Registration now is open for this free virtual event for teens and young adults ages 13-26 interested in turning their passion for film into a career.

The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED), and the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) will host a free day of workshops and networking opportunities for the next generation of film professionals from the Greater Seattle Area.

Taking place on Saturday, November 6, Film Career Day will offer a streamlined curriculum that includes panels, industry networking opportunities, and connections to local resources — including media arts programs and other educators that offer training, independent filmmakers who have worked to find their niche in the local filmmaking scene, and Northwest-based film industry employers.

This year, Film Career Day will facilitate a hybrid experience offering virtual participation options and two in-person locations at the Northgate Community Center and at El Centro de la Raza (Beacon Hill). Free registration for both virtual and in-person activities is online:

Program Highlights

10:30 am: Virtual + In-Person Venues Open

11 am: Opening Remarks + THE PAPER TIGERS Keynote

Join The Paper Tigers crew — writer-director Bao Tran and producers Al’n Duong and Dan Gildark — in a facilitated conversation with Vivian Hua, Executive Director of Northwest Film Forum. Their exciting journey has grown from an unapologetic, independent feature filmed in Seattle into a national and global kung-fu sensation that champions a diverse cast, crew, and stories. Learn about the importance of finding your team and working with those who understand your vision, as well as key takeaways about how to evolve your own filmmaking career.

Haven’t checked out the film yet? It’s currently streaming on Netflix!

12pm: Panel: Where’s the Work?

The beloved Film Career Day panel returns! Learn about the state of film (and creative industries) in the Seattle area from working pros. Who’s hiring for film or media projects, and where do you look for those opportunities? Should I get a job at a production house or go it solo? Learn about how and where to find work in the region from producers who are hiring as well as from self-starting freelance directors.

1pm: Speed Mentoring (+ Lunch at in-person venues)

2pm: Panel: What Streams May Come

With the pandemic keeping millions of filmmakers and content creators inside, more people started streaming than ever before. But how do you get the right exposure and find the right audience? And is it possible to make some money? Hear from founders and leaders of various Seattle-based online platforms of how they built a following and refined their processes, what content they are looking for, and how to get involved in front of and/or behind the camera.

Meet the Panelists & Mentors

In-Person Venues

North Seattle

Northgate Community Center
10510 5th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98125

Site opens at 10:30am on Saturday, November 6th

Transit Options:

Close to Northgate light rail station (New! Will be open!)
Bus routes 41, 67, 75, 320, 347, and 348 drop off right in front of the building

South Seattle – El Centro De La Raza

El Centro De La Raza
2524 16th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144

Site opens at 10:30am on Saturday, November 6th

Transit Options:

Building is on same block as Beacon Hill light rail station
Bus routes 36 and 60 drop off one block away

“I look forward to saving the youth from a world of pain by sharing our successes, failures, and lessons learned in this crazy journey of filmmaking. I will also teach the finer arts of making instant ramen, an essential diet for screenwriters.”

– Bao Tran, keynote speaker and filmmaker

The third annual Film Career Day is part of NFFTY’s 2021-22 programming season, which is produced with the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, ArtsWA, 4Culture, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, ArtsFund, and The Norcliffe Foundation, with additional support for Film Career Day from King County Creative.

The idea for the youth-focused nonprofit was formed in 2010 when Daniel Pak and fellow co-founder Thaddeus Turner hosted a summer program at Rainier Community Center for 10 youth recently released from Juvenile Detention. Over the summer, Pak and Turner spent 240 hours with the youth creating and recording music.

Totem Star artists supporting Kiddus Fecto during Winter Magic – Photo by Avi Loud

“We had Bloods and Crips in the same studio, and we were all a happy family,” Daniel Pak, co-founder and Executive Director of Totem Star.

Three weeks after the conclusion of the program, Pak had what he calls an, “aha” moment when he found out 1/3 of the youth had already been booked back into the detention center. In that moment, Pak remembers thinking, “We need to have a place where young people can always come. A safe and encouraging creative sanctuary.”

That creative sanctuary is now 10 years old and, according to Pak, has mentored about 2,000 youth. Located inside Youngstown Cultural Arts center in West Seattle, Totem Star has become a central hub for young artists looking for studio time, mentorship, and most importantly, family.

“It’s a real thriving and beautiful community”, youth artist Mirabai Kukathas explains. “Once all this [COVID] started, it was like, ‘I can’t see my family anymore!’” Kukathas, who was set to compete in the final round the MoPop Sound Off! before the event was cancelled due to COVID, is one of many youth who were worried when Totem Star was forced to shut its doors in March. However, due to quick action from Totem Star staff, the programs never missed a beat. “Pretty much immediately, I get these emails saying not to worry because everything is moving online,” she recalls. “We can book sessions like normal, but only through Zoom. We can’t record stuff, but we can chat, we can write songs, we can cry, we can make jokes, and it’ll be the same.”

It may not be fair to say that everything remained the same, but there are some ways Totem Star has improved. With all sessions becoming digital, it has become easier for artists outside of the Greater Seattle area to participate in programs. Since closing their doors in March, Pak has brought in a singer/song writer from Auburn and reconnected with an alumni who is currently studying abroad in Holland. Speaking of using technology to expand Totem Star’s reach, Pak says, “The whole remote sessions model really gives us a sneak peek into what the future looks like should we decide to expand. We could literally serve any young artist in the world right now.”

Co-Founder Thaddeus Turner (right) working with Mirabai Kukathas (left) in The Studio. Photo by Tracey Wong

Totem Star has shifted smoothly to the new world of remote meetings. During normal times, teens would come to their studio Monday-Friday during after school hours to hang out with friends and work on music. Now, in addition to remote one-on-one mentor sessions, they host big virtual meetings via Zoom every Wednesday and Thursday where youth can still connect with their Totem Star family. Communications Manager Tracey Wong points out, “We had a physical open mic night that was twice a year, but we have now brought it online at #TotemStarLive and it’s a virtual open mic every first Friday.”

Mirabai performing at Summer Kick Off – Photo by Maurice Harnsberry

Totem Star is currently accepting applications for new artists. To any youth considering joining, Pak says, “Totem Star has always been a welcoming and inclusive space for any young person passionate about music to discover a new family.”
For more information visit: https://totemstar.org/

Art Beat Blog Office of Arts & Culture

City of Seattle and NFFTY to host Film Career Day on November 6