Entry-level position in film production typically for students or career changers gaining practical experience – works across various departments learning industry workflows, assisting crew members, and building professional networks, essential first step for many film careers.
What is an Intern?
An intern is an entry-level position in film production for individuals seeking practical experience. Internships are a traditional starting point for film careers, offering learning, networking, and initial credits.
Basic Principles
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Position | Entry-Level |
| Target Audience | Students, Career Changers |
| Duration | Weeks to Months |
| Purpose | Learning, Networking |
Typical Tasks
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Supporting the crew |
| Logistics | Errands, Transportation |
| Organization | Paperwork, Lists |
| Observation | Learning by watching |
Areas of Application
| Department | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Production | Office, Set Support |
| Camera | Equipment Assistance |
| Sound | Cables, Batteries |
| Art | Set Dressing Assistance |
| Post-Production | Footage Management |
Requirements
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Film School, University Degree |
| Age | Mostly 18+ |
| Driver's License | Often Required |
| Insurance | Accident Insurance |
Compensation
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Unpaid | Traditional, Controversial |
| Expense Reimbursement | Travel, Meals |
| Paid | Increasingly Common |
| Minimum Wage | Legally Relevant |
Germany – Legal Aspects
| Aspect | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Internship | Often possible unpaid |
| Voluntary | Minimum wage relevant |
| Duration | Max. 3 months for unpaid |
| Contract | Recommended |
Learning Opportunities
| Area | What is Learned |
|---|---|
| Workflow | Production processes |
| Terminology | Industry jargon |
| Hierarchy | Who does what |
| Etiquette | Set behavior |
Networking
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Presence | Reliable, Punctual |
| Helpfulness | Proactive |
| Contacts | Numbers, LinkedIn |
| Follow-Up | After production |
Dos & Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Ask questions | Be pushy |
| Be observant | Use your phone |
| Be on time | Be late |
| Take notes | Seem arrogant |
Set Etiquette for Interns
| Rule | Reason |
|---|---|
| Be quiet | Sound recording |
| Stay out of the way | Safety |
| Ask questions beforehand | Respect |
| Take calls outside | Concentration |
Career Development
| From | To |
|---|---|
| Intern | Runner/PA |
| Runner | Department Assistant |
| Assistant | Junior Position |
| Junior | Mid-Level |
Finding an Internship
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Film Schools | Job Boards |
| Production Companies | Direct Inquiries |
| Film Commissions | Local Shoots |
| Network | Recommendations |
Application
| Element | Tip |
|---|---|
| CV | Film-Relevant |
| Cover Letter | Show Motivation |
| Portfolio | If Available |
| References | From Lecturers, Previous Jobs |
Challenges
| Challenge | Handling |
|---|---|
| Long Days | Perseverance |
| Low Pay | Supplemental Funding |
| Simple Tasks | Positive Attitude |
| Hierarchy | Show Respect |
Intern vs. PA
| Aspect | Intern | PA |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Learning | Employed |
| Responsibility | Low | Higher |
| Pay | Varies | Union/Scale |
| Credit | Sometimes | Usually Yes |
International Variants
| Country | Term |
|---|---|
| USA | Intern |
| UK | Work Experience, Trainee |
| Germany | Praktikant, Hospitant |
| France | Stagiaire |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Arrive early | Learning Time |
| Take notes | Build Knowledge |
| Ask questions | Understanding |
| Be grateful | Relationships |
Today
Internships remain a vital entry point into the film industry, although unpaid internships are facing increasing criticism. The trend is towards fair compensation and structured learning programs. For aspiring professionals, internships offer invaluable insights, contacts, and the chance to prove themselves – the classic path from intern to professional is still viable.