Volunteers FAQ

How do I make a schedule?

Go to SignUpGenius.

Do I need to be a certain age to volunteer?

Yes, you must be 15 or older to volunteer during the festival. For those interested in transportation or parties, we prefer you to be over 21. 

What kind of work is available pre-festival?

Programming/Screeners

Volunteers will screen films either in their own home using our Film Freeway system. This job is from June 1-November  and sign up closes May 15. Sign up here: (FORM CLOSED)

Pre-Festival Hours

Volunteers will work on their own to distribute (with list provided) posters and/or film guides throughout the community, including on campus. Volunteers may also help with a fundraiser or with a screening event.  Work is from March-January. This is a great way to get to 24 hours early! 

What kind of work is available during the festival?

Box Office: Ticketing and Badge Check-in and Merchandise

Volunteers will sell badges and individual movie tickets to people who come in the door.  Volunteers will also check in those who have pre-purchased tickets and badges. They will be trained in Eventive, our ticketing system, and using our printers and PC laptops. Volunteers who sign up for merchandise will be selling OFF merchandise.  OFF merchandise will be sold via tablet using Square Reader and will include cash, check, and credit card transactions. This is also the information booth so volunteers may answer questions about the festival. 

Media

Various media needs may be available in working with John Wildman, publicist on red carpet, running our photo booth, taking photos, helping with filmmaker interviews. We need people to also help take filmmakers down the red carpet.

Hospitality

Volunteers will be responsible for monitoring the VIP Tent to make sure that only filmmakers, panelists, jury, media, sponsors, VIP guests, and OFF staff use the room.  Volunteers will also need to work with the Hospitality Director for any food/drink needs and keep up with trash as needed. Party helpers will also help with food/drink and trash needs as well as serving at the doors of parties to greet.

Screens

Ushers will stand outside the doors to the theaters, electronically check in tickets or badges or use the counter to count numbers going in theaters and and answer any questions that attendees may have.

Screen runners are the direct communication from the theater to the booth upstairs. Volunteers will be asked to sit in a specific place and keep in communication with the booth for any problems that may occur with the picture or sound. Only people who can handle responsibility of a head set and pay attention to the screen the entire time need apply. 

Transportation

This involves airport pick ups and drops offs as well as in-town transportation. We provide a shuttle for anyone over 21. If you want to use your own car, that is allowed but we do not provide refunds for gas.

What do I wear as a volunteer?

Volunteers will be issues a  short-sleeved red volunteer t-shirt to wear during their shift. We ask you only wear this during your shift.

What hours do I work as a volunteer?

This is up to you.  Perks are provided based on the number of hours you work. 

  • Volunteers that work 5-19 hours get a 10 pack of movie tickets

  • Volunteers that work 20+ hours or more get a VIP pass to the festival.