Do internships in the film industry help?

maddenmd
Mon, 16 Jul 2012 22:42:37 +0000

Thanks Dig, for the kind words about my son. He has had some amazing opportunities for someone so young (worked on a major studio film as the camera intern for example) that he got by making connections with people he has had the opportunity to meet.

But… there are things he did that ANYONE can do which will make a huge difference in both getting those internships and then someday working in the field:


Ask people if they know anyone in the industry- you might be surprised who you know that has a connection to someone who might help you get an internship or job someday
Ask for an introduction to that person- not just a phone number or email address
Have a resume ready to send that shows your work and your passion for film
Follow up, and follow up again- these are busy people and they may not get back to you right away, but a very polite and nice follow up at regular intervals until you get some sort of response is a good thing: they like persistence, but ONLY if you are NOT pushy- and once you get a “no” send a polite thank you note for the fact that they took the time to answer you- and say if anything ever comes up, you’d would love to hear
A producer said to him: "you will get many ‘No’s’ along the way, but you will NEVER get the yes unless you ask. Months later, my son asked and got his first big job- from that same producer
If you get a position of ANY kind, be the first one there every day, the last one to leave, and the most helpful you can be.
NEVER be idle: fetch coffee, clean up a spill, offer a pen, be MORE than useful- even if none of this is in your job description
Make it clear you want to learn anything and everything, from everyone.You would be surprised what you can learn from the cleaning crew, the gaffers, the PA’s the stand ins and everyone else on a set you might not think is relevant to what you want to do
Say good morning or hello, and offer a smile to every single individual you encounter, even if you have had a long day or a tough night: attitude matters- and those who are well liked will go far. Those who are moody or self absorbed will not make it. The cast and crew work long hours in close quarters: you’d better be liked to be wanted: or be so famous, it doesn’t matter!
If you get paid, that’s a bonus. Most internships will work you as hard as anyone on the set for little or no compensation. But the connections and education you get are priceless- if you give your all it will be noticed, and you will open doors
At the end of an internship thank every single person you met for what they have taught you. For those you worked more closely with, send a handwritten note, or for a few, an email immediately afterwards thanking them for the opportunity and if possible for a specific thing they showed you or taught you.
Stay in touch after the internship is over! Follow the careers and films of people you have worked with. Send small emails or notes if you see a project or film that has someone you know working in or on it. Be supportive of others, even if there is NOTHING in it for you.
Wait for it… if you do all this, and you have some talent and drive, you will get the positions which lead to others… and hopefully to a great career.