The Organization

Arts Engine, Inc., a nonprofit organization, supports, produces, and distributes independent media of consequence and promotes the use of independent media by advocates, educators and the general public. By fostering the production and use of independent film, video and new media, Arts Engine connects media makers and active audiences in order to spur critical consideration of pressing social issues.

Big Mouth Films, a department of Arts Engine, Inc., has produced 7 feature-length documentaries that cover topics ranging from the criminal justice system to alternative healing, and has worked with numerous clients in the production of film and video work. Big Mouth's films have played at festivals around the world with premieres at the Sundance Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, South by Southwest Film Festival and the Hollywood Black Film Festival.

MediaRights, a project of Arts Engine, Inc., helps educators, nonprofits, filmmakers and activists reach, teach, motivate and activate their communities. It maintains the nation's most comprehensive, searchable database of issue-oriented programs. MediaRights showcases effective short social issue media through the annual Media That Matters Film Festival, which is streamed online. It also supports youth media distribution through Launchpad.

To Apply

Interested applicants should email a resume and cover letter to:

Ryann Scypion
ryann@artsengine.net
104 West 14th Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10011
tel: 646.230.6368
fax: 646.230.6388

Internships

A minimum commitment of 3 months is required for all internships unless specific projects or immediate needs arise.

The yearly internship schedule is as follows: Dec-Feb, Mar-May, June-Aug, Sep-Nov.

Internships with the production department are on a rolling basis and are dependent upon production needs and the rotation of previous interns. There are also needs for project specific or short-term interns.

All internships involve the specific duties of the position in addition to administrative tasks delegated by the office manager.

Web Development

The Web Internship offers an exciting opportunity to learn valuable web skills in a nonprofit environment. Responsibilities include assisting Web staff with publishing and online duties and supporting the office manager with minimal administrative tasks. Applicants with basic HTML and uploading knowledge are preferred. Applicants interested in learning about web development and website design are urged to apply!

Programs Intern

Internships in the programs department offer opportunities to learn about organizing screenings, doing community outreach and using films as a tool for social change. You will gain hands-on experience from working with community, regional and national organizations, institutions and museums on organizing screenings and events as well understand what goes behind putting together film festivals, conferences, panels and workshops. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about building web content and engaging the public to use social justice issue films.

Depending on your interest, responsibilities may include:

• Research, track and assist with organizing events, workshops, conferences for Arts Engine
• Help with the outreach and promotion of the traveling of current and past Media That Matters Film Festival
• Assist with outreach and partnership building of the film festival
• Research and obtain news items for publication of our monthly email newsletter.
• Assist with managing memberships and user activity of MediaRights.org, a project of Arts Engine.
• Assist with content development of film information, correcting erroneous entries and researching additional films to add to the database.
• Contact independent film distributors and filmmakers to update film profiles, releases, outreach initiatives.
• Research and contact educators, community organizations, social just institutions, activists, and filmmakers on outreach, content, networking, and various opportunities.

Skills:

• Candidate should have good oral and written communication skills
• Comfortable working on Mac environments and with applications like Word, Excel, internet, Mail, etc.
• Ability to think outside the box
• Ability to multi task while paying close attention to detail
• Experience in a nonprofit environment and strong interest in social justice issues highly desired.
• The ideal candidates will be highly motivated self-starters, able to work independently and collaboratively.

Documentary Production Internship

The internship within the production department offers a unique opportunity to learn about the production of social-issue documentaries from pre through post production.

Responsibilities

• Dubbing, logging, transcribing and digitizing footage
• Assistant Editing
• PA for shoots
• Planning and organizing travel arrangements
• Publicity and promotion of films for festival circuit
• Graphic design for DVD and poster art for films
• Equipment and edit room maintenance and organization

Skills

• Ability to handle multiple, immediate tasks while paying close attention to detail
• Experience working with cameras, lighting and sound equipment
• Ability to work as a member of a team and independently
• Experience using editing programs; Final Cut Pro or AVID

Fundraising and Development

This internship offers the chance to learn, experience and put to practice valuable grants management and development skills within a media arts environment.

Responsibilities

• Proofing grant applications, grant reports, press releases, and other writing for grammar/spelling/content
• Researching foundations, other funding sources, and press
• Corresponding with funders and other development contacts
• Data entry, filing and administrative tasks

Required Skills

• Excellent grammar and spelling
• Good writing skills
• Knowledge of Filemaker Pro and Excel

Preferred skills include

• Knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign
• Basic familiarity with development and fundraising