SXSW, LLC. logo

Film & TV Festival Coordinator

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $17.25 - $25.50
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee Discounts
Flexible work schedule

Job Description

SXSW (South by Southwest) is a globally renowned organization that hosts one of the largest and most influential film and media festivals in the world. Based in Austin, Texas, SXSW is celebrated for its dynamic convergence of the film, music, and interactive media industries. Every year, the SXSW Film & TV Festival attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe, showcasing new films, documentaries, television projects, and emerging talent. The festival is a key platform for filmmakers to present their work, engage with fans, and network within the creative community, while also providing attendees with an immersive cultural experience.

The SXSW Film & TV Festival Coordinator position is a full-time role located at the Austin, Texas office. This role is essential to the smooth operation and success of the festival, heavily focused on supporting filmmaker relations as well as handling screener operations. The Coordinator works in close collaboration with the Programming Manager to lead the Filmmaker Liaison team—ensuring invited filmmakers have a seamless and positive festival experience from the submission phase through the live event. They also partner with the Screener Lead to oversee day-to-day administration of screener categories, playing a pivotal role in maintaining data accuracy and operational flow across various festival systems.

Operating within a fast-paced and high-volume environment, this role demands a high level of organizational skill, clear communication, and the ability to balance multiple competing deadlines. The Coordinator manages communications with over 50 contracted screeners and programming associates, updating tracking systems, coordinating screening assignments, and ensuring programming deadlines are met with quality standards. They are also responsible for updating filmmaker resources, including the online schedule and Filmmaker Portal, and assisting with key logistic elements such as badge and credentialing processes.

During the festival period, the Coordinator is required to be fully available, including evenings and weekends, providing hands-on support to filmmakers on-site. Duties include in-person badge printing, ticket distribution, greeting attendees, managing operational challenges as they arise, and supporting registration during peak times. The Coordinator represents the Film & TV Team as a professional and welcoming ambassador, also participating in hosting filmmaker events and managing communications around awards and laurels. This role requires not only a strong administrative aptitude but also a passion for film festivals and a commitment to enhancing the experience of filmmakers and festival participants alike.

Working at SXSW offers the opportunity to be part of an iconic cultural event that influences trends in film, television, and media worldwide. The role provides professional growth within a well-established organization known for innovation and community engagement. Candidates must be prepared to work in person during core business hours from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, with extended hours from January through March and during the March festival, reflecting the intensity and importance of the event season.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Experience in event coordination or film festival operations
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
  • Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
  • Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment
  • Ability to bend, reach, kneel, or climb stairs as needed
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and noise levels
  • Must be available to work in person in Austin, Texas
  • Must be available for extended hours from January through March and during the March festival

Job Qualifications

  • Experience in film festival operations, event coordination, or similar fields preferred
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Close attention to detail in data entry and scheduling
  • Ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor under pressure, particularly during high-volume periods and the festival itself
  • Strong organizational instincts and interest in process improvement
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize competing deadlines across multiple projects
  • Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Familiarity with film festival operations and submission processes preferred

Job Duties

  • Serve as a key point of contact for assigned filmmakers by handling mass filmmaker communications and direct communications and responding to inquiries via email, phone, and in person
  • Manage day-to-day operations for 50+ contracted screeners and programming associates during the festival submission period
  • Maintain the Filmmaker Airtable, update tracking forms, and configure email automations to distribute critical festival updates and deadline reminders
  • Coordinate weekly screening assignments, monitor progress, and review screener performance to ensure programming deadlines and quality standards are met
  • Update filmmaker resource materials, including the online schedule, Filmmaker Portal, and training documents, to maintain accurate data across platforms
  • Support the Screener Lead in recruiting, hiring, and evaluating screener applicants through structured review processes
  • Assist with badge and credentialing logistics by issuing coupons, tracking usage, and ensuring filmmakers have the necessary festival access
  • Ensure screener invoices are processed accurately and team allocations stay within the designated programming budget
  • Maintain full availability throughout the SXSW Film & TV Festival & Conference, including evenings and weekends
  • Provide in-person support to filmmakers, including badge printing, ticket distribution, and resolution of real-time operational issues
  • Greet and guide filmmakers, answering or escalating Film & TV festival-related questions as needed
  • Assist with hosting filmmaker events, acting as a professional and welcoming Film & TV Team ambassador
  • Draft and send communications to award winners and distribute official festival laurels
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth on-site operations and consistent filmmaker support
  • Support the registration and check-in area during high-volume periods

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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