Internships provide you with work experience and training for entry-level job roles. In addition, an internship will help you understand how the industry works and if it is the right career for you. Below we have broken down everything you need to know about film production internships, with advice on successfully finding, applying, and making the most from a work placement in the film industry. You might also like to read our guide on creating a production assistant CV.

Will you benefit from a Film Internship?

There are many reasons why you should consider taking an internship before entering the film industry. First, producers prefer to hire people with initial work experience. You will struggle to find paid work even at entry-level without previous experience. Second, an internship will allow you to see how people work together on a film set. Knowing what role or department you wish to work within will make it easier to apply for paid work. Thirdly, internships help you understand what to expect from a film career.

Working on film sets full-time is not the right career choice for everyone. So, film production internships let you see how filmmakers work together in a professional environment. If production is not for you, consider other stages, from development to distribution. You can also enquire about work experience regardless of your age and previous work history. 

• It is easier to find your first paid job with work experience
• Allows you to explore all of the film production job roles
• Lets you know if the film industry is the right career choice

Where to Find Film Production Internships?

Many film studios, media and production companies provide work experience. You will need to research companies in travelling distance and ask directly for a work placement. Another way to find film production internships is through film job sites. My First Job In Film has a jobs board that lists internships and entry-level work. You can also search for independent productions through Facebook groups, social media and ask your local film commission.

Most internships are short-term and unpaid, but you might get lucky and find a paid placement. For example, ScreenSkills has yearly paid work traineeships, and some large companies like the BBC provide 12-month paid apprenticeships. What matters most is that the experience you find is professional and teaches you how to do an entry-level job role. 

• Film studios, media and production companies
• Film Job sites, for example, My First Job In Film
• Facebook groups, social media and film commissions
• Official trainee and paid apprenticeship schemes

How to Apply to a Film Internship

Companies will likely list how to apply on their website's career page. If not, you will need to contact them directly, asking for work experience. Expect to send over a recent CV and a cover letter explaining why you want to work for them. On film jobs boards, the producer or production company will tell you exactly how to apply and what past experience is required.

For some apprenticeships, the application process is longer. As well as providing them with a CV and cover letter you might need to take part in a series of interviews and even a trial day. This is especially true for large companies, and long term paid placements. It's also good to keep in mind that film production internships are very competitive. So, make sure to apply for plenty of internships before expecting to get a placement. 

What to expect from a Film Internship

Your first film job will likely be as a film runner or production assistant. This might be on a film set or within the production office. Either way, the work will not require any previous production knowledge. Examples of film runner tasks are making tea and coffee, general data entry and keeping the film set clean. All you need to do is show up on time, follow instructions carefully and make sure to watch and learn. 

If you take an official trainee or apprenticeship, you might have a defined job role. This means that you will work in a department or hold a position title on set. For example, a camera trainee works solely in the camera department. These placements are still entry-level, but you might have more responsibility. Either way, film production internships are for beginners, and you will receive training on how to do your job. 

• Taking lunch orders, keeping the set clean
• Basic admin tasks, answering the phone
• Driving actors to set, blocking off roads

Finding Work After a Film Internship

It is a lot easier to find paid film work with work experience. When your placement is over, consider what you have learnt and your career plans. Perhaps you found work as a film runner but want to transition to a department role. Maybe you need more experience or wish to apply for paid runner work. You might also find that production work is not a good fit and instead try another industry sector.

You can place film production internships onto your CV and mention this experience in cover letters. It is much easier to find paid work when you have experience within that job role. However, film work is very competitive, so you might need more than one placement before finding professional work. Most of all, keep gaining experience, developing your skills and applying to film work in bulk. 

In Conclusion

It is hard to find paid film work without previous work experience. Film production internships provide you with the skills you need to apply for paid jobs. In addition, they let you see how a film set operates and teach you work ethic and set etiquette. Plus, with experience, you are much more likely to succeed when applying to paid film jobs.

Are you looking for film production internships or entry-level work? Then check out the jobs board which is full of opportunities and placements on high-end film and TV productions.