At a Glance
- Tasks: Watch and evaluate short film submissions, manage programming selections, and contribute ideas for growth.
- Company: DIRECTORS' LIBRARY, an independent online platform for the creative industries.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with a competitive fee and remote work options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of short films while collaborating with passionate creatives.
- Qualifications: Familiarity with contemporary shorts and experience in film selection.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with flexible working arrangements.
Founded in 2017, DIRECTORS' LIBRARY is an independent online platform and resource for the film, video, and creative industries. DIRECTORS' LIBRARY is looking for an Assistant Programmer (Shorts: Narrative Fiction & Documentary) to help manage and develop its short film programme. Working closely with the Senior Programmer, you will play a key role in shaping how shorts are programmed and distributed by the platform.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Watching and evaluating documentary and narrative short film submissions
- Managing submission flow, ensuring a clear, organised, and considered review process
- Programming selections that sit in dialogue with the platform's wider curatorial strands
- Contributing ideas to the growth of the programme, including input into new programming or distribution strategies.
THIS ROLE MAY SUIT YOU IF YOU:
- Are familiar with DIRECTORS' LIBRARY's output and curatorial approach
- Have prior experience pre-selecting short films within a film festival, exhibition platform, or similar context
- Have a strong knowledge of contemporary documentary and narrative shorts and can articulate your perspective clearly
- Care deeply about directing, craft, and authorship
- Enjoy collaborative work and helping to shape something that is evolving.
FEE & COMMITMENT
This is a flexible freelance, fee-based role, paid at £175 per month. The expected commitment is approximately nine hours per month, based on adequately covering:
- Film viewing time
- Occasional repeated viewings
- Reviewing and assessing submissions
- Communication and coordination with the Senior Programmer.
This monthly fee represents the minimum payment for the role and equates to an hourly rate of approximately £19.45. If submission volume or overall viewing time increases materially, the fee will be reviewed and increased accordingly to ensure the role remains fairly compensated. The role is remote, with flexibility around working hours.
ACCESS & FLEXIBILITY
We are committed to creating a fair and inclusive recruitment process and are happy to discuss access adjustments or flexible working arrangements. Please contact us at desk@directorslibrary.com if there is anything we can do to make the application or role more accessible.
TO APPLY
Please send a short introduction outlining your interest in the role and a CV and/or LinkedIn profile to desk@directorslibrary.com. The closing date for this position is 27/02/2026 at 23:59.
Assistant Programmer (Shorts: Narrative Fiction & Documentary) in London employer: Box
Contact Detail:
Box Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Programmer (Shorts: Narrative Fiction & Documentary) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know DIRECTORS' LIBRARY inside out! Watch their shorts, understand their curatorial style, and be ready to chat about your favourite films during interviews. This shows you’re genuinely interested and can contribute meaningfully.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend film festivals, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have a lead on opportunities or can give you insider tips on landing that Assistant Programmer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you’d approach programming selections. Have ideas ready that align with the platform’s vision. Show us you can think critically about film and have a fresh perspective on narrative and documentary shorts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and are familiar with our processes. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Programmer (Shorts: Narrative Fiction & Documentary) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your introduction, let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share what excites you about working with shorts and how you connect with DIRECTORS' LIBRARY's vision.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with short films or programming. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make your points easy to read and understand. A well-structured application will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to send your application via the email provided in the job description. We love seeing applications come through our official channels, so don’t miss out on that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Box
✨Know Your Shorts
Before the interview, dive deep into DIRECTORS' LIBRARY's output. Familiarise yourself with their curatorial approach and recent programming. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience with short films, especially if you've worked in a film festival or similar context. Prepare specific examples of films you've pre-selected and how they contributed to the programme. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Engage in Dialogue
During the interview, engage actively with the interviewer. Ask questions about their programming strategies and share your ideas on potential new directions for the short film programme. This shows that you're not just a passive candidate but someone who wants to contribute meaningfully.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your collaborative skills and experiences. Since this role involves working closely with the Senior Programmer, share examples of successful teamwork in past projects. This will reassure them that you can thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment.