Volunteers

From theatre entrances and shuttle stops to events and information booths, volunteers are everywhere at the Festival.  Over 1,500 volunteers dedicate their time to help make the Sundance Film Festival a thriving environment for independent film. Thank you to all those who submitted applications to volunteer for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. We invite you to learn more and to check out all the valuable information on our volunteer website.

Important Dates:

We are no longer accepting volunteer applications for the 2009 Festival. Thank you for your interest, please check back in the Fall to apply for 2010!

Learn more about volunteering - please click on the following links for more information:

Overview of Festival Volunteering | How To Volunteer and Apply | Sign Up and Check in dates | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact

Overview: Volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival

So what's it like?   In short, 1,200 volunteers help to showcase independent film during 10 wintry days in Utah. There's an energy and a camaraderie in running the many, many screenings and events that create the stage for the Sundance Film Festival. It requires willing volunteers who bring their passion, flexibility, and reliability to make things happen. And maybe a good dose of craziness and adrenaline. Those interested in star-sightings and free stuff need not apply. Volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival is about helping artists share their stories. Together we're creating a place and a platform for independent film to reach beyond these mountains. This is why volunteers have returned year after year from down the street and half way around the world - for 25 years.  

How does it work?   The Volunteer Department reviews over 2,000 applications annually to find people who best fit the 1,500 Festival volunteer positions. Festival volunteers receive job specific training, work assigned shifts (usually 8 hours each), and accrue benefits based on the fulfillment of their commitment. Sundance Institute has relied on volunteers since its inception, and sincerely values the contributions of volunteers. The Institute works to provide a community for Festival volunteers (Did we mention the volunteer party?), enable access to films, and help alleviate the costs of volunteering. However, the real benefits of volunteering for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival aren't things, or even films, they're experiences. So, if you're ready for a one of a kind experience, join us! Whether you're from Park City or Palau, if you're over 21 and willing to volunteer, we invite you to submit an application by December 1!

How-To Volunteer:

Join us in creating the 2009 Sundance Film Festival! Volunteers must be over 21 years of age and commit to work minimum of 24 hours (about 3-6 shifts) during the 10 days of the Festival, or an 80 hour minimum of one shift every day, as assigned, over the 10 days of the Festival. 

New Volunteers

• Learn more about the Festival Volunteer Program and departments. Then, determine your interests and whether you'd like to volunteer 80+ hours on a pre-assigned schedule or 24 (or more!) hours where you choose your schedule.
• Meet the Volunteer Department! Applications are reviewed by the Volunteer Department and assignments are made based on the volunteers' interests, skills, availability, and the needs of the Festival. If qualified, the Volunteer Department will contact you by phone and discuss possibilities. 
• Matches made in... Sundance. When a volunteer's interests and the Festival's needs fit, volunteers are offered a Festival Assignment. Volunteers then commit to playing an important role in making the '09 Festival take place.

Returning/Alumni Volunteers

• Review the Festival Volunteer Program to learn what's new for 2009. 
• The Application Deadline for Alumni Volunteers, October 1, has passed. If you did not submit an application to volunteer at the 2009 Festival, we hope you'll consider coming back in future years! As alumni, you should automatically get an invitation to reapply in 2010, but if you don't hear from us by next September, feel free to drop us an email.
• Receive a call if you are once again selected as a festival volunteer! You should hear from us in November or December when a Department Coordinator will contact you to finalize details of your placement, at which point you can discuss anything you didn't get to share in your application. If we find a fit, we'll work to finalize your contract no later than mid-December!
• Watch your email for updates on your status.  Email will be our main source for contacting you after you are given a Festival Assignment and for getting everything in-line for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Don't worry, while we're cutting back on paper, we're not virtual. You can reach us by phone, too.

Film Festival Volunteer Opportunities:

• Levels of Volunteer Involvement:

  • Sign-Up Volunteers, 24+ hours, sign-up scheduling 
    Volunteers can pick available shifts that fit within their flexibility.  Volunteers can choose to volunteer more hours (all the way over 100, but no less than 24) throughout the Festival and receive benefits based on hours volunteered.
  • Full-Time Volunteers, 80+ hours, fixed scheduling
    Volunteers commit to give their time for the entire duration of the Festival for eight to ten hour shifts, and receive set benefits based on their position, advance commitment to 80+ hours and willingness to volunteer as scheduled.

• Types of Volunteer Opportunities: Festival Departments
  Volunteers are assigned to specific roles within Festival Departments, based on volunteer interests and Festival needs.  Learning more about Festival Departments provides insight into what you could be doing day-to-day as a volunteer.

• Extra-Fest Volunteer Opportunities
  Pre and post Festival volunteer opportunities run from November 1 - January 30th and provide an opportunity to see the inner workings of running an international film festival.  No advance commitment required, just watch your email, sign-up, and come.

• Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
  The Sundance Film Festival is one of the programs of the not-for-profit Sundance Institute.  The Institute needs volunteers for its operations and programs throughout the year. 

Levels of Volunteer Involvement and Benefits

Volunteer Requirements:

Sign-Up Volunteers, Sign-Up Scheduling: 

• Commit to a minimum total of 24 volunteer hours, sign-up for more hours as you desire - minimum of 3 to 6 shifts (depending on shift lengths) during the Festival
• Sign-up in advance for specific shift times of your choosing, as available
• Provide own lodging
• Attend pre-Festival trainings and New Volunteer Orientation
• Review training information in advance of the Festival
• Receive, read, and respond to email, this is our primary mode of communication

Full-Time Volunteers, Fixed Schedule:

• Commit to a pre-assigned Festival schedule of 8-10 hours each day (approximate total of 80-90 volunteer hours)
• Be available to work the entire Festival period as determined by job assignment
• Attend pre-Festival trainings
• Review training information online in advance of the Festival
• Receive, read, and respond to email, this is our primary mode of communication
• Full-Time Volunteers receive additional job-related benefits:
  • Photo-credential, provides volunteer access to panels and films as space for volunteers is available
  • A pre-determined expense reimbursement to help offset costs related to participating at the Festival
  • Limited Festival lodging may be provided for non-Park City residents who are alumnus in need of lodging. Very, very few first-year Full-Time Volunteers receive Festival lodging.
  • Volunteers who do provide their own lodging will receive four guest ticket vouchers, for guest use in waitlist lines
  • Discount for shuttle service to Park City form SLC Airport

Volunteer Benefits:
Volunteers are essential to the Festival. We recognize the time they devote to the Festival and provide benefits to volunteers as a thank you for volunteer service.  Benefits are provided in conjunction with the number of hours volunteered and the position held.

• All Volunteers:
  • Festival Uniform: Jacket with liner and volunteer credential (no photo for volunteers with less than 80 hours; photo credential for 80+).
  • Festival Access: So that volunteers can experience the Festival they're helping to create, we work to give volunteers access to films and panels. The volunteer credential allows access to panels and some venues on a space available basis.  Depending on hours volunteered, volunteers will receive either volunteer vouchers or a photo credential, redeemable for film tickets as space is available.  Vouchers and credentials are nontransferable and must be used with volunteer credential.   Volunteers may also attend two early volunteer screenings and all scheduled Staff and Volunteer Screenings during the Festival on a space available basis.    
  • Unique Volunteer Events: Each volunteer receives a ticket to the Staff and Volunteer Opening Night Party to get things started off right. To keep the energy going, various events and gatherings are held for volunteers throughout the Festival. Volunteers can also enjoy the Volunteer Villa, an exclusive venue for volunteers to lounge, get hearty snacks, access the internet, and touch base with the Volunteer Department. 
• Recognition (and Thanks!) given for hours volunteered: Festival volunteers are listed by name in some Festival Materials in recognition of their dedication and service. Our most valued pool of volunteers are our alumni. Alumni receive special recognition after volunteering for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. 
  • 24 hours: One volunteer voucher will be given for every 4 hours of volunteer service.
  • 40 hours: Volunteers continue to receive one volunteer voucher for every 4 hours of volunteer service and may exchange some volunteer vouchers for ticket vouchers for guests to use in the wait-list line. 
  • 80 hours: Volunteer photo credential, allows the volunteer access to unlimited Festival screenings and panels on a space available basis (when not volunteering, of course!).  Some outdoor volunteer positions may accrue hours on a 1 outdoor hour to 2 volunteer hours, because it's chilly out there!
  • 100 hours: 100 Club recognition, including recognition piece to display on credential, invitation to 100 Club reception, and special listing in printed Festival materials.

Volunteer Opportunities within Festival Departments

Festival Volunteers are assigned a specific position within a Festival Department, for which they receive related trainings and materials. Roles and opportunities within each department vary greatly.

Extra-Fest Volunteer Opportunities

While our greatest need for volunteers falls during the Festival, the work continues before and beyond the Festival. We encourage volunteers interested in pre and post Festival volunteer opportunities, known as Extra-Fest, to indicate their interest on the application when applying to the Volunteer Department. Extra-Fest Opportunities will be sent out to interested volunteers via email and volunteers sign-up for opportunities as they desire.  

Only individuals who are volunteering 24 or more hours DURING the Festival will be eligible to receive Festival related benefits, such as uniforms, film access, and volunteer events. Volunteers often sign-up for Extra-Fest opportunities because 1. We really need your help! and 2. For every four hours worked (if you're ALSO a Festival volunteer) you can receive a volunteer voucher or build toward 100 Club status.

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities

Sundance Institute is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to volunteer year-round in Utah and Southern California. You must be a local Utah or Southern California resident to participate.

If you are interested in year-round volunteer opportunities, please e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Application Process

I'd like to apply, will you consider my resume?
No, if you want to volunteer, you must fill out and submit a volunteer application online.  Volunteers are only considered based on the information they provide in the online application and any information on their volunteering in previous years.

I'm having problems submitting my online application. What do I do?
Call or email us.  We strongly prefer applications be submitted online, but if special circumstances require, we do have paper and a printer and mail. We can actually send it to you. We're pretty nice around here. 

What if I'm not 21?
This is a hard and fast policy we cannot work around, you really must be 21 as of January 12, 2009 to volunteer for the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.  Even if you're really mature for your age, it's just not going to cut it.  We will verify your ID before you can check-in. 

What if I'm from a land far, far, away?
We welcome a diverse group of volunteers from anywhere.  You will be considered in the application process just as any other volunteer and notified within the same time frames. The details of your passport, travel, etc. will be entirely your responsibility.

I've volunteered before for the Sundance Film Festival, what do I do to apply?
If you've volunteered in the past, we consider you an Alumni Volunteer.  Alumni Volunteers are ONLY to apply based on a personal email sent to them from the volunteer department which should have been sent to the volunteer by August 15, 2008. If you did not receive an email there could be a number of reasons.  Too much time could have passed since you last volunteered, our database could have made an error, the internet could have made an error, or we, real people, could also be imperfect.  Also, each Festival, we review evaluations and information on a volunteer’s overall performance, and sadly, despite many well- (and some not-so-well) intentioned volunteers, some people just aren't a fit for the Festival.If you missed the deadline on October 1to volunteer at the 2009 Festival, we hope you'll consider coming back in future years! As alumni, you should automatically get an invitation to reapply in 2010, but if you don't hear from us by next September, feel free to drop us an e-mail.

When will I hear about my application?
We process applications starting in August all the way through December. We fill open positions starting with qualified alumni volunteers, then new volunteers and will inform volunteers of their status throughout the process. We especially understand your need to make travel arrangements, and our need to make the Festival happen. So we'll definitely get you assigned as fast as we can. We will work diligently to inform Full-Time Volunteers no later than November, and Sign-Up Volunteers no later than mid-December.  All volunteers will be notified of their status by  December 30, 2008.

Hours and Volunteer Benefits

If I am a local volunteer, can I work all of my required hours before the Festival?
First off, see the details on this in the How To Volunteer section under Extra-Fest. We love all the help our local volunteers can provide pre-Festival.  You must work at least 24 hours during the 10 days of the Festival to be eligible to receive any volunteer incentives, such as vouchers.

How do I use my credential to get into screenings?
A volunteer photo credential (for volunteers giving 80 hours) provides entry to Festival screenings and panels on a volunteer space-available basis.

Your volunteer vouchers, presented with a volunteer name credential and matching ID, are redeemable for tickets to Festival screenings and panels on a space-available basis. 
Volunteer vouchers are based on the number of volunteer hours worked. 4 hours = 1 voucher. 1 voucher = 1 ticket.

A limited number of screening tickets are held at certain theatre box offices for staff/volunteers and are available one hour prior to screening time. If those tickets have all been distributed, you may join the waitlist and use your credential and voucher for admittance. Waitlist patrons are admitted to the theatre on a space-available basis 15 minutes before the screening begins.

Staff and volunteers will be admitted on a space available basis to the Staff and Volunteer Screenings.

Will I be able to change my shift times / What if I can't drive when it's snowing?
Full-Time Volunteers agree to be available as assigned by Sundance Film Festival.  Sign-Up Volunteers are able to sign-up for available shifts in advance of the Festival.  From there, in the mind of the Volunteer Department, you are committed to fulfilling your shifts. There are systems in place, however, to change your shift times which will be detailed at the volunteer orientation and in the volunteer handbook. When committing to shifts you should also be sure to take into account travel times and your ability to travel in inclement weather.  The Sundance Film Festival is in January, it's pretty likely there will be some snowy days.  As always, change and flexibility are large components of a successful Festival, so we are happy to work with you as situations arise – just contact us!  (Advance notice is also always nice!)

What if I change my mind?
Once accepted, volunteers will sign an agreement committing to the volunteer position they have been offered.  If you are signing and committing to the volunteer agreement, you should have no reason that you know of that you cannot volunteer.  The deadline for final cancellations is December 1! However, change has been known to happen, agreements will outline a final date for cancellation, which needs to be honored if we are possibly going to be able to fill the position again. Of course, extreme circumstances may negate following the deadline. In such extreme cases, please, please contact the Volunteer Department as soon as possible to discuss your situation with a staff member.

At the Festival

Can I take a friend to the screenings?
The easy answer is to get your friend to volunteer! Benefits, such as volunteer vouchers and credentials, are provided to allow Festival volunteers access to films.  We work to reserve tickets specifically for volunteers, and wouldn't want a volunteer to be turned away because too many volunteers brought their friends.  Volunteer film access is meant to be a benefit specifically for volunteer use. The challenges of available volunteer seating, timing volunteer ticketing with waitlist ticketing, and scalping have made it too difficult to accomodate volunteers' friends at screenings.  We are able to provide some vouchers to volunteers for guests to use to eliminate the cost of a waitlist ticket.   Guest vouchers will only be provided to volunteers upon their completion of 40 volunteer hours, and volunteers giving 80+ hours whom the Festival is not providing lodging.

How do I get into parties?
Volunteers will receive a ticket to the Staff and Volunteer Opening Night Party. Everyone is encouraged to attend!

Full-Time Volunteers will receive a ticket to the Awards Night Celebration. 

Anyone attending an official party must have a hard ticket and their credential for admittance.

How do I get into the Music Café?
Your volunteer credential allows you access to all of the non-theatre venues on a space-available basis. This includes the Music Café, New Frontier on Main, Sundance House, and Filmmaker Lodge.  You may be asked to observe the “Family Holds Back” rule for high profile performances or panels, waiting until 15 minutes prior to the start of the event before being admitted.  In these cases, staff and volunteers may not be admitted if the event is full. 

What about food?
Every morning bagels are available at all official venues and theatres (delivered daily) for volunteers. You are on your own for all other meals. You can also stop by the Volunteer Villa for a quality snack and a daily fix of the fantastic Volunteer Department Staff.

Volunteer Housing

Does the Sundance Film Festival Provide Lodging for Volunteers?
Housing is only provided for select pre-committed Full-Time Volunteers who reside outside of the Park City and Salt Lake City areas.  Housing for volunteers is extremely limited and provided primarily to returning Alumni Volunteers.  It is highly unlikely that lodging will be available for new volunteers, and a volunteer's ability to provide lodging for themselves is sometimes influential in the volunteer selection process.  Volunteers who are not in housing provided by Sundance Film Festival are responsible for getting to their volunteer shifts on time, knowing that the Sundance Film Festival occurs during very snowy months in January, even if you're driving from... we know, we have to get here, too. 

Where will I be staying?
If you are one of the lucky volunteers to be lodged at the Festival, you will not know where you are staying until you arrive in Park City to check in.  We assign lodging based on the volunteer’s job location, duties, and seniority.  See below about roommate requests.

What do I need to bring to Park City?
All volunteer accommodations are equipped with bedding, towels, TV, and a phone. We cannot guarantee alarm clocks, so be sure to set your watch or bring your own.

Will my condo have a kitchen?
We do our best to secure accommodations with amenities such as kitchens and even washers and dryers, but there are no guarantees. Many facilities come without these extras, so be prepared to accept whatever is available. We’ll do what we can to make sure you’re comfortable. And there’s one thing we can guarantee—your front door will have a lock.

Who are my roommates?
You may request one roommate on your volunteer agreement. The person that you request, MUST request YOU on their agreement for your names to be produced on the “requested roommate list” from our database.  If you request more than one person or the person you request does not request you on their form, your roommate request cannot be considered. We cannot guarantee that roommate requests can always be met.  Remember that the dates volunteers are in Park City differ from theatres to department to non-theatre venues and dictate whom they room with.

You will not know who your roommates are until volunteer check-in.  After you have checked in, please do not ask to be moved. We lodge more than 400 people during the Festival and once everyone has been slotted, we can only adjust accommodation assignments in emergencies. We try our best to accommodate everyone’s requests.

How come she’s in the master bedroom?
All accommodations, along with other Festival benefits, are assigned based on job responsibility and seniority.

What about my Chihuahua/girlfriend/baby?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in any Festival accommodations. If you need a referral to pet boarding in close proximity to the Festival, please contact our office. Also, please remember that guests are not allowed to stay in Festival accommodations. This rule is strictly enforced to be fair to everyone in your condo. Unless your significant other or baby is over 21 and a Full-Time Volunteer during the Festival, they need to stay home.

If we find that you have guests, even if they are volunteers that have not been assigned to your lodging unit staying with you, the guest and you will be asked to leave your lodging and the Festival immediately. You will also be giving up any opportunity to volunteer for Sundance in the future.

Will my condo have parking?
We are generally able to obtain a very limited number of parking permits for all accommodation facilities. If you do bring your own car, we recommend that you do not drive to theatres and venues for screenings and parties. The Festival operates an efficient shuttle system that stops at all theatres and venues, arriving at designated stops around town every 10 to 15 minutes!

How do I get to work in the morning?
We try to lodge volunteers as close to their venue as possible, so walking will probably be your best option. If you are lodged further than walking distance, all of the lodging properties are on the Festival shuttle route. Please do not drive your vehicle to your venue unless you have received a parking pass, or your car will most likely be towed.

Why isn’t my place being cleaned? And other housekeeping issues!
All Festival accommodations should be cleaned while you are staying there. The frequency depends on the company that rents the unit. The accommodations information sheet you receive at check-in will state the housekeeping frequency. If you feel that you have been skipped for cleaning, please let our office know ASAP and we will contact the company for you.

What if someone tries to reach me at my condo?
We do not give out accommodations information about anyone staying with us at the Festival. If someone asks for the location or phone number where you are staying, we either refer that person to you during work hours or get a message to you. Your managers are given a list of all of the locations and phone numbers for their volunteers.

What do I do if I have an emergency at my condo?
All of the accommodations have a number listed in the unit for maintenance emergencies (e.g., floods, heat not working). If something breaks or damage is done to your condo (accidents happen), please let us know so WE can fix it and work everything out with the company before we leave Park City.

Please remember to immediately report any problems at your lodging (e.g., bad beds, problematic heater). We will try to solve them ASAP. This also helps us know what units to book in the future.

How do I get to Festival Headquarters in Park City from the Salt Lake City Airport?
Stay tuned for a link to directions on our website!

What time should I arrive on my scheduled arrival date?
Check in is open from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Festival Headquarters.  If you are being lodged by the Festival, you will not be able to check into your lodging until after 3:00 p.m.  If you arrive before then, please plan on hanging out for a few hours until lodging keys can be distributed.

Contact:

Thank you for your interest in contacting the Sundance Film Festival Volunteer Department!
We invite you to contact the Volunteer Department if you have questions which are not addressed on the Volunteer Pages.  If you are interested in applying to volunteer for the Sundance Film Festival, please read the How To Volunteer Page where you can fill out an application.

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone: 435-658-3456
Volunteer Hotline: 435-776-7870