Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab Shadow Program

A shadowing opportunity for Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers in Philadelphia to learn on-set with BlackStar.
About
BlackStar is proud to present this opportunity as part of our second annual Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab.
BlackStar’s Shadow Program will support Black, Brown and Indigenous (BIPOC) filmmakers by offering shadowing opportunities on the films being created in this year’s Lab. These shadowing placements will give Philadelphia-based BIPOC filmmakers the chance to observe crews and gain further professional experience. Selected participants will work on set as a production assistant and have the opportunity to observe a department head and related crew member over a multi-day shoot. This is an invaluable experience to gain insights about the inner workings of a film set and to make connections with professionals in the industry.
The positions will vary based on the needs of the production. No positions are guaranteed, but shadows may get a chance to observe crew members in the following departments: art, camera, director, electric/grip, hair and makeup, sound, production, and wardrobe. Principal photography for the films is set for Spring 2022 in the Greater Philadelphia area. The program is open to filmmakers of all levels. No prior experience is necessary.
The application for the 2023 Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab Shadow Program can be accessed here from January 10-30, 2023. We will not accept or review any applications received after the stated deadline.
Eligibility
Candidates must live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Candidates should identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous or as a Person of Color.
The Shadow Program is open to adults at least 18 years of age.
Key Dates
January 10, 2023 – Application Opens
January 30, 2023 – Application Closes
February 14, 2023 – Notification Date
The BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab is presented by Xfinity with additional support from the William Penn Foundation, All Ages Productions, Independence Public Media Foundation, Seven Knots Productions, Mellon Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, Gucci Changemakers Fund, and Expressway Cinema Rentals.
No. Eligible candidates must live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Yes! No prior filmmaking experience is necessary.
No. We will do our best to place you based on your interests indicated in the application, but we cannot guarantee placement in any particular department.
Principal photography for the Lab films is set for late February to early April 2023 in the Greater Philadelphia area. We are moving forward with an in-person production in accordance with safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC. Selected shadows will receive further details about the dates and locations closer to the shoot.
If you’re selected we will provide more specific information about the nature of the shoot. Typical shoot dates run approximately 12 hours.
If you’re selected we only guarantee placement on one film set. Requests to work on additional sets will be considered if capacity allows.
All applicants will be notified via email at the contact information provided on their application no later than February 14, 2023. Please add [email protected] to your contacts so it doesn’t get filtered into spam!
Yes. Shadows will be compensated $100/day for their time on set. Shadows will be responsible for their own travel to and from set.