Each year the Florida Film Festival relies on the help from close to 200 volunteers, in every department. Whether you have years of experience or are just joining us for the first time, we welcome your help and support. Volunteers are needed before and during the 10-day Festival for a variety of positions, weekdays and weekends, so you're sure to find a slot that fits your schedule and interests.

Supporting a unique non-profit organization, gaining valuable experience and meeting others who share an enthusiasm for film is what makes volunteering at the Florida Film Festival all worthwhile. Being able to participate in this event has proven to be a prized opportunity year after year.

• Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.

• All volunteers (and staff) are required to attend the Mandatory Orientation/Sign-Up/Training. This is your only opportunity to sign up for shifts and learn exactly what is expected in each position. All staff will be in attendance.
  For returning volunteers this occurs: Saturday February 17, 2007
  For new volunteers this occurs: Saturday February 24, 2007
  

• All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and badge. Both MUST be worn at all times during a volunteer shift. Badges are not transferable.

• All volunteers and staff are PROHIBITED from consuming alcohol, drugs or participating in illegal conduct at any time during a scheduled shift. Failure to comply will result in immediate revocation of privileges and further volunteer opportunities.

• All volunteers must sign a volunteer agreement stating that they understand these and other guidelines.

During the Festival, three main VENUES are utilized:

• Florida Film Festival Headquarters (HQ) at Best Western Mt. Vernon on 17-92

• Enzian Theater, Maitland

• Regal Cinemas, Winter Park Village

There are also several VOLUNTEER TEAMS, based on duties.

Volunteers must choose shifts within particular TEAMS at a certain VENUE.

Please read below to familiarize yourself with the options available.

Team Marketing (Venues: HQ, Enzian Theater)

Assist with the final details of preparing and promoting the Festival. Duties may include assembling packets, gift bags and other collateral; clerical work, such as making copies and numbering vouchers; distributing posters and flyers to various venues/neighborhoods; monitoring press screenings; and surveying guests.

Team Info (Venues: HQ, Enzian Theater, Regal Cinemas, Enzian satellite office "Clay Street")

Team Info volunteers must be able to complete shifts BOTH before and during the Festival. Excellent phone skills are required as well as great patience and a love for interacting with people. You�ll need to have a flexible schedule in order to attend pre-festival screenings: Final film transfers are screened by volunteers and staff to ensure there are no technical glitches. This also serves to educate you about many of the films, should guests ask. Members of Team Info are the �first impressions� of the Festival at most times and should have an outgoing personality and willingness to help guests.

Team Filmmaker (Venue: HQ)

Shifts run before and during the Festival. Must be courteous, cheerful and make filmmaker guests feel welcome. Checking filmmaker in: handing out necessary credentials, walking them through their filmmaker packet and verifying all their information. Also responsible for familiarizing them with special events and the surrounding area. Help out with other tasks/department as needed.

Team Box (Venues: Regal Cinemas)

Preparing and numbering off-site tickets for daily show and guiding guests towards the appropriate theater. Team box may also help sell merchandise as needed.

Team Theater (Venue: Enzian Theater, Regal Cinemas)

Responsible for taking tickets, counting the number of guests as they enter the theater, checking badges for admission. Volunteer also helps find seats for guests, directs them to the appropriate theater and counts ballots after films. Important: At Enzian Theater, Team Theater is also responsible for cleaning up the theater to turn it over for the next show. This involves clearing/wiping tables and distributing menus (gloves are always provided.)

Team Event (Venue: Enzian Theater, special event locations)

Main duties are the SET-UP and BREAKDOWN of special events/parties. Requires the ability to work well in large crowds, assertiveness as necessary while being calm and friendly. You must be able/willing to offer heavy lifting assistance as these duties involve such tasks as moving tables, carrying cases of wine, setting up tents, etc. While this isn�t the most glamorous of the volunteer shifts- it is no less important as help with events is extremely valuable to us. J If you are able, please consider helping in this capacity.

On-Site Runner (Venue: HQ)

Run errands, as needed, between venues. Must be at least 21 years old, with good driving record and own vehicle. Will be reimbursed for mileage. Help in other departments as needed.

Driver (Venue: all)

Drivers are responsible for making sure that Film Festival Jurors and/or special guests get to/from their assigned screenings. This involves picking them up from the hotel and transporting them to different venues. Driver is solely responsible for on-time arrival, which includes making sure the jurors/guests are ready on time. Juried films cannot begin without the juror present. Constant communication with House Manager staff regarding arrival times and location is necessary. If you are interested in being a Driver, positions will be offered at Orientation/Sign-Up via a quick interview. Professionalism and dependability is a must.

We are truly grateful for all of the hard work that our volunteers provide during the Festival. To show our appreciation we choose to provide benefits beyond the fun and satisfaction of service. All Florida Film Festival volunteers, in good standing, receive the following:

1. Access to Festival Screenings when you are not scheduled to volunteer and when seating is available (value of $9/movie!). You will wait to take your seat until just before the show begins. You will be admitted only after all pass-holders, single ticket-holders, filmmakers, media and stand-by ticket holders have been seated. You MUST have your volunteer badge to gain access in this manner.
   

2. One volunteer shirt that must be worn at all times during your shift.

3. Entry to Filmmaker Welcome Party & Filmmaker Wrap Party

4. Invitation to Volunteer/Staff Appreciation party on Wednesday, April 4th, 2007. More details to come.

5. Free admission passes to Enzian Theater regular programming (based on number of hours volunteered, see below) EXPIRATION DATES APPLY to all passes and they are valid for Enzian regular programming ONLY. Passes for Two may be used at only one screening, even if there is only one person in attendance.

   • For every 5 hours of Festival volunteer service completed, each volunteer earns one (1) "Admit Two" pass (valued at $16/ea.)
     

   • Volunteers who have contributed more than 35 hours of Festival service will receive five (5) "Admit Two" passes (valued at $80) and one (1) Regular level membership to the Enzian Film Society (valued at $50). This membership and corresponding member benefits apply to only the volunteer who received it.
     

The entire Film Festival staff wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the volunteers that made this event possible. Your dedication and love of cinema make us proud to have you as supporters. THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!