Film students collaborate and then get behind the camera

An academic internship focuses on academic and on-site work. In order to get academic credit for an internship you will need to demonstrate competency in your position, as well as intellectual curiosity about the work or the nature of the work done at the internship. An FTS academic internship seeks to merge the applied work with your course work.

 

Internship Spotlight: Action Media Project

The on-site experience is arranged by the student. The FTS Internship Supervisor, Deb Ellis, is available to help direct students to resources. The College of Arts and Sciences Internship website is another excellent source of information.

The internship must be related in describable ways to the field of Film and Television Studies. Ideally, students interested in pursuing an internship for academic credit will have completed all the on-site arrangements for their internship well before the semester begins, but definitely before the end of the add/drop period of the fall or spring semester.

 

Find an Internship

Here is a list of resources you can use as you start to search for internships:

How to Get a Production Internship

Getting an internship can be hard work! You need to be resourceful, willing to work, and you need to know what you want. Where do you want to be geographically? Do you have a specific interest? Or, are you seeking experience to learn what you might want to do in the future? Once you land an internship, dig your feet in! Ask questions. Be as useful as you possibly can. Think about who you might want to warm up to for future recommendations. Most of all, make the most of whatever situation you are in. Internships can be a great first step toward learning more about the industry and learning about yourself.

Great list of NYC resources – not necessarily for internships, but if you’re looking for where independents filmmakers are, here’s a place to start.
WNET Reel 13 Resources

Studios and Production Houses

These tend to be competitive, so start early!

Screenwriting Internships

  • Writers on the Verge – a 12 week program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series (NBC Universal)
  • Disney/ABC Writing Program – designed to expose writers to key executives, producers and literary representatives – all essential in the development of a writing career. Work one-on-one with a current programming or development exectutive. Prepare for television staffing.

Lists

Documentary Opportunities

Television Stations

Locally there is WCAX (CBS affiliate), WPTZ (NBC affiliate) and FOX44. WCAX has a formal internship program to apply to. The others you can call and ask! Local cable access stations include VCAM (great place!) and RETN. Students have had positive experiences at all of these stations.
Major networks all have internship programs that you can apply to.

Alternative Media

Democracy Now is a New York-based independent, non-commercial daily radio/TV/Internet newshour seeks interns on a regular basis. Need to be in Manhatten and need a 2-month commitment

 

Some places UVM students have interned:

Vermont

New York

California

Other Locations