Film Independent

I volunteered at the Spirit Awards in March 2018. The experience left me feeling equal parts exploited and worthless, a combination I did not think was possible. There are absolutely no perks to volunteering, and since there are so many volunteers, absolutely no one will notice if you simply walk away. Still, the awards show does need bodies at various entrances, extra hands to put tablecloths on, and lackeys to sweep up trash, so there's plenty of menial work to tire you out.

The only reward for this work is the occasional thanks of other people involved. Of course they'd thank you, you're doing the job they're getting paid for. Would any of them work for free? They wouldn't be caught dead. I got the distinct impression more than once that the staff and attendees regarded the volunteers as suckers and dopes. But hey, at the end of the day, you get to look at the disinterested faces of people richer than you and realize you helped make them comfortable while you remain uncomfortable and unpaid. As I heard one staff member say to a volunteer, you're doing a "good thing."

During the awards week, the only food offered to volunteers was Papa John's, the worst pizza there is, every single night. All other staff and attendees enjoyed excellent craft services and an open bar, but the volunteers got Papa John's. At least the pizza was nice and cold.

Film Independent is a fantastic, inspiring organization to volunteer for. I’ve been lucky to volunteer at the LA Film Festival as well as the Spirit Awards, and each experience was unforgettably flexible and fun. I have learned so much from the talented team at Film Independent and can’t wait to continue my helping relationship with them. Here is to independent filmmakers and making an impact!

I had an incredible time working for the LA Film Festival in the summer of 2017, and most recently, working at the Spirit Awards March 2-3, 2018. As an Indie film fan, I took this volunteer experience seriously because we were putting together an important show not only for the talent, but for the reputation of Film Independent. The organizers of the volunteers, lead by Falcon, was enthusiastic and supportive. They fed us well and made sure that we had our breaks. I look forward to helping out again.

Excellent organization to work for in Los Angeles. Had an absolute blast working with the staff and volunteers on the Spirit Awards and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again!

I am a member & a volunteer. I've volunteered for several different events over the past 6 or 7 years. Volunteering for them is very rewarding. I have met talented and impassioned people, both staff and other volunteers, whose dedication to the arts is impressive and whose friendships are invaluable to me.
As a member I have had the opportunity to enjoy their events throughout the year. Their support of the under-represented and up & coming talent is incomparable. As a supporter of the arts, I cannot think of a more vital and necessary organization to support. Film Independent is an essential part of the arts community & I am very proud of my affiliation with them.

When I first started volunteer for this festival in 2009, it had a lot a cool perks for volunteers. Then in 2011, they sneakily started taking away all the perks. That's not the only main flaws. They treat this like your actual 9-5 job for one movie voucher. For one movie voucher. The last two fest that I volunteered to, the theater managers were refusing to allow anyone to go on break. Seriously, I thought that it was ridiculous, since we aren't getting paid for this except being given just one movie voucher. And on top of that, the volunteers literally get treated like crap by the sponsors--especially when they get told to do there jobs by the theater managers and get into a crossfire with the sponsors. That's not right at all since people are volunteering for free. Would I recommend people volunteer for this? Probably not.

My internship with Film Independent was an incredibly rewarding experience. The professionalism and quality of work matched the level of enthusiasm and support that I felt in the office. As an intern, I felt especially taken care of. There was a conscious effort to make interns and volunteers feel appreciated and rewarded for their hard work.

I first volunteered for Film Independent and the LA Film Festival over 15 years ago when I moved to LA from the East Coast. My first event was a screening of "Welcome to the Dollhouse." I liked the experience so much that I never left the organization and have been here ever since – as a volunteer, an intern, staff member, and about 5 years ago I became the President of the organization. If you're new to town and looking to connect with the film community, or you're a filmmaker or film lover who likes to give back, the Festival is a great place to get involved by volunteering. It's a chance to see a lot of great films and meet a lot of incredibly talented and passionate film folks.

I interned with Film Independent for two consecutive years to help with the LA Film Festival. Both years were exceptional experiences. Not only did I learn an incredible amount about how a nonprofit organization works to produce an event, I also had the opportunity to present ideas. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the LA Film Festival getting to participate as an attendee and as an intern and would highly recommend the experience.

I enjoy my volunteer experience with the L.A. Film Festival. Never have i in encounter so many peoples so dedicated to the art of film make in.

I loved being part of the team while volunteering with Film Independent. Can't wait to be part of the crew for LAFF this year!

I wish I had a picture to capture what a fun time I had being a part of a fun crew volunteering with the Film Festival. Can't wait to be part of the crew this year!