Columbia College Chicago has one of the world's most successful cinematography programs. Alumni include Janusz Kaminski (Academy Awards for Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan), Mauro Fiore (Academy Award for Avatar), Michael Goi (Past President American Society of Cinematographers; DP American Horror Story), Jeff Jur (Emmy Award; DP Dexter).
When these cinematographers were students, cinematography was overwhelmingly skewed to male enrollment. That is no longer the case at Columbia College Chicago. The change began several years ago as a focused department strategy, and is now supported by the college's strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which is stated in the first paragraph of this position posting.
For complete information visit the position posting website. The key copy is pasted below. Please note that while the position will be open until filled, applications should be received by December 8, 2019 for best consideration.
Key Position Post Information
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as vitally important to its present and future success. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
The Cinema and Television Arts Department of Columbia College Chicago seeks applicants for a full-time tenure-track or tenured faculty position in Cinematography beginning August 2020.
Candidates should have academic and professional experience in the area of cinematography, lighting, and lighting design for film, video, and television. Experience should include fluency in advanced processes and techniques in professional high definition video formats as well as 35mm and 16mm film, and significant experience with digital tools, techniques and workflows. The successful candidate will approach lighting and cinematography as tools for artistic expression that further and enhance storytelling. Experience in both film and television is a plus, as well as ability to work with media producers in other disciplines, including Interactive Arts.
In addition to expertise in their field, successful candidates must exhibit excellent teaching and scholarly credentials and be passionate about undergraduate and graduate education.
We seek candidates who can fundamentally enhance our curriculum by fostering a more diverse environment on set and on screen, utilizing compositional and lighting techniques that enhance stories produced by a highly diverse student body.
Candidates should have a demonstrated capacity for professional and artistic practice in their areas, teaching experience, and a willingness to help build curriculum.
The Cinema and Television Arts Department is one of four departments in the School of Media Arts, which includes Audio Arts and Acoustics, Communication, and Interactive Arts and Media.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teach at the undergraduate and, as appropriate, at the graduate level in areas assigned by the Department Chair.
Deliver lesson plans in accordance with the learning objectives set for the course, including practical skills, methods, theories and techniques.
Engage with the broader scholarly and professional communities.
Supervise and advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Contribute to the development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum.
Commit to continuing professional development.
Provide service to the college, profession and community.
Actively follow and promote Columbia College Chicago policies.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work aligns with our commitment to dismantling systems of privilege and oppression. All faculty members are expected to advance the College's DEI mission. For more information on the office of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion please visit: colum.edu/diversity.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- MFA, Doctorate or other terminal degree in filmmaking, film production, or related media field with an emphasis on cinematography and lighting.
- Narrative feature or short film experience for fiction required. Additional experience in non-fiction work a plus.
Desired Qualifications
- Professional experience as well as college teaching experience are highly desirable.
- Experience with advanced professional cameras and lighting techniques.
- Expert knowledge of camera systems (ARRI, RED, etc) and lighting techniques. Experience leading crews of various sizes (please specify in the application).
- Experience with digital tools, techniques and workflows.
- Knowledge of pre-production processes, and ability to teach equitable crew communication throughout all phases of planning and production.
- Experience creating curriculum for a diverse student body.
Application – For best consideration, apply by December 8th.
To apply for this position, submit the following materials online:
- A letter outlining the applicant’s background, qualifications, and vision for the position.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without prior consultation with the applicant.