192 for 8 hours.
- Time-and-a-half pay after 8 hours.
SI Javi Stand-In for “Chicago Fire”
Job Description
“Chicago Fire” is seeking a stand-in to match the appearance of the SI Javi character for upcoming production work in Chicago. This paid, non-speaking stand-in opportunity requires talent who can closely match the actor’s general height, build, complexion, and hair while assisting the lighting and camera teams during scene preparation.
Job Responsibilities
- Work as a stand-in for principal talent on “Chicago Fire.”
- Stand in place of the actor during lighting and camera blocking.
- Match assigned positions and movements as directed by the production team.
- Work closely with the camera, lighting, and assistant directing departments.
- Remain professional and prepared throughout an extended production day.
Requirements
- Latino talent.
- Ages 18–30.
- Height between 5’8″ and 5’10”.
- Weight between 130–160 lbs.
- Dark hair.
- Must be local to Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, or nearby Illinois border states.
- Stand-in or background acting experience is a plus.
Compensation
- $192 for 8 hours.
- Time-and-a-half pay after 8 hours.
Mock Jury Study Participants in New York City
Job Description
An in-person mock jury research study is seeking adult participants in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Selected participants will take part in a mock trial and group discussion, providing opinions and feedback as part of a paid market research study. This opportunity is open to qualifying residents from select New York counties.
Job Responsibilities
- Participate in an in-person mock jury study.
- Review information presented during a simulated trial.
- Share thoughtful opinions and reactions during group discussions.
- Follow instructions provided by the research team.
- Remain engaged and professional throughout the study session.
Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must reside in the Bronx, Manhattan, Putnam, Rockland, or Westchester County.
- Must be able to participate in person in Midtown Manhattan.
- Must be comfortable participating in a mock trial and group discussion.
- Must complete the qualification process for consideration.
Compensation
- Up to $375.
