Find Film Internships Almost Anywhere

Do you believe that only the cities of New York and Los Angeles have film internships? Think again. Truth is, you can get a fantastic film internship virtually anywhere in the country. Do you want to follow the footsteps of Quentin Tarantino? How about Angelina Jolie? Whether your inclination is directing, acting, editing, or anything else, you can find film internships to help you learn your craft, bulk up your resume, and make valuable connections to professionals in your field.

You may not believe that the film industry exists at all in your area, but do a little research. Call the mayor's office to learn if any productions are shooting near you. (Tax incentives are driving many film corporations to cities like Boston and Seattle, and everywhere in between.) You can also look on Craigslist.org for film internships, or do a search for local film production companies, television studios, post-production houses, and special effects companies. Refer to their websites - surely, they'll have a list of internship opportunities. If not, give them a ring and ask to speak to whoever is in charge of hiring the crew. By explaining to them what you can offer to the company, you may find yourself in a film internship that did not exist before you made the phone call.

If you're a college student or alumnus, check in with your school's career services department. More often than not, local schools are tapped by these film production companies. Or get your hands on your school's alumni list and call up those in the entertainment industry. (Don't forget, these folks agreed to be contacted by other alumni, so don't be shy!) Even if they do not live in your area, they may have helpful tips on where to look for film internships, or know of co-workers in the field who are looking for interns. 

If you are presently enrolled in a film school, then getting an internship is less of a hassle because most schools have established internship programs. For people who want to keep away from the relocation and tuition costs that most film schools require, there are also established mentoring and internship programs throughout the United States that allow you to apprentice with professionals in a variety of fields, without leaving your area.

Sad as it may seem, in the film business, it's certainly about "who you know." Is your mother's hairdresser's cousin a talent agent? Your roommate's girlfriend's uncle a film composer? The important thing is to let the world know that you are searching for an internship - and you might just be surprised at the connections that you already have.

Start with your area - do your research, make some calls. A host of fantastic film internships may be just around the corner.