Screen Programmer

Salary: £40,000 (pro-rata)

SXSW London is seeking a new Screen Programmer to actively engage in all elements of the Screen programme including viewing films, series and immersive work for selection, helping track new work, introducing screenings, hosting Q&As and engaging with talent and festival attendees. 

SXSW London’s Screen Programme will encompass feature films, series, short films, music videos and XR projects. Curating films and series from around the globe, the Screen programme will be the opportunity to showcase bold new work that traverses the intersections of film, art and technology. We will bring together a diverse spectrum of multifaceted and multinational talent that tell stories across film, television and XR. We are inspired by raw talent, bold storytelling and conversation-sparking films.

Role details:

• Full-time
• Fixed-term, 2 January to 30 June 2025

Role responsibilities:

Programming

• Support the Head of Screen in researching and planning the Screen programme, organise and manage viewing notes, as well as help maintain relationships with sales agents, distributors and organisations.
• Working closely with the Head of Screen and the Screen Programme Producer, actively track completed and soon-to-be completed films from filmmakers, sales agents and distributors.
• When required, first or second-viewing screeners and submissions and make informed recommendations to the SXSW Head of Screen, in collaboration with the Screen Programme Producer.
• Actively participate in festival meetings, programming discussions with the Head of Screen, Programmer, Shorts Programmers, wider SXSW London team, programme partners and freelancers.
• Attend preview film screenings, film festivals and industry events as required to source programming, and develop knowledge, skills, and expertise
• Work closely and collegiately with the wider SXSW London programming teams to ensure curatorial consistency across the festival.
• Collaborate with the SXSW London commercial partnerships team as required.
• Work strategically and collegiately with all SXSW London departments.

Marketing & Press

• Produce engaging copy to promote the Screen programme in line with the SXSW London brand and tone of voice.
• Work with Marketing teams to ensure that all promotional aspects and deliverables of Screen reflect the creative vision and communications strategy of SXSW London.

Public Speaking & Hosting

• Introduce screenings, host Q&As, moderate networking sessions, panels and other public programming activities at SXSW London as required.
• Host filmmakers and guests attending the festival to ensure an exceptional guest experience.

Other

• Actively seek to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as a fundamental objective across all festival activity in relation to the duties of the post.
• At all times to carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to the Festival’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Health and Safety Policies.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the role.

Person specifications:

• Passion for and knowledge of a broad range of international cinema and TV.
• An interest in XR, interactive and immersive work is desirable.
• Ability to discuss the qualities and flaws of a film, as well as the ability to see its potential audience beyond the realm of personal taste.
• 2-3 years experience in film, series or public programming, either in a festival or cinema environment.
• Awareness of cultural and political sensitivities that exist in public programming.
• Time management and the ability to view and assess a high number of films and projects to a deadline.
• Some experience in scheduling film and TV programmes and events.
• Confidence and skill in contributing to meetings with senior management, programmers, programme partners, distributors, industry leaders and marketing professionals across the creative industries.
• Demonstrable experience of evaluating programmes against a strategic plan.
• The role is based in Shoreditch with flexible remote work, but some work in the office is expected.
• Some travel, weekend and evening work may be required based on the event schedule, so flexibility is essential.

How to apply:

Please email your CV and short cover letter (no more than 1 page) to screen@sxswlondon.com with the subject line “Application | Screen Programmer”.

Interviews will be held on the 28th and 29th November.

The closing date for this position is 25/11/2024 at 09:00