Internships are an undeniably great way to start your film career. You get to learn about the industry while working within it, make initial contacts, and get that first credit on your resume.
Below, you’ll find more information on the benefits of film internships. As well as a list of places to find them and plenty of helpful links.
What is a Film Internship?
An internship allows you to experience work within your desired field before committing to a job. In film production, this could take place as a position in a production office or working amongst a film crew. There is no right or wrong route toward a film career; make the most of any opportunity that comes your way.
Ask Your Contacts
Firstly, the film industry is all about connections, and the easiest way to find work is through a recommendation. That is to say, if you know someone already working in the industry, ask them if they can help you.
This is not just exclusive to family but to friends, past colleagues, and old classmates. If you are still in education, your professor may also be able to help you out. Asking your contacts is the easiest way to find a film internship.
This is because people are more likely to hire someone if they are recommended by someone they already know and trust. So, have a look through your contact list, both online and offline. Perhaps you won’t need to search too far to find a placement.
Also, if you don’t have any, read our other article on building contacts.
Big Production Studios
Many production companies have year-round film internships. This is especially true for large companies such as Warner Bros, Lucas Film, and Pixar. You can also find these by searching Google and checking out the career pages on their official company websites.
The larger the company, the more likely it is to have entry-level film jobs. However, smaller companies might also need a film intern. To find a placement, you will need to send many emails to different companies. However, write a personalized email for each application, and don’t copy and paste a generic inquiry.
One benefit of applying to a production company is that you may be asked to stay and work for them.
Film Commissions
One of the most overlooked ways of finding film opportunities is through film commissions. Every region/state has a commission whose overall job is to encourage film production within that area.
Furthermore, they tend to have a lot of advice for local filmmakers and might even help you find a film internship.
Search for your local film commission and see what they have to offer. In addition, they occasionally have job boards and crew directories. You may be able to put yourself on their crew directories as looking for entry-level work.
It will be useful throughout your film career to be familiar with your local commission.
Networking Events
It can be easier to build contacts if you meet people face to face. Of course, this can be scary at first, but it is a skill you must learn. A key benefit of networking is that it will help you build your confidence.
So, when you attend an event, know what you want to get out of it. If you want to become a film intern, ask if anyone can provide you with entry-level experience. In these early stages, you won’t need a business card or showreel.
Networking events can be found everywhere, from film commissions to film schools. They are advertised on Facebook groups and film job sites and are even held at local cinemas. Another great place to network is at local film festivals.
Film Festivals
Not only are film festivals a great place to network, but they also frequently hire interns or volunteers. Although this will mean doing basic work (for example, checking tickets at the cinema entrance), you will also get the chance to attend events and meet filmmakers.
You can also add this as work experience on your resume. In addition to the big festivals, hundreds of thousands more take place all over the world year-round.
You can also search for film festivals with Film Freeway; often, festival sites have a volunteer sign-up section.
Independent Filmmaking
Official internships are hard to find and might be too competitive in your area. If so, you can find work experience on independent low-budget film sets. Producers are always on the lookout for volunteers to help them during production. Once again, this will be basic work, but a key benefit is that it will give you on-the-job film crew training.
You can find entry-level work by looking on film job sites and social media and by contacting small local production companies directly. Facebook groups are an excellent way to see what low-budget productions are taking place in your area.
Summary
Internships are a great way to start your career, although it will take time to find the perfect placement. If you are still struggling, work through the list above, and remember that low-budget indie films are always looking for crew.
