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The NYFDTI Mentorship program was developed in 2020 for and by working film and television industry professionals. Its purpose is to create opportunities to meet and interact with other professionals of all levels in various below-the-line production departments to help advance BIPOC mentees current career goals.

 

Mentors provide insight into career paths, challenges they've faced, and helpful tools to guide mentees to discover their own. Whether it's gaining new skills, expanding on current expertise, or networking with other professionals, this program provides a chance to further the film and television experience.

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What is, and Who are, below-the-line?

"Below-the-line" refers to the budget or cost line items found in a film or television budget which appear below the physical line that separates budget numbers for writers, producers, directors and cast (Above-the-line) in the budget document. The "below-the-line" refers to all the production crew who hold up the whole show! This includes the Production and Assistant Directors departments, Art Department, Accounting, Camera, Sound, Set Decoration and Set Dressing, Construction, Grip, Electric, Hair, Make Up, Costumes/Wardrobe, Post Production and everything in between. 

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Why below-the-line?

There are numerous organizations and initiatives that support the creative process for filmmakers interested in screenwriting and directing. However, there are limited opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in the supporting crew positions without already having the job and/or joining a union. How do you learn what it takes to be a Gaffer, a Sound Mixer, a Production Manager or a Script Supervisor? How do you know if you want one of those jobs which are vital to the production process? With NYFTDI our mentees can learn directly from crew members in these positions and develop a path to navigating careers in other fields. Many great writers and directors were first below-the-line crew, how else do you think they learned how to do what they do?  

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Program outline:

• 10 weeks of virtual meetings 

• One-on-one conversations with industry professionals in a selected field

• Career and Resume development

• Educational guidance and skill building

• Panels and community opportunities

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Mentee Eligibility:

• Minimum 3 years work experience in film/tv

• Must be a NY/NJ/CT resident

• Interest in scripted film/tv and/or joining a union

• Must be available for and open to weekly communication

 

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Mentor Eligibility:

• Minimum 5 years work experience in a specific field

• Must be active members of the film/tv community

• Mentors may be nationwide with a focus on the NY area

• Must be available for and open to weekly communication

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Important notes:

This is NOT a job placement program. Mentee applicants should be interested in learning about, and advancing in, below-the-line departments such as Production, AD department, Camera, Grip, Electric, Costumes, Post Production, etc.

This program is NOT intended for placement with directors or writers.

This program is focused on narrative scripted film and television, it's focus is NOT on reality television, documentary or commercial/branded work. 

 

Since Covid, there is no requirement for in person meetings or set visits. Any decision for in person interaction is directly up to the Mentors and Mentees paired, based on their preference and their personal safety comfort zone.