Production Manager (Austin Film Festival)

Project Type: Industry
Pay Status: Paid
Production Company / Studio: Austin Film Festival
Location: Austin
Start Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

WORK HOURS: July: Part-time (20 hours/week); August 1 – December 1: Full time. Contract. Monday thru Friday, will require additional hours and weekends in the weeks leading up to and during the Festival and Conference. In-Person, no remote opportunity. Local applicants are preferred.

REPORTS TO: Senior Film Programmer, Executive Director

COMPENSTATION: $3,500 / month

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Production Manager manages and coordinates all aspects of film exhibition and screening logistics, including digital technology, projection and recruiting projectionists, equipment needs, contacting filmmakers, and overseeing Back of House Projection operations. The Production Manager works with the Film Department to ensure the Film Program runs as smoothly and on time as possible, adheres to screening venue contracts, and supports production of Filmmaker Packets. Excellent communication skills and customer service/support with filmmakers before, during and after the Festival, including supporting filmmaker registration, sound checks, tech support, troubleshooting, and providing any other necessary information to filmmakers screening at the Festival.

ENVIRONMENT: While working for this critically recognized organization, applicants are expected to be able to work efficiently and professionally in a fast-paced, team-oriented production environment. In such an environment, the ability to work well under pressure, excellent communication skills and intense organizational skills are a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of the Production Manager include but are not limited to:

Data & File Management:

- Manage the database, organization, and flow of all incoming digital film files
- Create spreadsheets and track all filmmaker information, materials, and deliverables, including exhibition files
- Update the Filmmaker Packet and send to filmmakers upon a film’s acceptance
- Create and collect preshow slideshows, trailers/bumpers and place in appropriate playlists

Equipment & Technology Management:

- Schedule and coordinate equipment rentals needed at each screening venue
- Move, set up all computers for exhibition at screening venues
- Perform sound checks at screening venues
- Coordinate logistics for all films and screenings
- Follow and complete backup procedures for digital files
- Serve as screening tech point person before and during the Festival

Team Management:

- Gather a team of Quality Checkers to ensure films play properly and meet Festival requirements
- Recruit capable Projectionist Volunteers to work during the Festival
- Work with the Theater Operations Manager to oversee training and communication to all Theater Volunteers, specifically Projectionists
- Attend all film department and staff meetings
- Oversee and be ON CALL during all screenings throughout the Festival to troubleshoot any technical or staffing issues

Communication & Customer Service:

- Contact filmmakers about deadlines and make sure all deliverables arrive on time
- Support Registration of attending filmmakers with Film Department
- Keep Film Department updated on the schedule and status of all digital transfers
- Establish connections with screening venue contacts
- Provide weekly reports and attend weekly meetings
- Adhere to and complete a pre-determined timeline
- Stay ahead of schedule and be preemptive with all deadlines and possible upcoming technical difficulties
- Provide exemplary customer service
- Provide completion materials, including but not limited to wrap up report, final invoices, receipts, archiving of the film program, and updating Production Manager training materials
- Commitment to the AFF Mission Statement

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be familiar with the post-production aspect of filmmaking
Must have extensive knowledge of film aspect ratios, presentation aspect ratios, color space, projectors, film revision and sound
Knowledge of both PCs/Mac, and video and sound file format specifics, and extensive understanding and working knowledge of Final Cut and Adobe Premiere
Extensive knowledge of MS Excel
Extensive customer service experience
Experience working with and communicating effectively and efficiently with a large team
Must be able to handle high stress situations and multi-task
Ability to prioritize and delegate in a fast-paced environment
Excellent time management, problem solving skills, and patience
Must have a car
Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs. and attend to all equipment needs at screening venues
Must be available during the Austin Film Festival which takes place October 29 – November 5, 2026

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete application via http://bit.ly/affjobs
Submit a cover letter
Submit a current résumé
Provide at least three references

As with any workplace, the film and television industries can present a wide range of potential occupational health and safety hazards to workers. The Texas Film Commission expects all productions, regardless of budget to employ best practices such as establishing a workplace harassment prevention policy as well as maintaining overall industry safety standards in order to encourage and accomplish safety on set. Please visit the Safety On Set page for additional industry safety resources as well as information about employee rights and laws in Texas.

Project posted April 16, 2026