About Full Spectrum Features

FULL SPECTRUM FEATURES NFP is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to driving equity in the independent film industry by producing, exhibiting, and supporting the work of women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled filmmakers. We also aim to educate the public about important social and cultural issues, utilizing the power of cinema to foster understanding in our communities.

FSF's goal is to transform the entire media landscape—from the actors on screen, to the crew behind the camera, to the people in the audience. Our mission is embodied not only in our work, but our staff and board as well. We are an ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American) organization founded and led by people of color, women, and LGBTQ filmmakers.

About Community Storytellers

Community Storytellers elevates the narratives of Chicago residents by adapting community-driven stories into short films.

With the help of film professionals, three participants are selected to translate their stories into a motion picture while organizing a series of meaningful events that mobilize their neighborhoods. This yearlong process culminates in a powerful film showcase that celebrates the legacy of their community — past, present, and future.

Job Description

Entering its second program cycle, the Community Storytellers program at Full Spectrum Features has selected three North and South Lawndale participants (“Storytellers”) for the 2023-24 cohort.

Full Spectrum is seeking applications for three passionate and experienced short film directors. As a director, you will be assigned an adapted script of a community story while serving as a mentor and creative thought partner with the corresponding Storyteller. You will rely on the Storyteller’s unique perspective to guide creative choices throughout the production process. They will rely on your professional directing experience to adapt their vision into a ~10 min short film, which will be projected to shoot May-June . Scripts will be completed early April in accordance with the program’s production schedule.

Below are the loglines of all three Storytellers:

• Logline 1: An immigrant child uncovers a world of magic and possibility through the arts at their school.*
• Logline 2: Amidst the ongoing great debate of Westside versus Southside Chicago, a defeated artist from North Lawndale finds inspiration in the common ground she discovers through a spontaneous interaction with an art curator from Englewood.
• Logline 3: A non-binary queer teen cultivates community, individuality, and resilience through the subculture of the DIY punk scene in Little Village.*

*Bilingual Spanish-speaking films.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with one of the three selected Storytellers to direct a screenplay based off their personal or neighborhood story into a ~10 minute short motion picture.
• Serve as a mentor and creative thought partner to your assigned Storyteller, relying on their unique perspective to guide creative choices throughout the production process from pre-production to post-production.
• Work with the producing team to ensure that the script can be filmed within the project’s scope and budget.
• Work closely with the Storyteller to ensure their voice and vision are effectively captured in the screenplay.
• Collaborate with the production team and other creatives involved in the program to ensure the film aligns with the overall program goals and timeline.
• Maintain open and effective communication with the Storyteller, providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the script development process.

Guidelines & Eligibility

Apply if you:

• are 18 years old and above.
• currently reside in Chicago.
• possess relationships or have deep connections in North Lawndale and/or South Lawndale neighborhoods; preferred, but not required.
• have at least 3 years experience directing a mix of student and non-student short film productions.
• have experience and are comfortable serving as a mentor.
• care about using stories as a tool for community engagement and organizing.
• thrive in a collaborative learning environment where knowledge sharing and growth are encouraged.
• possess Spanish fluency (speaking, reading, and writing); preferred, but not required.

Supplemental Materials

Applicants are required to provide a resume.

Work Environment

The production process for the Community Storytellers Program is a collaborative endeavor that can be conducted both virtually and in-person. While there will be regular communication with your assigned Storyteller, due to the program's nature, you may also have the flexibility to work remotely unless onsite during production. In this role, you will be collaborating closely with the Storyteller to adapt their personal or neighborhood story into a short motion picture. Please note that this is a project-based position and compensation will be provided for completed work. The Storyteller will have ownership and control over the short film at the conclusion of the program.

Compensation

$3,000 Stipend

Accessibility

Full Spectrum celebrates identities and communities too often misrepresented or ignored in the film industry, and that includes those with disabilities. We aim to make all of our programs as accessible as possible while understanding that ending ableism is an ongoing process. We believe in a person-centered approach to accessibility and work with individuals to meet their accessibility needs to the best of our abilities.

For accommodations requests, contact accessibility@fullspectrumfeatures.com.

For alternative submission methods, such as submitting an application via a screen reader ready, dyslexia-friendly, large print word document or over the phone, contact us at production@fullspectrumfeatures.com.

Questions?

For more information about this program visit fullspectrumfeatures.com/community-storytellers.

For additional questions, please contact us at production@fullspectrumfeatures.com.