FIlm Crew Volunteers

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic volunteers to join our exceptional Film Production Crew at the next edition of HowTheLightGetsIn Hay, taking place on 22^nd-25^th May 2026 inHay-On-Wye, on the English/Welsh border. 

If you think you have what it takes, please send your CV and Cover Letter (max 300 words) to jobs@artandideas.org stating “Film Crew Volunteer” in the subject line.

Deadline for applying: 11:59pm on 1^st March 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

HowTheLightGetsIn is a unique festival of ideas, music and comedy. We host a selection of debates and talks on a variety of topics – politics, arts, science, and philosophy - followed by comedy acts, exciting musicians, and DJ sets. HTLGI has established a strong reputation for attracting some of the world’s brightest and most influential thinkers. This year’s lineup of speakers includes Slavoj Žižek, Cornel West, Zarah Sultana, Zia Yusuf, John Gray, Cory Doctorow, Mahmood Mamdani, Rowan Willams, and many more. Every talk and debate from the festival is filmed, and later edited and released on iai.tv, YouTube, and other online platforms.

Successful candidates will be asked to be available on the 21^st May as well, for a full day’s training before the festival begins, ideally arriving on the afternoon of the 20^th May.

Your primary responsibilities will comprise capturing the festival’s signature live debates and talks. This will include experience of live camera work, equipment handling, venue set up, and technical assistance.

In addition to covering your expenses, we will provide in-depth training on audio-visual recording in a live setting. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £150 to cover travel, food, and other costs, a discount at festival vendors, and food vouchers. You will be camping at the festival campsite alongside other volunteers, and be expected to bring your own camping equipment. You will work in short shifts, so you will have time to experience the rest of the festival - enjoy our lineup of debates, comedy acts, and performances; explore the disco tent, DJ nights, food and drink vendors!

We are looking for film and media graduates, students and enthusiasts who want to build their CVs and have a keen interest in film production and digital technology. You will need to demonstrate that you are able to work in fast-paced environments and be up for exciting challenges. Since the role will mainly involve filming our talks and debates, we recommend applying if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, science and/or the arts.

ates, we recommend applying if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, science and/or the arts.