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How do I find internships that are fit for film major?
I'm located in San Francisco.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alyssa,
Since you are still in high school and didn't mention that you have already started making films, there are some things that you can do to begin becoming familiar with filmmaking. Internships are usually offered to college students in their junior and senior years at college or after you've obtained your Bachelors Degree in Film. The best thing for you to aim for right now in 11th grade and next year in 12th grade would be to do what a lot of people do when they just start learning - volunteer work and school extracurriculars. Internships will come later in your academic path. Hopefully, I can give you some advice that can provide you with your initial learning experience in the film community prior to college or film school.
The number one factor in starting out for film is being there, networking and having people get to know you. That is why volunteer work is the quicker and best bet to start meeting some professionals in the business. Make all of your contacts in person right at the studios because if you e-mail them about volunteer work, there's a high chance you won't get a response. Visit the big ones first. In San Francisco, they are Industrial Light & Magic, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, and Netflix has production facilities in San Francisco, too. Try them first and also visit in person the smaller studios.
The smaller production facilities in San Francisco are Hampshire Street Studios, Madrone Studios, Sintak Studio and Kontent Films. Research what they do from reading their websites and think about what help you can pitch to them for volunteer work. You can think about being an errand runner/messenger, working on scenery, answering phones or data entry or just an all around runner. Just being at the studio will start to familiarize you with how things are run. It would be a good experience before college or film school and the place you end up volunteering at may even be a place that offers scholarships or a grant to further your education in film.
Remember that The San Francisco Art & Film Program has activities for your age group and may be an opportunity for you to meet your peers who also wish to collaborate making films. Connect with them as soon as you can. The San Francisco Film School may be another great place to volunteer or participate in their workshops for people in your age group. I would highly recommend this because it will start to make the career real and answer a lot of questions you may have about the field of work. Also remember that SFFILM's Schools at the Festival is an important first step, too as you will learn about international film and filmmaking, enhance media literacy and gain cultural understanding by participating in their program for people your age.
I hope this helps to get you started and I wish you all the best for this exciting, creative, satisfying career !
Since you are still in high school and didn't mention that you have already started making films, there are some things that you can do to begin becoming familiar with filmmaking. Internships are usually offered to college students in their junior and senior years at college or after you've obtained your Bachelors Degree in Film. The best thing for you to aim for right now in 11th grade and next year in 12th grade would be to do what a lot of people do when they just start learning - volunteer work and school extracurriculars. Internships will come later in your academic path. Hopefully, I can give you some advice that can provide you with your initial learning experience in the film community prior to college or film school.
The number one factor in starting out for film is being there, networking and having people get to know you. That is why volunteer work is the quicker and best bet to start meeting some professionals in the business. Make all of your contacts in person right at the studios because if you e-mail them about volunteer work, there's a high chance you won't get a response. Visit the big ones first. In San Francisco, they are Industrial Light & Magic, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, and Netflix has production facilities in San Francisco, too. Try them first and also visit in person the smaller studios.
The smaller production facilities in San Francisco are Hampshire Street Studios, Madrone Studios, Sintak Studio and Kontent Films. Research what they do from reading their websites and think about what help you can pitch to them for volunteer work. You can think about being an errand runner/messenger, working on scenery, answering phones or data entry or just an all around runner. Just being at the studio will start to familiarize you with how things are run. It would be a good experience before college or film school and the place you end up volunteering at may even be a place that offers scholarships or a grant to further your education in film.
Remember that The San Francisco Art & Film Program has activities for your age group and may be an opportunity for you to meet your peers who also wish to collaborate making films. Connect with them as soon as you can. The San Francisco Film School may be another great place to volunteer or participate in their workshops for people in your age group. I would highly recommend this because it will start to make the career real and answer a lot of questions you may have about the field of work. Also remember that SFFILM's Schools at the Festival is an important first step, too as you will learn about international film and filmmaking, enhance media literacy and gain cultural understanding by participating in their program for people your age.
I hope this helps to get you started and I wish you all the best for this exciting, creative, satisfying career !
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
You're in a great market to find internships. Start by contacting the schools you're interested in and speak with their placement office. Many production companies and agencies partner with these schools to onboard interns. Also, do web searches and check LinkedIn for internship opportunities, especially for summer positions.
Make sure you're learning about filmmaking and experimenting with storytelling, production, and execution. If you haven't started yet, begin making your own short films. There's no better way to learn than by doing it yourself!
Good luck on your journey.
Make sure you're learning about filmmaking and experimenting with storytelling, production, and execution. If you haven't started yet, begin making your own short films. There's no better way to learn than by doing it yourself!
Good luck on your journey.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Finding an internship that aligns with your goals as a film major can be an exciting and rewarding step in your career. San Francisco offers a dynamic landscape with a rich cultural scene and access to various film-related opportunities. Here are several effective strategies to help you find the right internship in the film industry:
1. University Career Services: If you're attending a college or university, your school's career services department is an excellent starting point. They often have listings for internships that are specifically tailored to your field of study. Many schools also have partnerships with local businesses or media companies, so inquire about any internships with film studios, production companies, or media outlets in San Francisco. Additionally, career services often host networking events and career fairs that connect students with potential employers.
2. Online Internship Platforms: There are numerous websites dedicated to connecting students with internships, and many of them allow you to filter by industry, location, and job type. Some top resources to check out include: Internships.com: This site offers a wide range of film-related internships and allows you to search by location, including San Francisco; Indeed and Glassdoor: These job-search platforms often have listings for film and media internships. You can filter results to San Francisco and find opportunities in film production, post-production, marketing, and more; LinkedIn: Beyond job listings, LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals, follow film-related companies, and join relevant groups. Regularly checking the platform for internship postings can help you find great opportunities.
3. Film and Media Production Companies: San Francisco is home to various production companies, film festivals, and media organizations. Many of these organizations offer internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Some specific places to check out include: SF Film Society: Known for its international film festival and educational programs, the San Francisco Film Society often offers internships in areas such as event planning, film programming, and marketing; KQED: A major public media outlet based in San Francisco, KQED offers internships in production, editorial, and digital media; Lucasfilm and ILM: While located slightly outside of San Francisco in Marin County, Lucasfilm and its visual effects division, ILM (Industrial Light & Magic), offer prestigious internships for film students interested in production, editing, animation, and visual effects; Local Film Festivals: San Francisco hosts several film festivals, including the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIndie) and Frameline, which often offer internships for event coordination, film curation, and media outreach.
4. Networking: The film industry is heavily built on relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations. Attend local networking events, screenings, and film meetups where you can connect with professionals in the industry. Some opportunities to explore include: SF Film Meetups: Websites like Meetup.com often list local events where filmmakers and enthusiasts gather. These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and hear about internship openings; Film and Media Workshops: Take part in workshops or classes offered by local film organizations. These programs can provide networking opportunities and introduce you to individuals working in the film industry who may know of internship opportunities.
5. Social Media and Industry Groups: Follow film production companies, directors, editors, and other industry professionals on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Many companies post internship opportunities on their social media profiles, and it's an excellent way to stay updated on openings. Join industry-specific groups, such as those for filmmakers, editors, or screenwriters, where job opportunities are frequently shared.
6. Film Schools and Workshops: If you're enrolled in a film program, take advantage of any career services or internship placement programs they offer. Many programs have internship opportunities that are exclusive to their students. Additionally, look for workshops, masterclasses, or conferences in the area where industry professionals may be present and where internships may be advertised.
7. Cold-Calling and Direct Applications: If there are specific companies, filmmakers, or studios you admire, don't hesitate to reach out directly. Research local production companies, media outlets, or independent filmmakers and send a well-crafted cover letter and resume expressing your interest in an internship position. Often, small to mid-sized companies may not formally advertise internship positions but are open to taking on motivated students if they express interest.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter specifically to the film industry, highlighting any relevant coursework, projects, and technical skills (such as proficiency in editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Avid). It's also important to demonstrate your passion for the field and your willingness to learn. With persistence, the right resources, and a proactive approach, you'll be able to secure a fulfilling internship that aligns with your goals as a film major.
1. University Career Services: If you're attending a college or university, your school's career services department is an excellent starting point. They often have listings for internships that are specifically tailored to your field of study. Many schools also have partnerships with local businesses or media companies, so inquire about any internships with film studios, production companies, or media outlets in San Francisco. Additionally, career services often host networking events and career fairs that connect students with potential employers.
2. Online Internship Platforms: There are numerous websites dedicated to connecting students with internships, and many of them allow you to filter by industry, location, and job type. Some top resources to check out include: Internships.com: This site offers a wide range of film-related internships and allows you to search by location, including San Francisco; Indeed and Glassdoor: These job-search platforms often have listings for film and media internships. You can filter results to San Francisco and find opportunities in film production, post-production, marketing, and more; LinkedIn: Beyond job listings, LinkedIn allows you to connect with industry professionals, follow film-related companies, and join relevant groups. Regularly checking the platform for internship postings can help you find great opportunities.
3. Film and Media Production Companies: San Francisco is home to various production companies, film festivals, and media organizations. Many of these organizations offer internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Some specific places to check out include: SF Film Society: Known for its international film festival and educational programs, the San Francisco Film Society often offers internships in areas such as event planning, film programming, and marketing; KQED: A major public media outlet based in San Francisco, KQED offers internships in production, editorial, and digital media; Lucasfilm and ILM: While located slightly outside of San Francisco in Marin County, Lucasfilm and its visual effects division, ILM (Industrial Light & Magic), offer prestigious internships for film students interested in production, editing, animation, and visual effects; Local Film Festivals: San Francisco hosts several film festivals, including the San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIndie) and Frameline, which often offer internships for event coordination, film curation, and media outreach.
4. Networking: The film industry is heavily built on relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations. Attend local networking events, screenings, and film meetups where you can connect with professionals in the industry. Some opportunities to explore include: SF Film Meetups: Websites like Meetup.com often list local events where filmmakers and enthusiasts gather. These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and hear about internship openings; Film and Media Workshops: Take part in workshops or classes offered by local film organizations. These programs can provide networking opportunities and introduce you to individuals working in the film industry who may know of internship opportunities.
5. Social Media and Industry Groups: Follow film production companies, directors, editors, and other industry professionals on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Many companies post internship opportunities on their social media profiles, and it's an excellent way to stay updated on openings. Join industry-specific groups, such as those for filmmakers, editors, or screenwriters, where job opportunities are frequently shared.
6. Film Schools and Workshops: If you're enrolled in a film program, take advantage of any career services or internship placement programs they offer. Many programs have internship opportunities that are exclusive to their students. Additionally, look for workshops, masterclasses, or conferences in the area where industry professionals may be present and where internships may be advertised.
7. Cold-Calling and Direct Applications: If there are specific companies, filmmakers, or studios you admire, don't hesitate to reach out directly. Research local production companies, media outlets, or independent filmmakers and send a well-crafted cover letter and resume expressing your interest in an internship position. Often, small to mid-sized companies may not formally advertise internship positions but are open to taking on motivated students if they express interest.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter specifically to the film industry, highlighting any relevant coursework, projects, and technical skills (such as proficiency in editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Avid). It's also important to demonstrate your passion for the field and your willingness to learn. With persistence, the right resources, and a proactive approach, you'll be able to secure a fulfilling internship that aligns with your goals as a film major.