How to intern for your favorite film company
Interning for a film company is the first step in breaking into the film industry. It is where you make all of your connections, learn about the business, and determine where you are best fit in the film industry. The next step will be to find an assistant's job; however, most companies hire interns. With the right approach, you will be able to get your foot in the door for the career of your dreams.
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Instructions
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Load up all of your favorite films and watch the opening credits. Watch out for the production company credit--it should look like "A so-and-so production". Do not confuse the studio with the production company. For instance, Paramount or Warner Bros. are studios, where as Red Hour Films or Spyglass Entertainment are production companies.
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Google these companies and go to their websites. Click on the "Contact" link. They should have an email for their receptionist, a phone number and a fax number. Learn about the company before you talk to them. Find out who their CEOs are, what projects they are working on and what films they have done in the past.
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Call the company on a weekday between 10 a.m. and noon, because most meetings happen in the afternoon and most people take lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Ask them if they are hiring interns and if you could send your resume and cover letter.
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Wait 5 to 7 days before sending a check-up letter. Thank them for the opportunity to speak to them and that you look forward to hearing back from them. Avoid sounding inconsiderate by simply asking if they have received your information.
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Schedule an interview with them if they call you back. Dress well and be confident. With some luck, you'll be working in the industry!
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Tips & Warnings
Try to always fax your resume and cover letter. Most companies receive an incredible amount of submissions via email, and the chances are that your email will be swamped by others. Faxes are rare and are usually sent directly to the Human Resources department.
Avoid working in the summer as most college and high school students will be looking for summer internships. The best times to get hired are in the winter and the fall.
Interning is not a guarantee that you'll have a job in the industry, rather it increases your chances.
It is nearly impossible to find an internship outside of Los Angeles.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hollywood image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
