Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hometown: Scarsdale, NY 
Hometown: Upper West Side, NY 
Hometown: Springfield, NJ 
Hometown: Montclair, NJ 
Hometown: St. Louis, MO 
© 2008-2013 Cinetic Rights Management LLC Legal Notices
About Us
Searching for Undiscovered Content
At FilmBuff, our days are spent scouring the earth in search of original and compelling stories. We spend our nights ensuring you can view these stories with as little as a digital device and an internet connection.Services
- Digital film curation
- Online destination for trusted recommendations
FilmBuff 101
What You Need To Know
It is pretty simple really. FilmBuff is here to help you with 'what to watch' and 'where to find it.' Our team of digital film curators goes far and wide searching for the kind of content that will entertain you and keep you coming back for more.Benefits
- Recommendations on fresh, undiscovered content
- Links to the places you can find content online
- Access to an online community of entertainment lovers
The Team
Entertainment Lovers With Digital Dreams
Who are the crew members on the digital ship that is FilmBuff? Well, there’s really no short answer to that, but we can tell you that we are a diverse group with varied backgrounds. What do we have in common? Every single one of us is passionate about movies, obsessed with the digital sphere and committed to bringing the best quality of entertainment to the masses. We eat, breathe and live for cinema.Team Philosophy
- Our success is tightly linked to the passion and creativity of the team
- Innovation is the inevitable result of trusted collaboration among team members
The Leading Edge of Digital Entertainment
We leverage strong relationships with content owners, partnerships with all digital retailers and world-class curation expertise to help shape the future of entertainment consumption.
More Than A Distributor
FilmBuff projects begin with our belief in the art of filmmaking and its power to enrich audiences. Compelling and innovative storytelling needs an outlet and an audience. We pledge our time and energy to ensure that more quality entertainment reaches consumers.
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Extra, Extra Read all About Us
We're releasing great films, partnering with fascinating companies and innovating all day... naturally we make the news every so often.
Watch Movies Anywhere You Choose
For others, digital availability for consumers is an afterthought. For FilmBuff, it is the primary objective.
Entertainment lovers seek engagement
We cheer, debate, rally, cry, share, discuss, challenge and review. We thrive on the knowledge that shared experience makes us one family… the FilmBuff family..
FilmBuff is passionate about stories
We make it our purpose to uncover and shed light on the most daring, charming and compelling entertainment available.
Get to Know FilmBuff
Have you been to sites where you get to click through and meet every member on the team? Yup... we’re one of those sites! We figure we have nothing to hide, so why not? Soon you will be mentioning us at dinner because you loved the film we recommended or plan to visit a festival we attended... enjoy!
Teamwork. Creativity. Commitment
Working at FilmBuff is more than a job. Joining this team of talented professionals requires passion and a bit of quirk. Do you think you have that special something? Explore the links below for more information.
FilmBuff ensures that content is available for you to watch, regardless of whether you want to watch it on your Xbox connected to your TV, your iPad, your Roku box, your cable VOD provider or anywhere else. We are dedicated to leveraging the power of online distribution to bring you stories that never would have seen a screen of any size if distribution options were still limited to a big theatrical release needing a $50M ad budget or the vagaries of broadcast television. Don’t get us wrong – we love a popcorn-chomper and Sunday night TV as much as the next guy, we just know that there is more. And we want to share it with you. |
FilmBuff's difference is hand-selected curation. We offer fresh content to surprise and delight you in a world where your viewing options are simultaneously expanding every minute someone uploads a YouTube video and diminishing every time an algorithm edits your choices based on what you were interested in yesterday. Offering new angles, unusual stories and inspiring characters, FilmBuff films take you out of the expected and remind you what it means to be part of this ever changing world we live in. We draw proudly on our strong history and deep relationships with the best filmmakers working today to keep our content "FilmBuff Fresh." Explore FilmBuff Collections whenever you are in need of recommendations that will ignite your inner 'Buff. |
Birth of a CompanyCinetic Rights Management (CRM) was founded in 2007 by John Sloss and Robert Nathan and is backed by an incredible group of angel investors. John and Rob were previously partners in Cinetic Media, an industry-leading financier, sales company, consultant and talent management company for independent film. |
FILMBUFF SIZZLE REEL |
Starting in the late 1990s, Cinetic made a name for itself at Sundance and other major festivals as the leading film sales agency. The company spearheaded dozens of the past decade’s critical favorites including NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, SUPER SIZE ME, BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, THE FOG OF WAR, PRECIOUS and, most recently, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT. Cinetic has deep relationships with leading filmmakers and Cinetic films have won over 70 major awards including 32 Jury Awards and 13 Audience Awards at Sundance, 123 Nominations and 23 wins at the Independent Spirit Awards, and 25 Nominations and 3 Wins at the Academy Awards. |
For FilmmakersWe act as both asset and advocate to our filmmakers, partnering with them to capture an audience for their creative work. Provocative, distinct and fresh content is our focus.For AudiencesFilmBuff pushes the boundaries of digital distribution to provide audiences with the widest possible range of viewing options. We work to provide the online content consumers demand to all possible devices on which they could choose to view it. |
When is All Press Good Press?When you have a Press section on your own site! Check this section regularly for the latest on new releases, innovative distribution strategies and exciting partnerships.Recent Releases |
Want to have media relations with us?Of course you do! And now you can by just sending us an email: press@crm.cineticmedia.com |
Find Us on iTunesOn iTunes, you will find movies and televisions shows available to download or rent for playback on a variety of devices.Recommended Titles on iTunes
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Find Us On Amazon Instant VideoOn Amazon Instant Video, you will find movies and televisions shows available to stream immediately, download or rent for playback on a variety of devices.Recommended Titles on Amazon
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Find Us On Xbox or ZuneOn Xbox, you will find movies and televisions shows available to stream immediately, download or rent for playback on a variety of devices.Recommended Titles on Xbox or Zune
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Find Us On HuluOn Hulu, you will find movies and televisions shows available to stream immediately for playback on a variety of devices.Recommended Titles on Hulu
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Find Us On NetflixOn Netflix, you will find movies and televisions shows available to stream immediately or DVD rental the DVD.Finding Recommended Titles on Netflix
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Find Us On a Variety of PortalsFilmBuff makes compelling content available on the leading portals in addition to the full range of specialty digital retailers. Find us on any of these favorite video hosts:
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We Want Always Want to Hear From You!With FilmBuff, you can join your friends, brothers, sisters and confidants to ENGAGE! Join us on your favorite social networks and video sites. We'll keep you up to date on on online and offline screenings, new film releases and special events.Why Follow/Fan/Subscribe?
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Stay Connected and Stay 'BuffBefore you do another thing, join the FilmBuff email list. Seriously... do it now, you won't regret it. It is conveniently right below! We will make sure you get regular updates on fresh film releases, the latest entertainment viewing technology and digital sales everywhere! |
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Your Watchlist of Must See FilmsMaybe it is just us, but there might not be anything worse than hearing about a great movie and then forgetting it. Never fear, your FilmBuff Watchlist is here! Explore the site and save the great movies you find. If it is suddenly available on iTunes or any other portal, we will make sure you know about it. Creating a Watchlist
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Janet Brown |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: McGill University (B.A. Honors), Columbia University (MBA) |
Favorite Movie: It’s like Lay’s – I can’t have just one! I’ll institute a diet at 5: The Untouchables, Mulholland Drive, Leon, Amadeus and Blue Angel Best Trait: I like it done right Worst Trait: I like it done right now |
My parents were the first people in town with a VHS recorder (and a Saab, but that’s a different story). They managed to record The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins – but that was it. It wasn’t until we moved, and a video rental store opened, that I had some respite from the endless viewings of those films. I relished the hours I could spend in the store choosing an evening’s entertainment and learning that, for a FilmBuff, the process of discovery is as important as the actual viewing. |
Quick Bio:I started my career working as a strategy consultant for Accenture in London. It was the first dot.com boom which made for very exciting times working with companies like FilmFour, Ericsson, Nokia, Granada, BT, Telewest and NewsCorp. After working in London for 8 years, I was keen to take my strategic, financial and analytical experience into the operations of a media company, not just consult to them. I spent some time in LA working for Yahoo! Media Group where I developed online content strategies for verticals like news, sports and movies. My goal of improving the business models and distribution options for filmmakers got one step closer when John and Rob asked me to join Cinetic Media, and was truly realized when we started Cinetic Rights Management/FilmBuff. With the proliferation of ways to get films in front of audiences, and more ways than ever to efficiently make audiences aware of new films, we are just at the cusp of a whole new era in creative, daring and innovative story-telling.On the Side: I started a production company in London that has a couple of great stories in development. While we continue to grow and expand FilmBuff, though, those projects provide inspiration but await some devoted time! |
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Finding Undiscovered ContentWe pretty much have the best jobs at FilmBuff. The movies you see on the site? We found that for you. Scouring the globe for compelling cinema, we have a mission to bring you the best filmmakers and films right to your digital device. At the same time we look to connect our filmmakers with you and give them a chance to expand their work into another dimension of movie watching. It is a hard life going to festivals, screenings and watching these films…but it’s even harder choosing the best movies out there for you.Team MembersSteve Beckman, Head of AcquisitionsKate Hurwitz, Acquisitions Manager Michael Lawson, Tracking Content Manager |
Steven Beckman |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: New York University (BA) |
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction Best Trait: Creative, outside of the box thinking Worst Trait: Creative, outside of the box thinking |
I convinced my high school to let me go on the road to make a documentary about my favorite band. I had always loved movies, but being on the other side of the camera provided me with a much deeper and thorough understanding of the craft. I became determined to remain as closely involved with film as possible and to become a real film buff. |
Quick Bio:I head FilmBuff’s content acquisitions group. My previous industry experience includes The Weinstein Company, DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Marc Platt Productions and Hock Films. I’ve also produced a number of independent documentaries and concert films. I’ve always been a New Yorker, having graduated from NYU with a B.A. in History and minor concentrations in Economics and Cinema Studies.On the Side: I’m very passionate about giving back and am currently involved with an organization that provides services to children with special needs. I also play guitar in a rock band. Look out for our next gig at a film festival near you. |
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Kate Hurwitz |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: Columbia University (BA) |
Favorite Movie: Antoine Doinel series, especially Stolen Kisses Best Trait: Honest, but clever Worst Trait: I have a tendency to inadvertently give away movie endings… |
From polled parents (given my blurred memory of childhood): "We sensed the obsession in your mid-teens, it seemed to grow more uncontrollable in college and has now become totally unmanageable - as you know." |
Quick Bio:As acquisitions manager, I help find and acquire new content for FilmBuff. Born and raised in New York, I studied English and Film Studies at Columbia. Before working here I was on the publicity side of the business at HBO and volunteered at the Telluride Film Festival for the past four years.On the Side: I'm learning to play the clawhammer banjo. |
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Michael Lawson |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: Hofstra University (BA) |
Favorite Movie: Ghostbusters Best Trait: Driven and Pop-Culture Savvy Worst Trait: I like Transformers 2 |
The moment I entered this beautiful world. |
Quick Bio:I've known since I was 7 years old that I wanted to work in the film industry and now I do.On the Side: I have strong interest in producing, writing and directing. |
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Connecting With AudiencesThe marketing team…well we’ve done part of our job because we have you here looking at our site. But besides getting attention from consumers, the marketing team strives to connect FilmBuff, our filmmakers and online entertainment to the people who are as fanatical about movies and the digital sphere as us.Team MembersJulie La'Bassiere, Head of Marketing Rebecca Sosa, Programming Manager Ben Dorf, PR and Marketing Manager Prasanna Subramanian, Head of Content Operations Stephen Reilly, Manager, Content Operations Edel Malone, Coordinator, Content Operations |
Julie La'Bassiere |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: London, England
College: Stanford University (Stanford, CA) |
Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music Best Trait: I always have an idea! Worst Trait: I always have an idea! | I can not remember NOT being a FilmBuff as movies have always been a part of my life - my dad was an actor when I was a child. The moment that does stick out to me though was a movie that I was not allowed to see called Get Carter, starring a terrifying Michael Caine, because it was banned from theaters in England. I remember vividly realizing for the first the immense power of the movies and I think was the spark that made me love them even more. |
Quick Bio:From Icelandic films from the 1950s to iconic rocks bands like Duran Duran, I have spent most of my career in film and music finding audiences for what's cool, interesting and innovative. I started my career in film as a festival programmer in Los Angeles back in the day when budgets and audiences were small so wearing a sandwich board on Hollywood Boulevard was never off the table! I'm thrilled to have joined the FilmBuff team bringing films to audiences everywhere so that I will never have to wear a sandwich board again. On the Side: I am an avid amateur photographer and am working on a couple of photo series and collage projects that I am really excited about it. |
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Rebecca Sosa |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
College: New York University (BA) |
Favorite Movie: Labyrinth Best Trait: Southern charmer with vast intellectual curiosity Worst Trait: Reluctance to share the remote during reality programming and award shows | My mom always tells people I was absolutely mesmerized when I first saw Labyrinth; I used to ask her to watch it every day. To this day, I’ve never grown tired of watching a young Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie in spandex. And don’t even get me started on the songs--- “Dance, Magic, Dance!” I think Labyrinth encapsulates the magic of filmmaking, and ultimately piqued my curiosity into the wonderful world of storytelling. |
Quick Bio:As the Programming Manager at FilmBuff, I devise release strategies for our films, crafting the best approach to maximize exposure and revenue for each film to platforms around the world. Prior to my current role, I worked in Programming at WE tv. I have also held various roles at City Lights Pictures, Focus Features, ABC News 20/20 and Seventeen Magazine. I’m a proud member of Junior Hollywood Radio and Television Society, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) and Step Up Women’s Network. |
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Ben Dorf |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: Brookline, MA
College: NYU (BFA) |
Favorite Movie: Clue Best Trait: I have an eclectic taste in the culture I consume. Worst Trait: …this includes some admittedly awful TV. | I've been a film fanatic since I was an embryo but it wasn’t until I was 10 years old and somehow finagled my way into my first John Waters movie that I set out on the path to become a true FilmBuff. Sufficed to say, the film had quite the impact on me and I was the only 4th grader in my school quoting Serial Mom. And I still do. |
Quick Bio:Prior to joining FilmBuff, I spent years working in the festival world and in film marketing. Thankfully, I’ve been able to wear many hats, but always with the same overarching goal of connecting great films with audiences hungry for quality cinema. I’m thrilled to be able to continue in this mission, finding new and exciting ways to share FilmBuff movies with audiences everywhere. On the Side: I have a few short and feature-length projects in the works. Look out for them in the pseudo-distant future! |
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Prasanna Subramanian |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: Des Plaines, IL
College: University of Michigan (BA), Brooklyn Law School (JD) |
Favorite Movie: Anything Woody Allen Best Trait: I tell it like is, and value people who do the same Worst Trait: I enjoy movies like MacGruber | It’s hard to say, but just like many people here, it started after my dad bought our first VCR and we’d head to the video store almost every weekend. As a kid I couldn’t get enough of action movies, but when I started seeking out titles that had only one tape in stock, or none at all at the video store, I knew my tastes were a little different. |
Quick Bio:As a longtime NYC resident, I’ve worn many hats throughout the years. I’ve produced everything from business news shows to game shows, with a few interactive projects in between. I’m a tech junkie and auto racing (F1) fanatic. I love movies, especially independent film, and that’s why I’m so excited to be a part of FilmBuff. |
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Stephen Reilly |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: Orlando, FL
College: Rutgers University (BA) |
Favorite Movie: A Clockwork Orange Best Trait: Passionately creative Worst Trait: Tend to bite off more than I can chew at times. There just aren’t enough hours in a day. | The moment I laid eyes on Star Wars as a child. The characters, the storyline, the visual effects – it was love at first sight. From that moment on, I was hooked! |
Quick Bio:Film school, then a quick stint at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, followed by an Assistant Flame Artist gig at a post finishing house, followed by a few years as a freelance video editor and now I've found my home at FilmBuff. On the Side: Finishing my second screenplay and running an NYC based independent film website http://indienyc.com/ |
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Edel Malone |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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 Hometown: Ennis, Ireland
College: Hofstra University (BA & MFA) |
Favorite Movie: Vertigo Best Trait: Blue Steel Worst Trait: Magnum | Films had me at hello. When I was a child I would look forward to summer and winter break when school came to a halt and I was allowed to stay up late. I would bury myself in the TV guide and take note of films to watch. Then I'd spend endless time at the local video store. This is where movie marathon season began, leading to late nights and hours spent indulging in each film's story. As you can imagine my passion grew deeper when my parents bought our family's first camcorder... |
Quick Bio:Always intrigued by the working of the lens, I ultimately went on to study Film and TV production. I spent a year studying in Galway, Ireland, before venturing "stateside." Fortunate to play a sport in college, I was lucky to have the best of both worlds - playing soccer while studying film. I am thrilled to be on board the FilmBuff team, and I look forward to this new adventure. On the Side: Captivated by images, both moving and still, my burning ambition is to delve deeper into the world of photography. An avid sports fan, I thoroughly enjoy watching and playing the game. |
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Connecting FilmBuff and the WorldWhat do we do in product and brand development? Our mission is to take FilmBuff from the simple idea that people need trusted movie recommendations to a community that connects entertainment lovers around the world. We ensure that FilmBuff does more than just tell you what to watch. We are about making it easier and more fun to be a film lover. Watching, playing and exploring the internet all day may sound like a tough job, but someone has to make that sacrifice!Team MembersKathy Emanuilidis, Head of BrandShanna Yehlen, Senior Online Editor |
Kathy Emanuilidis |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: New York University (BS) |
Favorite Movie: Holiday Inn (original black & white version) Best Trait: Passionately enthusiastic Worst Trait: Nauseatingly obsessed with all things U2 |
I became a FilmBuff at an early age (single digits) staying up late with my Dad (he encouraged it) watching old movies on TV. To this day, Holiday Inn – in black and white of course, any Astaire & Rogers movie or a good “creature feature” takes me right back to those very special times. Thanks Dad for making me the FilmBuff I am today. |
Quick Bio:I come to my brand role at FilmBuff with an arsenal of consumer-facing experience. My early career days started in advertising where I oversaw media planning and buying for a host of well-known brands. Then I moved on to have the good fortune to market, sell, reinvent and steward the iconic TIME brand.On the Side: Multi-tasking working mom (Hi Andrew!) raising the next FilmBuff generation |
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Shanna Yehlen |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: University of Missouri – Columbia (BA), University of Miami (MFA) |
Favorite Movie: Singin’ in the Rain Best Trait: Enthusiastic and thoughtful Worst Trait: Excessive chattiness |
My grandmother was a total night owl so when I would visit her we would stay up really late and watch movies – Rebel without a Cause, Stand by Me, Kramer vs. Kramer, etc. So I guess you can say my ‘Buffness all started with my grandmother…as did my love for late nights. |
Quick Bio:From finance to ad copy and a lot of editorial pieces in between, my versatility in writing can be compared to a decathlete - specializing in variety and awesomeness. I have been privileged to contribute to major sites such as iVillage, Glamour and Time Out New York - Kids. And now I work as the online editor at FilmBuff...yeah I have a pretty charmed life.On the Side: Currently, with friends, I'm developing a film reviewing site that has a pretty awesome hook. Will I tell you about it? Not until we launch...sorry I promised to keep my mouth vaulted! |
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Keeping the Train on the TracksBusiness affairs doesn't sound sexy does it? Guess what, we’re awesome. Just ask all the other teams. We are the heart of it all... the jelly in the donut... we make sure this whole thing runs. Talent and creativity can get you so far, but you are going to need some process and procedure in there to make sure the revenue is counted, things stay legal and people are paid! On this team, we focus on the simple idea that filmmakers are entitled to transparency in accounting and reporting.Team MembersLuke Marchetti, Legal CounselMickey Slevin, Head of Finance |
Luke Marchetti |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: USC (BA Film), University of North Carolina (JD, MBA) |
Favorite Movie: Goodfellas Best Trait: Plead the 5th Worst Trait: Plead the 5th |
Spring 1992 |
Quick Bio:Joined Cinetic Rights Management in 2008 while finishing business school. Prior to that, I was an attorney in private practice focusing on representation of advertising and new media clients. |
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Mickey Slevin |
When I Became A Film Buff |
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College: Boston University |
Favorite Movie: The Godfather (Children of Men gets honorable mention) Best Trait: Eternal optimism Worst Trait: Stickler |
December 16th, 1987 6:42 AM |
Quick Bio:I’m a Filmbuff through and through, starting as an intern and working my way up to Head of Finance. My day is spent in numbers, but those numbers represent films and filmmakers, arts and artistry, moving images and moving imagery and all of which is my saving grace. |
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It Is A Better Gig Than Candy TestingWorking at FilmBuff is a true adventure. We are super collaborative--like if we need to catch a whale, Starbuck style, everyone helps. We want good attitudes (mostly), quirky humor, unique perspectives and people who work hard to make things happen but like to have a bit of fun while doing it. If you are interested in joining our team, please send a cover letter and resume to careers@crm.cineticmedia.com. Creativity is encouraged! |
It Takes a VillageLooking to earn some labor-free extra cash? So are we, so let us know what you find out. But if you stumbled here looking for a part-time, off-site gig, then we may just have some opportunities for you. Send us an email to careers@crm.cineticmedia.com with an outline of the kind of freelance work you are looking for (we recommend things like writing, video, but joke telling also works) and any relevant sample work. The information you submit will be reviewed, and we will be in touch if your skills match one of our current needs. |
Forget The Endless Coffee RunsInterns are like the fruit on a tree waiting to be picked for a delicious pie. Okay, not really, but we love our interns and we are intent on giving them experiences that allow them to work hard and learn like it’s not forced upon them 3-hour seminar style.FilmBuff internships are available in every department and offered throughout the year (Fall, Spring, Summer). The positions are project based, and like The Blob, opportunities to intern are always expanding. We like driven, hard-working, happy people who know how to get a job done on time. Is that you? Its best to answer yes. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to careers@crm.cineticmedia.com with the word “Internship” in the subject line. There is a lot of competition for internships, so creativity with your application is strongly encouraged. |
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