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. As part of the program, Storytellers are encouraged to amplify their story’s message by organizing something meaningful in their community (i.e. impact project) such as a toolkit, talk, panel discussion, mutual aid drive, live stream, performance, demonstration, social media campaign, and more.

Full Spectrum is seeking applications for three Impact Strategists who are passionate about leveraging film and media as a tool for social change. Under the supervision of the Senior Programs Manager, the Impact Strategist will be paired with one of three Storytellers to help shape their project ideas while serving as a mentor and creative thought partner. These projects, unique to each Storyteller's film, will vary in size and scope, ranging from a poetry reading at a local bookstore to a larger event in partnership with other nonprofit organizations. This collaborative relationship will involve visioning, goal setting, resource allocation, identifying partnerships, identifying permitting and insurance needs, creating tasks & timelines, and building a budget. The aim is to equip Storytellers with the skills and tools necessary to independently execute their impact projects for a Fall 2024 launch with administrative support from Full Spectrum. Learn more about each Storyteller by visiting fullspectrumfeatures.com/community-storytellers.

Below are the film loglines and preliminary project ideas of all three Storytellers:

Storyteller 1*

• Logline: An immigrant child uncovers a world of magic and possibility through the arts at their school.
• Project Idea(s): Intimate film screenings with panel discussions, community potluck, creative workshops, and/or building an audio archive of community stories.

Storyteller 2

• Logline: 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.
• Project Idea(s): Panel discussion, network event bridging connections between neighborhoods, healing circles, and/or live music performance(s).

Storyteller 3*

• Logline: A non-binary queer teen cultivates community, individuality, and resilience through the subculture of the DIY punk scene in Little Village.
• Project Idea(s): Intimate film screenings with panel discussions, community art exhibition, live music performance(s), and/or creative workshops.

*Bilingual Spanish-speaking films and/or projects

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with one of the three selected Storytellers to shape and refine their project ideas to reflect the themes and messages of their films.
• Assist in setting goals and visualizing the outcomes of each project, ensuring they align with the program's overall objectives.
• Guide the development of a tracker to help concretize planning specifics including but not limited to budgets, tasks and timelines, partnerships, marketing needs, etc.
• Forecast expenses while encouraging equitable resource allocation to support artist stipends, venue rentals, vendor fees, supplies, etc.
• Maintain open and effective communication with the Storyteller, providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the project visioning 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 in impact producing, community organizing, event planning, and/or strategic planning.
• 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 and work sample.

Work Environment

The project visioning process for the Community Storytellers program is a collaborative endeavor that can be conducted both virtually and in-person. Please note that this is a project-based position and compensation will be provided for completed work.

Compensation

$2,000 Stipend, projected for 45-55 hours of work between late-April and early-June 2024.

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 Chile at chile@fullspectrumfeatures.com.

Questions?

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

For additional questions, please contact Chile at chile@fullspectrumfeatures.com.