The NZ Film Festival Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that is only possible with the support of passionate volunteers and a small team of dedicated staff. Our head office is located in Wellington and is complemented by an Auckland office. We also have a fabulous team in Christchurch and Dunedin who help make Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival a success in the main centres.
We are currently recruiting the following fixed term contract roles:
- Publications and Content Editor (ideally Wellington, but some flexibility) Term: 15 April to 2 August
- Film Logistics Manager (Wellington) Term: 22 April to 13 September
Waitlist roles:
The Publications and Content Editor is responsible for the planning, production and delivery of the printed programme catalogue(s) for the film festival. In 2024 it is expected there will be one nationwide catalogue. This role also contributes to the development of copy and editorial for the NZIFF website and other marketing usage, both in print and online. Additionally, this role will work with the contracted graphic designer to deliver key marketing collateral for the festival.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Extensive experience working in publication editing and production
- Advanced researching, copywriting and editing skills with an attention to detail
- Extensive knowledge and strong interest in international film culture
- Advanced knowledge of print production processes and requirements including understanding of requirements for low-vision readers
- Computer literacy: Advanced Adobe software skills (Photoshop, InDesign), and Intermediate user of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and experience using project management platforms
- Experience instructing and supervising others
- Highly effective time management, organisational and multi-tasking skills with high attention to detail
- Highly effective problem-solving skills
- Highly effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience working autonomously and as part of a team
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
Key Responsibilities
Publications
- Work with the Artistic Director, Head of Programming and Head of Marketing and Communications to develop the programme brochure outline including structure of programme, grouping of films and how readers navigate through film selection
- Work with NZIFF team to identify suitable writers for individual films.
- Brief programme note copywriters (Note: a portion of this work will have already taken place) and undertake editing required to prepare notes for publication
- Oversee research for credit notes
- Research and write copy for programme catalogues including programme notes, introductions, venue information, ticketing information and all additional information
- Work with Artistic Director and Head of Communications and Marketing to select imagery for printed programme catalogues and website
- Work with design agency and Marketing Lead – Layout and Design to finalise templates for programme catalogue pages including advising on colour usage
- In conjunction with General Manager, develop pagination for programme catalogues.
- Ensure programme notes and all credits are accurate and ready for layout
- Oversee schedule checking process ensuring schedules, film notes and programme information are accurate
- Work with Marketing Lead – Layout and Design on layout and production of the printed programme catalogues through to preparation for print ensuring robust proofing has been undertaken and adhering to deadlines an budget
- Ensure advertisements meet technical requirements
- Work with Marketing Lead – Layout and Design and printer to ensure files meet requirements for print
Other Copywriting
- Work with Head of Communications and Marketing to ensure film and non-film copy, and film credits for NZIFF website is updated and correct
- Provide base copy on films for Promotions Team use including use for media releases, media pitches, and social media
- Provide additional editorial copy for website as required
Term of Employment: This is a full-time contract position for the period of 15 April to 2 August 2024.
This position is ideally based in Wellington, however some flexibility may apply for the right person. It will require being in Wellington for the period 4-21 June 2024.
To Apply: Please first review the full job description HERE and send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@nziff.co.nz. Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications close 5.00pm, Tuesday 19 March. Early applications are encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be notified no later than Wednesday 20 March with interviews to take place on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 March. For further information email recruitment@nziff.co.nz
Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or must already hold a valid NZ work visa.
The Film Logistics Manager is responsible for managing the accuracy and integrity of film data, and the smooth and efficient delivery of films and related content, to ensure all festival screenings nationwide proceed as planned. The role has a supervisory component.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Computing Literacy: Highly advanced in Excel and intermediate skills in other Microsoft Office software, as well as Dropbox, and project management platforms (NZFFT uses Airtable)
- Absolute accuracy in data entry and information management
- Working knowledge of film exhibition equipment and procedures, particularly digital cinema
- High confidence in a technical environment, be tech-savvy and able to become quickly acquainted, and work with, technical terminology and equipment
- Ability to work under pressure, identify and effectively manage stress in self and others
- Highly competent scheduling and problem-solving skills
- Experience instructing and supervising others
- Advanced verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Advanced time management, organisational and multi-tasking skills with high attention to detail
Ideally, the successful candidate would also have:
- A good understanding of freight movement, both national and international is advantageous
- Experience working in festival or event production and delivery, or a similar environment is advantageous
- Experience with film exhibition equipment and procedures, particularly digital cinema and projection
- Basic coding / computer programming skills is advantageous
Key Responsibilities
Film Data and Logistics
- Manage and input into the festival database all films’ technical and screening information.
- Liaise with programmers, rightsholders and other festivals to determine and collate all technical information for each film including all relevant inbound and outbound movements to be managed.
- Manage and administer the collection and forwarding of all screening material (films and related content), equipment, and other items to/from local and international rightsholders, NZIFF and festival venues.
Scheduling
- Oversee the production and coordination of scheduling tools for the programming team.
- Ensure that the film schedule (completed by programming) is practicable, logistically achievable, and technically possible in each venue.
- Manage and execute the input of confirmed schedules into a database and assist with the schedule proofing processes.
- Implement strict proof reading processes, to avoid the re-work and knock-on problems wrong data causes
Information Management
- Prepare, manage, and distribute scheduling and technical information to internally and to venues ensuring timely approvals.
- Utilising existing tools, generate and format scheduling data for use in publications.
- Oversee proofing of schedules and technical information for programme catalogue(s) and online
- Compile venue and rightsholder schedule confirmations of confirmed screening times.
Screening Materials
- Manage downloading, duplication, and despatch of screening material via external suppliers.
- Manage provision of Key Delivery Messages (KDMs) from rightsholders for all encrypted content.
- Oversee, and where necessary produce, non-film materials for venues ensuring that all material is accurate and meets specifications.
- Liaise with venues to ensure Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs) are tested and preloaded onto servers as required, and KDMs are received and functional.
- Manage return of all drives following festival
Supervision
- Oversee projectionists hired by NZFFT.
- Be the key point of contact for projectionists and technical staff at all NZIFF 2024 venues.
- Identify and report risks and issues in a timely and proactive manner.
Term of Employment: This is a full-time contract position for the period of 22 April to 13 September 2024.
This position is based in Wellington.
To Apply: Please first review the full job description HERE and send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@nziff.co.nz. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications close 5.00pm, Tuesday 19 March. Shortlisted candidates will be notified no later than Wednesday 20 March with interviews to be conducted on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 March. For further information email recruitment@nziff.co.nz
Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or must already hold a valid NZ work visa
We love volunteers!
Note: To be added to our waitlist of volunteers for NZIFF 2024, please fill out the application linked to below.
If you’re passionate about film, event management and/or communication then consider volunteering with Whānau Mārama NZIFF. We offer a friendly environment with flexible hours, exciting challenges, plus complimentary film tickets! Over the length of the Festival, we will need an army of volunteers to assist with ushering film screenings at our many cinema venues around town. We’re humbled by the number of dedicated volunteers who return every year and welcome any new faces who want to become part of the team. There is a requirement from Volunteer Ushers to be available prior to NZIFF for 1-2 hours of training, plus a commitment to be available for a minimum of 8 ushering shifts during the Festival period.
Register for the waitlist HERE.