Idyllwild Arts Film and Digital Media Department Cinematography Instructor

LOCATION: Idyllwild, CA 92549

REPORTS TO: Film and Digital Media Department Chair

STATUS: Full Time/Exempt

START DATE: August 15, 2022 preferred

POSITION OVERVIEW

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Idyllwild Arts Academy welcomes an experienced Film and Digital Media Department Cinematography Instructor to teach a variety of subjects and skills pertaining to the field of cinematography, camera, grip and electric filmmaking techniques.

This is a unique opportunity to join an international leading boarding high school community that focuses on pre-professional training for young artists while at the same time emphasizing the importance of academics, the global citizen artist, and interdisciplinary approaches to arts education. We are seeking an industry professional who will embrace and support arts' education. Someone who can appreciate the unique location of Idyllwild Arts Academy and its diverse, talented students and faculty.

Idyllwild is a small town located at 5,000 feet on the western slopes of California's San Jacinto Mountains. The town and campus frequently host music festivals, prominent speakers, artists, and community events. It is two hours by car to Los Angeles and San Diego and one hour by car to Palm Springs.

The areas of responsibility include:

Teaching: Project based full time instruction in all areas related to camera, grip and electric techniques for digital filmmaking

Production Support: Coordinate and support camera rigging, gripping and lighting for student film productions, making students active leading participants in the process.

Support and supervision during principal photography of student films

Specific Duties

• Teach a minimum of fifteen hours a week to students from freshman to senior levels all aspects to succeed in the camera, lighting, grip and electric department.
• Develop curriculum and methodology along with the department chair to offer a concentration in Cinematography for digital filmmaking in due time.
• Schedule, attend one on one or group production meetings as needed to successfully complete student productions within set work hours.
• Work closely with faculty / production coordinators to schedule lighting and camera tests. Lighting and camera tests can occur during class time.
• Actively participate in student productions collaborating with faculty and students.
• Keep a well organized inventory and budget for materials required in the specific field of instruction.
• Coordinate and schedule the dismantling of camera, grip and lightning equipment from sets, along with students and the assistant stage manager.
• Repair or facilitate repair of grip, electric and camera equipment when faulty or broken.
• Set up classroom demonstrations for faculty and the school recruitment department when needed.
• Monitor student film sets when needed. Some weekends are required.
• Take pride and responsibility in organizational standards throughout the filmmaking process. The sound stage, all tools and materials as well as all filming locations should be handled with utmost respect and professionalism.
• This position works with high school students directly and will include training students on lighting and gripping equipment use.
• Must have a valid driver's license and pass a criminal background check.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Responsible for the safety of students throughout the process of gripping and lighting during class instruction, and filming.
• Aid the department chair with all aspects of production coordination of student short films and various projects.
• Design and support the creation and execution of picture ready lighting setups for student film productions along with film students.
• Must have a valid California driver's license and pass a criminal background check.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or well documented production experience in related field
• Master's Degree or beyond is preferred but not required

Social and Professional:

• Adheres to the guidelines, goals, and curriculum of the respective department
• Works effectively in teams, with the ability to work independently
• Is sensitive to cultural, racial, ethnic, gender, and economic diversity
• Demonstrates professionalism in all communication and administrative tasks, and with colleagues and supervisors

Personal Qualities:

• Acts as a model of integrity
• Outgoing personality
• Familiar with socioemotional needs of high school students
• Understands and employs professional boundaries between students and teachers
• Respects confidentiality
• Has a sense of humor and keeps things in perspective
• Exercises patience and good listening skills
• Exhibits flexibility and has the ability to work under pressure
• Maintains a positive attitude
• Comfortable and able to assess unfamiliar situations; quickly adjusts demeanor and style needed to interact socially, while representing the school's interests
• Demonstrates enthusiasm, concentrated focus, high level of energy and commitment to school, students, and attaining goals
• Poised, confident in a variety of social functions and settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Has interest in working and teaching in a community where arts is at the core of the educational experience
• College degree in film-related concentration
• Industry experience in Production Design and Art Department
• Experience working with high school students
• Ability to manage conflicts and projects' times constraints
• Experience operating and maintaining cinema cameras and professional lighting cinema gear.

Other Requirements

Ability and desire to work within the Idyllwild community, Riverside County, or commute a reasonable distance, that does not impede on-time arrival during winter months.

Obtain and maintain a valid California Driver License, pass a criminal history background check as required by California Education Code Section 44237, and pass a TB test.

Reasonable accommodation will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Idyllwild Arts Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

TO APPLY: Include resume/CV and cover letter (pdf only), specifying the following:

- Soonest start date available (either August 15, 2022, or later)

- Personal teaching philosophy or why would you like to teach young people

- Applicable life experience

- Why are you interested in this opportunity?

No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for interviews. The Search Committee will begin reviewing applicants July 1st, 2022. Position open until filled.