**AFS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE AFS INTERNSHIP PATHWAY AND IMMERSIVE TRAINING PATHWAY. Make sure to read the information below before submitting your application.**
Austin Film Society is seeking applicants for AFS Creative Careers, its creative workforce development program, which includes training in media production and professional development. Both the Internship Pathway and Immersive Training Pathway equitably train local emerging creatives from underrepresented communities to find jobs in the creative workforce.
Participants in our Creative Careers program will build relevant and essential media production skills and learn how to use tools including video cameras, lighting and sound recording equipment, and editing applications while also learning storytelling for creative expression and workforce readiness. Deadline to submit is Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:59PM.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW & REQUIREMENTS
AFS Creative Careers Overview
- Technical training in studio equipment, field production, and post production
- Continuing Education classes in writing, pre-production, animation, and cinematography
- Essential Skills courses in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and professionalism
- Professional Development sessions in resume and portfolio development, job interview and negotiation skills, networking, and career strategy
- Creative Conversations events with industry professionals
- Mentorship with industry professionals
- Practical workshops in production assistant training, editing, and camera work
- Career counseling
- On the job training with AFS Production Services
AFS Creative Careers offers three pathways for emerging creatives. Choose a pathway that suits your needs and complete the application. Here is an overview of the respective perks, descriptions and differences between the three pathways:
AFS Internship Pathway:
A six-month training and development program for 18–24-year-olds who want to pursue media production careers as an alternative to or in conjunction with a college degree. The internship pathway provides real-world experiences and hands-on training at all three of AFS’s facilities: Austin Public, Austin Studios, and AFS Cinema. Participants are required to participate in an average of 15 hours of weekly training, development, and internship experience. Participants receive a monthly stipend and wrap-around services for the duration of the program before receiving job placement support. No prior media production experience is required to apply for this pathway for individuals who are taking their first steps. The AFS Internship Pathway is March 18, 2025 – August 29, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 18-24 (must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program)
- Must aspire to enter the film and creative media workforce
- Available to complete a 6 month program / 15 hours per week, in-person with some virtual events
- Availability during evening and weekend hours
- Austin-area resident (Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, Hays, and Bastrop counties)
Immersive Training Pathway:
A three-month training program for participants who are 18 and older and want on-the-job practical experience through AFS Production Services, technical training, professional development to enhance employability, and industry connections. The participants will complete an average of 8 hours per week of training. They will receive a bi-weekly stipend and wrap-around services as active program participants for the duration of the program. Some experience in film, TV, or digital media is required for this pathway. The Immersive Training Pathway begins April 15, 2025 – July 7, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 18 and older (must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program)
- Must aspire to enter the film and creative media workforce
- Available to complete a 3 month program / 8 hours per week, in-person with some virtual events
- Availability during evening and weekend hours
- Austin-area resident (Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, Hays, and Bastrop counties)
- Basic to intermediate media production experience (paid or unpaid)
Continuing Education Pathway:
AFS Continuing Education courses are offered free to creators who wish to expand their technical knowledge and creative skills. Working professionals are encouraged to apply for this free training pathway. Applications for the Continuing Education Pathway will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning March 5, 2025, on our webpage. You cannot use the current application to apply to the Continuing Education Pathway.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 18 and older (must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program)
- Interest in film and creative media
- Available to commit to 3 months of self-paced instruction, both in-person and online
- Austin-area resident (Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, Hays, and Bastrop counties)
- Professional media production experience
Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands
Extensive sitting and/or standing, using a computer/laptop, lifting maximum weight of 50 lbs, following class instructions, creating independent processes, and orienting to the AFS pathway selected are essential requirements of the program.
HOW TO APPLY
When you are ready to apply, you may complete the application online. Deadline to submit is Monday, February 10, 2025, at 11:59PM.
You will need to make a Submittable account first and will use that to create and complete the application. (Note: You may also use an existing Submittable account.)
You can save a draft of your application at any time and return to it for editing through your Submittable account up until the deadline. Note that applications will NOT be reviewed or considered until officially submitted and must be done so by the deadline.
Questions about the application process? Please email workforce@austinfilm.org. You may also visit our FAQ for more information about the program itself.
