The film industry is a huge part of the entertainment business, and it’s also growing. It’s an amazing opportunity to get your foot in the door and work with some of the most well-known names in film.
If you want to make a career out of directing films, then you need to be able to prove that you can do it—and there’s no better way than by interning for a company that’s already doing it well. Here are some tips on how to find an internship as a film director.
Pick Your Own Projects
When you’re looking for an internship, one of the best ways to go about it is by picking projects that interest you and then finding companies that have worked on them. This way, you’ll have something concrete to show off when applying for jobs later on down the line!
Make Sure You Know What It Is That You Want To Do
This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s important nonetheless: when applying for an internship with a company or studio, make sure that they actually do what they say they do! For example, if they say they produce action films but all their credits are dramas—then this might not be the right place for
Internship For Film Directors
As a very popular medium of entertainment, film brings so much color and creativity to storytelling. Being a film intern for a semester or for the summer can be an exciting way to get some hands on experience with the profession. And while film as a larger concept can be overwhelming, there are many different parts to film you can try during your internship.
What does a film intern do?
Since there are a lot of moving parts to making a film, there are a lot of roles someone on set or behind the scenes could fill. That being said, there are many different tasks that a film intern might be concerned with. Some common tasks could include: editing videos and photos, researching a variety of topics, working lighting and sound, or taking on a more administrative role by answering calls or emails. Making a film takes a whole crew, and there are many roles you possibly fill on it that you can try out!
How do I find a film internship?
If you’re wondering how to get an internship in film for summer 2021, try looking on Handshake under filtered searches like “film internships near me.” Handshake allows you to really focus on sports focused employers where you might want to work and even network with past interns who might also be alumni from your school. And if you’re looking for a film internship in a particular location for summer 2021, try searching for openings by using filters like “film internships Los Angeles” or “film internships NYC.”
How do I get a film internship with no experience?
If you’re interested in getting a film internship, but have no prior experience, it’s key to play to your strengths and show that you’re eager to learn. You can search for film internships on Handshake to first get a feel of the requirements that they usually list for their interns. After that, list in your resume and cover letter experiences and previous roles you’ve had where the skills translate over. For example, if you’ve taken a video production class course or have had experience in an applicable group project, mention it!
When should I start applying for film internships?
For most positions, sooner searching for your internship rather than later! If you are planning to have a summer film internship, we recommend starting to look for internship positions no later than the season prior. Many industries prefer to recruit as early as the fall, so staying up to date on fall virtual career fairs will be helpful in securing a role! Each company has different deadlines for applications, so sooner is usually better! If you’re searching for a role during the school year, it’s best to get on applying 3-6 months prior so you can inform your internship of your other obligations and classes.
It’s also really important to keep in mind that your university’s career services center will have great insight about specific recruitment periods at your school. Make sure to sign up for a meeting with your career advisor at the start of the school year for additional help in planning ahead!
How much do film interns make?
Because the industries that require film interns vary, there’s no standard answer for a film internship payscale. If you’re wondering how much your film internship will pay, it might be best to inquire directly with the company you’re considering taking an internship with.. Some internship programs will offer only class credits, while many others are more keen to compensate their interns with an hourly rate or a set stipend.
What skills are relevant for film interns?
- Strong storytelling skills
- High attention to detail and organization
- Great teamwork and communication skills
- Knowledge of editing softwares
Where do film interns work?
Film interns can take their learnings and work into different job roles like Film & Video Editors, Directors, Actors, and Producers. They also can work for many different types of companies, like our constantly growing list of employers hiring now.
How do I write a cover letter for an internship?
Take a look at some great cover letter writing tips to boost your confidence and ace your internship application! And if you need a place to start, try our free cover letter template download here, or reach out to your school’s career center for personalized cover letter guidance.
Where can I Find The Best Film Production Internships?
Generally, an internship allows you to gain work experience in your desired field before committing to a job.
Make sure to look at the right places to get a film career started through an internship.
1. Ask Your Contacts
Interestingly, the film industry is all about connections, and the easiest way to find an internship is through a recommendation. That is to say, if you already know someone working in the industry, ask them for help.
Also, directors are most likely to hire someone who was recommended by a trusted colleague.
2. Production Companies
Numerous production companies have all-year internships. The big companies also require lots of entry-level workers.
3. Networking Events
Networking events can be found in film commissions, film schools, and local cinemas. Even events advertised on Facebook groups can be a great networking place.
Attend these hangouts and ask for help with entry level experience.
4. Film Festivals
Film festivals have been known to be one of the best places to hire a film intern. They are on the lookout for volunteers and these can be turned into interns with the right communication skill.
In addition, you will be able to place this as work experience on your filmmaker resume.
Search for film festivals on Film Freeway, and sign up as a volunteer.
Read: What Can I Get From Unpaid Internships In 2022?
17 Best Film Internship Position in 2022
#1 FILM & EDITOR by CUERPASO
A Health and Wellness Company seeks an internship for 2 qualified candidates. This best film internship position is for candidates who have a great eye for capturing content and ideas so they can shoot and edit compelling videos weekly.
The interns and the entire Cuerpaso crew will shoot three times a day and sometimes integrate products into the shoots.
Because it is a fitness company, interns should think action and creatively.
The requirements are quite simple, just be good at filming and editing, have a good camera and editing software.
#2 Warner Bros Internships
This is one of the best film internships positions. Warner bros has numerous internship opportunities for students.
The Student Program Planning Kids is for students and the location of the internship is Germany starting April 1st, 2022. The intern should study a media or communication-related course, be fluent in written and spoken English with just a basic knowledge of German. Master MS Office especially Excel.
You’ll work with the programming department in Munich to support the program and broadcast planning team in an international media company.
Your task will be to basically;
- Support with the creation of the latest broadcast schedules,
- Participation in the competition monitoring of the Central and Eastern European markets,
- Support in creating the non-linear program plans,
- Preparation of data from program research,
- Entering and maintaining the records in our database,
- Update and maintenance of program data,
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#3 Film Intern by GoBelieve LLC
This best film internship position is for interns who will assist with the creation and development of stage play, web series scripts, as well as artist music videos.
They’ll also assist team with sound, lighting, editing, and production.
In addition, Communicate with writers, directors, and artists. The position is for 3 interns.
GoBelieve is looking for film interns who will work for a duration of 16 weeks meeting the following requirements:
- Pursuing or possess a degree in Film, Communications, Media, or related field. Academic credit is available.
- Experience using quality video and camera equipment.
- Proficient in video editing software: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, and iMovie.
- Proficient in Adobe Suite: Photoshop.
- Passion for stories, character development, addressing real-life issues, and music.
#4 Video Production Internship (2022 season)
The Bowie Baysox is seeking energetic and responsible candidates for a full-time seasonal Video Production Internship for the duration of the upcoming 2022 minor league baseball season beginning from around March 1, and ending on October 15.
It is a paid film internship position for current college students or recent graduates who wish to gain Media & Video Production experience to position themselves for a career in the sports industry upon graduation.
Interns must have previous experience with non-linear video editing (Adobe Premiere & After Effects preferred), designing graphics with Adobe Photoshop or other design programs, video editing and production software (VidBlaster preferred), and operating and maintaining professional video cameras and production equipment.
#5 WarnerMedia CNN Documentary Unit Intern (Gold Rising)
This best film internship position is part of the Gold Rising Program. It is an 8-week internship enhancement program that allows for learning. Interns will get an intensive two-day orientation, weekly panels, exclusive networking events, workshops, screenings, and mentorship opportunities with Academy members.
CNN’s Documentary Unit is to produce original documentaries and occasional instant specials.
The internship will be a full remote/virtual experience. Interns are paid.
The qualifications are basic with just these:
- Prefer students majoring in Film and Television or Journalism
- Some exposure to television production
- Proven interest in journalism and current affairs
- Basic research skills
#6 Video Editing Internship
This paid film internship position is by Our Daily Bread.
It is an easy one as the intern will work as an assistant editor in cataloging footage, creating b-roll selects, and syncing footage. He will also edit assigned projects and create promotional materials for projects including trailers, Instagram clips, etc.
It is a 3-months summer internship and interns will work for 20 hours per week.
These are the desired skills and qualifications:
- Knowledge of Avid preferred, Premier accepted, and After Effects helpful
- Knowledge of social media (style of videos, what’s trending…)
- Experience with film equipment is preferred.
- Must be self-motivated and open to collaboration.
- All applicants are asked to provide work samples to be considered for an initial interview.
#7 Internship – Production (Originals Production)
Interns get the opportunity to become directly involved in the day-to-day activities in the Production department at Zuffa.
In order to make this a reality, Zuffa needs interns who are enrolled in or graduates of Television, Film, Communication, or Journalism Majors. Interns who are proficient in Premiere, Photoshop, and After Effects, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). As well as those who are comfortable using Mac-based products; knowledge of basic computer programs and a willingness to utilize and learn new programs.
Your basic responsibilities as an intern will be related to these:
- Acts as Production Assistant to assist staff and crew during shoots
- Assists with set up and tear down of shoots
- Logs footage into our production asset management system
- Organizes media in the production asset management system
- Creates video links for online distribution
- Prepares and assists editors with projects as needed
- Transcribes videos
- Downloads videos as needed
- Other tasks, duties, and projects as assigned
#8 Film/TV Development Intern
WEBTOON Studios is offering a paid internship for an amazing student of storytelling.
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The Film/TV Development Intern will partner with the Development team to work on projects that ponder on development of entertainment productions. You will get real-world experience on storytelling and contribute to introducing a new way to tell narratives from the ground up.
This role requires out-of-the-box thinking, quite a bit of ingenuity, and the creative chops to back it up.
To be considered for this best film internship position, please submit a cover letter detailing your entertainment background, as well as your immense love of storytelling for consideration.
#9 Telemundo Internship Summer 2022
This film internship is a 10-week fully remote program that provides students with the opportunity for a future career in media.
NBCUniversal is committed to developing early career talent, and in this unprecedented time we remain even more focused on helping our interns realize their potential and their dreams.
Desired interns are to have strong written and oral communication skills, organized, detail-oriented, Excel Skills, previous internship experience, or on-campus leadership.
In addition to the aforementioned, theses qualifications are needed:
- In pursuit of an Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degree
- Current class standing of sophomore or above (30 credits)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by NBCUniversal
#10 Internship, Education, Multimedia Production
Participants of this CFR’s Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program receive training in the field of foreign policy and international affairs as well as skills training in writing, research, program planning and much more.
The interns will have the opportunity to help to research and create a new series of multimedia tools for a variety of educational materials in international relations.
CFR internships are paid but require a 14 – 18 hour commitment. It is a fully remote/virtual internship.
The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):
- Conducting research that could be produced into multimedia content for World 101 and Model Diplomacy
- Photo, website content, and video production research; editing photos and audio, and copyediting news stories and multimedia projects
- Assist in pitching ideas for multimedia projects that could be used to support the World 101 and Model Diplomacy social channels
- Attending Council meetings as time permits
#11 Unscripted Production Intern
Amazon Studios is seeking bright, multitasking, dynamic, and self-motivated interns to work hard, have fun and make history with.
Amazon Studios Internship Program gives interns hands-on experience working with the studio behind award-winning shows such as The Boys, Fleabag, Man in the High Castle, and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and critically-acclaimed films Borat 2, Big Sick, Life Itself, and Love & Friendship.
In addition to working closely with executives in our Santa Monica and Culver City offices, interns have the opportunity to participate in guest speaker sessions, networking events, and screenings.
Intens are to hold the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 2+ years of experience as an assistant at a studio or production company
- 1+ years of on-set physical production experience
- Must be a current student seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree
- Ability to work 40 hours per week.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Outlook as well as strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel & Sharepoint.
#12 Assistant Video Editor at Ramsey Solutions
This film internship position will require these tasks from the accepted intern:
- Provide management and organization of all media files.
- Set up all projects for the editing team
- Collaborate with video team to complete simple edits
- Create the best ways to organize projects, processes, files and systems to drive efficiency.
- Be proactive and engaged in the entrepreneurial nature of the ever-changing creative process.
- 75% of this role is administrative. 25% is editing
#13 Video Production Assistant
The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Production Assistant intern is responsible for providing the best entertainment experience possible for baseball fans, by creating and executing graphics and video for in-stadium entertainment as well as social media.
Timber Rattler interns receive a salary of $1200/month and are expected to be at all home games as well as play key roles in executing special events taking place at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.
He/she is required to have strong knowledge of video production equipment including cameras, video switchers, etc. Also, knowledge of Adobe Production Suite – Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator are required.
RELATED: Nationwide Graduate Recruitment in a Commercial Bank in Nigeria
This paid position begins in spring 2022 and will conclude at the end of the 2021 season.
Read: 15 Best Film schools in Texas | Rankings 2022 – World …
#14 Virtual DC Live Action Film & TV Creative Affairs Intern
DC Entertainment seeks Creative Affairs Intern for Summer 2022. Working as an intern will give you ample experience in all aspects of the television development process for comedy and drama.
You’ll provide backup assistance by answering phones, copying, filing documents, and perform any other duties assigned to you.
The ideal candidate must be currently enrolled in a college degree program for the full duration of the internship. Have knowledge of MS Office Suite and have a passion for DC properties
The duration of the internship is a full-time schedule of 40 hours/week. Students must be available for the full program duration.
#15 Post Production Internship (Virtual)
Discovery Creative and Production creates short-form corporate videos, short-form ad sales projects, and long-form shows.
An intern will assist with the media management of content. He will also learn how the post production footprint operates. By the end of the summer, the intern should have an understanding of all the elements that get programming from script to screen.
Although this best film internship program is completely remote, the intern will report to a Knoxville, TN-based manager and therefore should expect to work on eastern standard time.
The requirements are:
- Must be currently enrolled as either an undergraduate or a graduate student
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States.
- Post-production and story telling experience
#16 Paid Videographer Internship – Fridays, Saturdays
EllaBella Productions is looking for an experienced, creative, and professional Videographer who is based in Madison. He will assist in the production of top-notch videos, think on his feet, and take instant decision.
The right candidate will have at least one year of videography experience from on the job training.
#17 Videography Internship
This best film internship is paid videography internshipIowa 80 Group is looking for a student to fill a paid Videography Internship. This is a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of a company and discover different avenues of digital advertising.
As a Videography Intern, you’ll be a part of a small, close-knit team that is passionate about promoting a strong brand, highlighting products, engaging events, and recruiting great talent. You’ll gain skills in video content, editing, marketing strategy and analysis, social media campaign deployment, as well as employee recruitment.
This best film internship sends payments every Friday.
