VOLUNTEER AT 2008 VIFF

Want to work behind the scenes at one of North America's great film festivals?

Volunteers are vital to VIFF and help organize all aspects the festival - they tear tickets and check passes, chauffeur guests, control the line-ups (sometimes in the rain!), answer the film info line, work the box office, clean up at the galas, work the media centre and seat people in the theatres, among other things. We need you!

Requirements

Volunteers must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Work 32 hours or more - shifts can be flexible, but you should expect to work four-hour shifts
• Attend a training session, if requested, in addition to the 32 volunteer hours
• Speak English - and other languages are most welcome, as we have a very multilingual audience
• Provide references upon request
• Read the FAQs below.

Perks

Volunteers receive:

• Festival pass , good for admission to most VIFF media and festival screenings. Some restrictions apply. (New this year - passes are bar coded.)
• Program Catalogue with descriptions of all films
• T-shirt
• Volunteer and Staff Wrap Party on Saturday, October 11

The Small Print

• Volunteers who do not fulfill their minimum commitment of 32 hours will have their pass revoked and will be ineligible to volunteer in future
• Volunteer passes are strictly non-transferable. ID is required and may be requested at the theatres.
• Volunteers must wear their T-shirt as the outermost garment at all times when on duty
• A dress code, such as black trousers and white shirts, may be in effect for certain assignments
• Behaviour code is in effect at all times - please be pleasant, helpful and professional while on duty

Registration

Click here to register.

If you cannot complete the online form, please visit us:

Vancouver International Film Centre
1181 Seymour St (at Davie)
View location on Google Maps

Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer Line - 778-997-7835
e. volunteer@viff.org

PLEASE READ THE FAQs BEFORE YOU CALL!

Volunteer FAQs

Q: Where can I fill out the volunteer form?
A: Online by clicking here or at the office during reception hours (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm). We would appreciate if you waited until after 10am to come down as the first hour of the day is particularly busy.

Q: How many hours do I have to commit to?
A: There is a minimum commitment of 32 hours.

Q: What if I volunteer and then can't make my scheduled shifts?
A: We would appreciate knowing that you are unable to complete your 32-hour commitment as soon as you make this decision. We understand that circumstances arise and situations change, and the more notice you give us, the easier it will be to replace you. If you have not yet been contacted by someone at the VIFF about scheduling, please email volunteer@viff.org to let us know you are no longer available. If you drop out after the scheduling process is complete with no notice to your supervisor, you will be barred from volunteering at future events. If you have already received your volunteer pass, it must be returned to the VIFF.

Q: When will I hear from someone at the VIFF?
A: Many departments do not schedule their volunteers until close to Festival time. Please do not call the office or the Volunteer Coordinator if you have not been contacted. If we reach our volunteer quota, we will let you know that your application is in the "reserve" pile. Otherwise, a department coordinator will be in touch.

Q: What if I am offered shifts in a department that I don't want to work in?
A: Please do not indicate that you are willing to work in a department unless you are actually willing to work there. If you change your mind between filling out the form and receiving a call from your supervisor, please be honest and let them know you are no longer interested in volunteering in that department. In that circumstance, we cannot guarantee that you will be re-scheduled in 2008.

Q: Can I complete my hours before the Festival?
A: Most volunteer hours occur during the VIFF, September 25-October 10, 2008. We expect all our volunteers to commit to shifts during the Festival. We do everything possible to ensure that all volunteers have time to see films.

Q: When/where can I get my pass and Program Catalogue?
A: Passes and Program catalogues will be handed out by the department in which you are scheduled. You will be notified when these are available. It takes time to put together all the volunteer packages. Please do not call the office asking where yours is. If you purchase a Program catalogue, you will not be reimbursed when you receive your complimentary volunteer guide.