Film Festival House Manager

This is a Freelance Job

A Film Festival House Manager oversees the front-of-house operations at a screening venue to ensure that each event runs smoothly and that guests, filmmakers, and volunteers have a positive experience. They act as the primary on-site operations lead for the audience-facing side of the festival.

You must be available for all three days of the festival.

Film Festival House Manager Responsibilities:

Before Screenings:
Arrive before the venue opens to prepare for the day's events.
Coordinate with festival staff, volunteers, and theater personnel.
Ensure the lobby, box office, signage, step-and-repeat, and screening rooms are ready.
Conduct volunteer briefings and assign positions.
Verify that filmmakers, moderators, and special guests have arrived and know the schedule.
Monitor audience lines and manage entry procedures.

During Screenings:
Supervise ushers, guest services, and box office volunteers.
Ensure screenings begin on schedule.
Assist with seating, accessibility needs, and late arrivals.
Resolve guest concerns or complaints professionally.
Coordinate with projection staff if technical issues arise.
Maintain communication with the Festival Director and venue management.

Q&A and Special Events:
Coordinate filmmaker introductions and post-screening Q&A sessions.
Ensure moderators and filmmakers are ready before the discussion begins.
Manage audience microphones and transitions between events.
Keep events running on schedule.

Guest & Filmmaker Relations:
Welcome filmmakers and special guests.
Answer questions and provide directions.
Help create a welcoming and inclusive festival atmosphere.

Volunteer Management:
Supervise front-of-house volunteers.
Ensure volunteers take breaks and rotate assignments.
Fill staffing gaps when necessary.
Provide guidance and troubleshoot issues throughout the day.

Safety & Operations:
Monitor audience capacity and emergency exits.
Report incidents to festival leadership.
Ensure festival policies and theater rules are followed.
Complete incident reports if necessary.

After Screenings:
Coordinate audience exit and prepare for the next screening.
Ensure volunteers reset the theater and lobby.
Collect signage and festival materials at the end of the day.
Report attendance numbers, issues, and successes to festival leadership.

Skills & Qualifications:
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Comfortable managing volunteers and interacting with filmmakers and guests.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift light festival materials when needed.
Previous event, theater, hospitality, or film festival experience is a plus but not required.

Ideal For:

This role is well suited for someone interested in:
Film industry careers
Film festival operations
Event management
Live event production
Arts administration
Hospitality

The in-person festival will take place September 25 - 27 2026, at Regal Union Square (850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003). During the festival, audiences will enjoy film screenings, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.