15 Best Filmmaking Internships That Launch Careers in 2025
Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.
-Alfred Hitchcock
15 Best Filmmaking Internships That Launch Careers in 2025
Your dream of seeing your name roll through movie credits could become reality with summer film internships. Success in this industry depends as much on connections as skills, and these opportunities give you hands-on experience that classrooms can’t match. Whether you’re looking for film internships in NYC or exploring Los Angeles film internships, there’s a wide range of options to kickstart your career.
These internships are a great way to get ground experience on film sets. Students work on actual film productions and learn everything from scriptwriting to directing and editing. The Brooklyn Academy of Music sweetens the deal with stipends ranging from $375 to $525 per session. Florida’s ArtWorks program pays students $12 per hour. The Museum of the Moving Image’s paid positions in NYC let students organize events like their annual Teen Film Festival.
Warner Bros Discovery internships showcase amazing career opportunities. To cite an instance, see their $5,000 scholarship towards college for graduating high school seniors. Many interns land job offers after completion, either at their host company or through their network connections. The Atlanta Film Society’s steadfast dedication to nurturing new talent shows in their track record – they’ve mentored over 120 high school and college interns since 2007. Here are the 15 best filmmaking internships that could kickstart your career in 2025, including both paid internships and unpaid internships that offer valuable experience.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Brooklyn Interns for Arts & Culture (BIAC) program is a chance to shape your future in arts. This program gives students an exceptional experience right in NYC’s heart, making it one of the most sought-after film internships in NYC.
BIAC Program Overview
BIAC is different from other NYC film internships. This paid, year-long college and career readiness program welcomes 15 New York City high school students annually. Students learn at one of America’s oldest performing arts venues. The program helps them prepare for arts management careers and supports their transition to college. Among high school filmmaking internships, BIAC stands out with its mix of hands-on arts experience and career growth.
BIAC Key Learning Opportunities
BIAC takes a detailed approach to career development that makes it unique. Students will:
See professional arts venue operations from behind the scenes
Get hands-on experience in arts management and production
Receive personal help with college applications and career planning
Learn to create professional resumes and develop interview skills
Master essential wellness practices for life transitions
Students also build strong peer and professional networks that are a great way to get contacts in the competitive film industry.
BIAC Stipend & Duration
The program runs in three sessions, making it longer than typical documentary filmmaking internships:
Summer 2025: One week in August – $375 stipend
Fall 2025: October-December (1-2 days/week, 4-6 PM) – $450 stipend
Spring 2026: February-June (1-2 days/week, 4-6 PM) – $525 stipend
Students earn $1,350 throughout the program year. This makes BIAC one of the best-paying filmmaking internships for high school students.
BIAC Eligibility
You can join this program if you:
Are a rising senior in any high school across New York City’s five boroughs (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, or the Bronx)
Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
Love the arts (visual art, performance, media, design, literary arts)
Want to work together and learn with others
Can provide an unofficial high school transcript
Students should apply by May 10th, 2025.
High school students who love film curation can get hands-on experience running a real film festival through the BRIC Youth Media Fellowship.
BRIC Fellowship Overview
The BRIC Youth Media Fellowship revolves around creating and producing “Concrete Stories: BRIC Youth Media Festival,” which showcases short films by NYC youth filmmakers under 21 years old. This program stands out from other NYC film internships because teens take complete control of a public film festival. Students work in groups of 8-10 to pick the festival theme, handle submission calls, choose films, design marketing materials, and run the screening event. BRIC House in Brooklyn hosts this free-to-public festival that gives students authentic film industry experience.
BRIC Key Learning Opportunities
This fellowship teaches practical skills that make it different from other filmmaking internships:
Festival planning from concept to execution
Marketing strategy development for film events
Video production and editing techniques
Event promotion across digital and print platforms
Professional networking with guest speakers and industry professionals
Students can build an impressive portfolio while learning about the film industry ecosystem through hands-on experience.
BRIC Stipend & Duration
BRIC gives students two program options with competitive pay:
The academic year program runs from October to May with weekly Wednesday meetings from 4-6pm. Students earn $15.00 per hour for 2 hours each week. The program spans 29 dates and follows the NYC DOE calendar for school holidays.
The summer fellowship runs for two weeks in July (July 8-12 and 15-19, 11am-3pm) and pays $17.00 per hour. This rate makes it one of the best-paid filmmaking internships available to high school students.
BRIC Eligibility
You can apply if you:
Are a NYC high school sophomore, junior, or senior (ages 15-19)
Have interest in media, event planning, filmmaking, or marketing
Show responsibility and motivation
Can attend all scheduled weekly programming meetings
The application deadline is June for summer programs and September for the academic year fellowship.
Warner Bros Discovery runs one of the entertainment industry’s most prestigious filmmaking internships. Students get to work with iconic brands like CNN, Max, and Food Network through its award-winning global program.
Warner Bros Internship Overview
The Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Honorships program stands out as one of the best film internships. Students get hands-on experience in many departments. The program goes beyond traditional internships with chances in creative development, production, technology, and animation. Your ideas can make a real difference as you work on ground projects. Interns work with industry professionals in a hybrid setting and learn about the company’s big portfolio of entertainment, news, and sports brands.
Warner Bros Key Learning Opportunities
WBD sets itself apart from other documentary filmmaking internships with its complete professional growth approach:
Mentoring from industry veterans
Executive talks featuring the CEO and department leaders
Workshops to plan your career and tech coaching
Special pitch clinics and pitch wars competitions
Extra opportunities for graduating students
The program also features intern-only movie screenings, community giveback Fridays, and networking mixers with Business Resource Groups. These events help build valuable industry connections.
Warner Bros Stipend & Duration
The summer program runs for 11 weeks with two flexible options: June 3–August 16 or June 10–August 23. Film students can gain substantial experience during these summer film internships. Interns work 35-40 hours weekly in a hybrid setup. The pay is competitive – $19.00 per hour for undergraduate interns and $25.00 per hour for graduate-level interns. These rates make it one of the best-paid filmmaking internships nationwide.
Warner Bros Eligibility
You need these qualifications for this prestigious chance:
Rising Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student (18+ years old)
3.0 GPA minimum
Active enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university during the internship
U.S. work authorization without visa sponsorship
Summer position applications open in January and close in February. Interviews happen from February through mid-April.
It’s worth noting that Warner Bros Discovery internships often include opportunities with their various brands. For instance, HBO Max internships and Warner Bros animation internship positions may be available within the larger program.
Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program gives aspiring filmmakers a rare chance to get free professional training and connect with industry giants.
Fresh Films Program Overview
Fresh Films serves as a production studio and training ground where participants create high-quality media content. This program stands out from other filmmaking internships by helping students gain practical experience. They produce Emmy-quality feature films, TV episodes, and commercials that reach international audiences. The year-round weekly program creates a steady stream of work-ready talent for the $771 billion entertainment and media industry.
Fresh Films Key Learning Opportunities
Students develop significant industry skills through these filmmaking internships based on their roles:
Production Interns become skilled at videography with Sony equipment, edit using Adobe Premiere, create motion graphics with After Effects, and work on crew teams
Anchor/News Writer Interns learn broadcast journalism, develop interviewing techniques, and master non-linear editing
Journalism Coordinator Interns lead weekly script meetings and produce the end-of-semester Rewind magazine
Social Media Interns drive marketing strategies and design available graphics for multiple platforms
Students build valuable connections with Hollywood professionals from major studios like Paramount, Marvel, and others. The program focuses on real-life production experience rather than theoretical learning.
Fresh Films Stipend & Duration
Weekly sessions happen on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students learn pre-production planning, technical skills, and editing. Top performers can get paid summer internships lasting 4-8 weeks with local media organizations. They earn $250 every two weeks. Each location has its own program structure, but students typically work 15-20 hours weekly during their internship.
Fresh Films Eligibility
The weekly filmmaking program welcomes teens aged 15-19, with fast-track options for those 18 and over. Students don’t need previous filmmaking experience. They just need passion and a team spirit. The program aims to help talented students from underserved communities who might miss their chance to enter the industry.
The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens gives teen filmmakers a unique chance to explore a prestigious media museum’s inner workings through their acclaimed Teen Council program.
MoMI Internship Overview
NYC teens interested in media arts can join the Museum of the Moving Image Teen Council, which serves as a job development program. This program goes beyond typical internships and shows participants how a media museum actually works. Teen Council members take charge of curating and programming public events, including film competitions, media workshops, and the annual Teen Film Festival. The program stands out among NYC film internships because teens take leadership roles and directly shape what the museum offers to other young people.
MoMI Key Learning Opportunities
The program helps participants develop professionally in several ways:
Students get hands-on experience curating programs at a 40-year-old cultural institution
They learn real-life event planning, outreach, and project management skills
Museum media educators, filmmakers, actors, and programmers provide mentorship
Students develop leadership skills by organizing the Teen Film Festival
They learn how museums operate day-to-day, including studio operations and film programming
MoMI Stipend & Duration
Teen Council meetings happen on select Wednesdays and Saturdays from November through May. Members need to attend all scheduled meetings, including the Teen Film Festival on Friday afternoon/evening (May 9, 2025). Unlike many documentary filmmaking internships that don’t pay, this program provides financial support. Students receive a stipend upon completion of the program, making it one of the available paid filmmaking internships for students.
MoMI Eligibility
Program requirements include:
Age 15 or older
Current enrollment in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade (or equivalent program) for Fall 2025
Interest in media arts
Full attendance at scheduled meetings
The application process starts in fall. Finalists receive notifications by late October (October 25, 2025, for the upcoming cohort). The Teen Council selects fifteen students each year to join the cohort.
The Virginia Film Office (VFO) stands as the backbone of every successful film production in the state. Students can get a rare peek into the administrative side of the filmmaking industry through the VFO internship program.
VFO Internship Overview
The VFO program differs from typical production-focused internships. We focused on office-based experience that teaches you how a state agency film commission works. Richmond serves as the base where you’ll learn how productions find their way to Virginia and receive support during pre-production. You won’t create content or work on active sets, but you’ll see the significant behind-the-scenes processes that bring film projects to life. Students need to spend about 5 hours in the office (one day) and complete additional remote work for school credit requirements.
VFO Key Learning Opportunities
The internship helps you develop valuable industry skills such as:
Managing the VFO general email inbox and website Hotline
Creating and posting industry announcements
Researching special requests from production companies
Learning script analysis and location breakdowns
Organizing research for film location files
Maintaining the Film Office’s Instagram page
Assisting with festival welcome packets
These responsibilities are a great way to get administrative experience that other documentary filmmaking internships often miss.
VFO Stipend & Duration
The program offers three distinct sessions throughout the year:
Summer 2025: May-August (Application deadline: April 5, 2025)
Fall 2025: September-December (Application deadline: August 5, 2025)
Spring 2026: January-April (Application deadline: December 5, 2025)
Students receive a travel stipend to help with commuting costs, though the internship remains unpaid. Each intern must dedicate at least 10 hours weekly, ideally in blocks of 4+ hours.
VFO Eligibility
Qualified candidates should:
Love film and either attend school or live in Virginia
Have strong writing and administrative abilities
Keep a flexible, open schedule
Live close enough to commute to Richmond
Own reliable transportation
Qualify for class credit (mandatory)
University students studying film or related fields make the strongest candidates. High school students might receive consideration based on individual cases.
The Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) opens a window into film festivals and non-profit arts management for anyone passionate about the business side of filmmaking.
ATLFS Internship Overview
The Atlanta Film Society operates as a year-round, non-profit media arts organization that specializes in film screenings, educational support, and media events. Their internship program gives you a complete look at producing the Academy Award® qualifying Atlanta Film Festival and running a member-based arts organization. ATLFS is not a film studio and does not provide internships in film production. The experience will connect you directly to Atlanta’s vibrant film community.
ATLFS Key Learning Opportunities
The program helps you develop skills through:
Festival production experience from start to finish
Professional administrative skill development
Event coordination for screenings and annual film festival
Non-profit organization’s membership management
Direct work with filmmakers and industry professionals
ATLFS runs CINEMA—a 10-week workforce development initiative that trains young people (18-24) in content development and film production skills. The program ends with work opportunities at the Atlanta Film Festival.
ATLFS Stipend & Duration
You must commit to a minimum 16-week period with at least 10 hours per week during office hours (Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM). The role requires work at select after-hours events, some off-site. Spring term runs from February to May, requiring 5-10 hours weekly with extended hours during festival time. These opportunities come unpaid, but interns get complimentary ATLFS membership and two ATLFF All Access passes.
ATLFS Eligibility
Qualified candidates must:
Be 18 or older (High School Seniors reviewed case-by-case)
Work minimum 10 hours weekly plus select events
Show excellent communication and organizational skills
Display energy and comfort when working with the public
Applications close mid-December (Spring), mid-April (Summer), and mid-August (Fall).
Experience the magic of one of America’s most celebrated screenwriting events through Austin Film Festival’s internship program. This opportunity combines storytelling mastery with career growth in Texas’s dynamic film community.
AFF Internship Overview
Austin Film Festival (AFF) welcomes students and volunteers to join their internship programs. You’ll work with talented professionals who champion screenwriters and filmmakers. These positions focus on event production and festival operations rather than on-set filmmaking. The program helps you build essential skills in planning, execution, customer support, and team collaboration. You’ll become part of a community that values camaraderie and dedication.
AFF Key Learning Opportunities
Your department placement determines the skills you’ll develop:
Production Intern roles help you manage film venue logistics, organize media, update tracking spreadsheets, and check film quality
Development Intern positions let you negotiate festival promotions, research sponsorship opportunities, write marketing proposals, and evaluate event venues
Conference Intern duties include panel coordination with industry professionals and travel arrangements for special guests
During the festival, interns often manage conference event rooms. This gives you direct access to renowned panelists and exclusive content.
AFF Stipend & Duration
AFF internships are unpaid. However, you’ll get valuable professional development through regular weekly schedules in specific departments. The program runs during spring (February-May), summer (June-August), and fall (September-December) semesters. These positions require you to be physically present in Austin, Texas.
AFF Eligibility
The internship program offers two paths:
Student Interns need proof of internship requirements for school credit
Volunteer Interns don’t need to be students but should want experience in film or event planning
Every applicant must complete a Workwolf assessment and submit a resume. AFF looks for self-motivated, hardworking people who excel under pressure and pay attention to detail.
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ArtWorks offers more than just filmmaking – it’s a paid internship program that gives high school students a chance to build professional arts experience through multiple creative paths.
ArtWorks Program Overview
ArtWorks gives high school students a detailed paid internship experience to develop their artistic talents and career skills. Professional artists and Arts for Learning staff guide interns who can choose from several creative paths: film, animation, visual art, dance, theater, music production, and creative writing. The MDC Koubek Center in Miami hosts this growing program. Student participation has increased from 87 in earlier sessions to up to 150 participants expected in upcoming groups. Students create artwork while learning valuable job skills they can use in their future careers.
ArtWorks Key Learning Opportunities
This internship stands out from other filmmaking programs by offering students:
Creative projects with guidance from professional mentors
Job skills they can use in any industry
Team projects with students from about 25 different high schools
A chance to learn from different social and cultural points of view
More confidence through public shows and performances
The program changes students completely – from “nervous kids during the interview process to confident performers” ready to share their work with audiences.
ArtWorks Stipend & Duration
Summer sessions run for six weeks in June and July. Students work Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The program pays interns $14.00 per hour for up to 180 hours of work. Students get scheduled breaks and time off for holidays like Juneteenth and Independence Day.
ArtWorks Eligibility
You can join this program if you:
Are a current 9th through 12th grade student
Are at least 14 years old
Live in Florida and meet I9 work requirements
Students who don’t live in Florida can still join but will receive community service hours instead of payment. You don’t need previous arts experience, but you should show real interest in arts and be willing to learn in a diverse environment. Summer 2025 applications are closed now. You can apply for Summer 2026 in spring.
Your interests and goals shape your professional development at Film Consortium San Diego internships. The program adapts to each intern’s unique path in the filmmaking industry.
Film Consortium Overview
Film Consortium San Diego (FCSD) creates customized internship experiences for high school and college students during the Spring Semester. The program adapts to your needs and covers filmmaking and event management. FCSD serves as a training ground and connection hub. It maintains a Volunteer Production Assistant Database where new filmmakers can register for their first on-set experiences. The organization hosts many events throughout the year. This gives interns real exposure to both creative and logistical aspects of film production.
Film Consortium Key Learning Opportunities
The program lets you develop skills in several key areas:
Editing: Master post-production techniques and storytelling through cutting
Production: Get hands-on experience in the actual filming process
Event Planning: Run film screenings and industry gatherings
Marketing: Design promotional materials and handle social media campaigns
FCSD connects you directly with filmmakers and actors in the San Diego area. Many participants use these connections to find future work in the industry.
Film Consortium Stipend & Duration
The internships run during Spring Semester and focus on practical skill development. The program’s documentation doesn’t mention exact compensation details. Students looking for paid opportunities can check out the San Diego International Film Festival internships. These offer college credit and potential recommendation letters after successful completion.
Film Consortium Eligibility
FCSD internships require you to:
Be enrolled in high school or college
Have availability during Spring Semester
Register in their volunteer/intern database
New filmmakers without much experience can join the Volunteer Production Assistant Database to get valuable set experience. The program welcomes anyone who wants to be part of the filmmaking community.
Media Arts Center San Diego works with city libraries to create a pathway into filmmaking. This program combines technical training with real-life job chances.
Media Arts Center Overview
The center offers a paid internship program lasting 3 to 6 months through a partnership with the City of San Diego and City Libraries. This program stands out from typical filmmaking internships. It runs from the City Heights Library IdeaLab and works as both a training platform and workforce development initiative. Students learn video production and get hired at city libraries. They create media content that tells the library’s story. This approach helps young adults build professional portfolios through documentary-style productions. Libraries benefit by getting compelling visual content they need.
Media Arts Center Key Learning Opportunities
Students gain professional skills in several areas:
Documentary-style storytelling techniques needed in library settings
Hands-on video production training with professional film equipment
Real-life experience creating content for City of San Diego libraries
Guidance from creative economy professionals throughout the internship
Project completion skills through short documentary creation
The results speak for themselves. 92% of interns report applying new skills and 100% report completing tasks they couldn’t do before participation.
Media Arts Center Stipend & Duration
Students start with a free 6-week video production training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4-6 PM. After completing this training, participants receive a $550 stipend. They then move into paid work with the City of San Diego at $17-21 per hour. Fall 2025 dates are pending. Most internships last 3-6 months.
Media Arts Center Eligibility
You can join this program if you:
Are between 18-29 years old
Have interest in media production
Complete the full training program to receive the stipend
Pass background checks, including City of San Diego fingerprinting
The program has focused on helping people from diverse backgrounds, including those from foster care, justice-involved youth, unemployed individuals, and communities of concern.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) internship program goes beyond traditional studio operations experiences. It connects education with industry by combining nonprofit management and media production skills.
GCFC Internship Overview
GCFC functions as a workforce and economic development 501c3 organization that drives growth through the film and media production industry. Students learn about the film industry’s aspects along with nonprofit operations and daily office routines through their internship program. The program’s legacy speaks volumes – since 2007, GCFC has hosted more than 120 students from over 30 educational institutions. These include Cleveland State University, NYU, Ohio University, and numerous local high schools. This achievement makes it one of the Midwest region’s longest-running filmmaking internships.
GCFC Key Learning Opportunities
Students gain various skills through hands-on experience at GCFC:
Research and submit grants in an ever-changing environment
Plan and coordinate industry events
Get an inside view of nonprofit management from senior executives
Receive specialized training in Camera Department, Editing, and Professional Cinematography
The commission helps students find job opportunities in Cleveland and keeps them updated about local organization workshops. Students with film backgrounds might work directly on productions in town. Several interns started in the office and later received calls to work on actual film sets.
GCFC Stipend & Duration
Educational needs determine flexible time commitments. GCFC accommodates everything from full internships to limited shadowing experiences and senior projects. These can last anywhere from one day to one week. While exact payment details aren’t specified, the commission prioritizes valuable training and industry connections that help long-term career growth.
GCFC Eligibility
High school students, college students, graduates, veterans, and career changers can join the program. Workforce Development Coordinator Maria Rouzzo manages the internship programs and welcomes interested candidates. GCFC values motivated people who want to learn about the nonprofit world in their relaxed, ever-changing environment.
The New Hampshire Film Festival gives aspiring filmmakers a grassroots introduction to film festival operations. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a successful cinema event work.
NHFF Internship Overview
This internship lets you experience the inner workings of a film festival firsthand. The New Hampshire Film Festival takes place every October and seeks “highly motivated individuals to help with day-to-day operations”. Students who participate get immersed in festival management before, during, and after the main event. While it’s not focused on production like other filmmaking internships, you’ll gain valuable experience in cinema exhibition—the place where films connect with audiences.
NHFF Key Learning Opportunities
The program helps you develop practical skills such as:
Distribution management of key festival materials (badges, VIP gift bags, ballots, theater kits)
Event setup and breakdown for venues and screenings
Production support and office administration
The festival matches your interests and educational focus with several placement options, including roles in “programming, operations, and data research”. This individual-specific approach maximizes your learning potential throughout your time there.
NHFF Stipend & Duration
This unpaid internship provides great networking chances and professional development. The festival runs mainly in October, but exact timeframes aren’t specified. NHFF needs more flexibility compared to other film student internships. Interns must be “willing to pitch in where needed” to support the team spirit.
NHFF Eligibility
The right candidates should be:
College students, young professionals, or graduating high school seniors
Quick learners who people can count on
Team players who adapt well to ever-changing environments
Friendly festival representatives who show courtesy
Detail-oriented people with good organizational skills
A driver’s license and car access is “a plus” because festival work requires mobility. The program works well for college seniors from places like Keene State, as the festival is one of the “ongoing partnerships with local organizations who take KSC interns”.
Amherst Media ranks among the oldest nonprofit Cable Access Centers in the country. Students transform into media professionals through hands-on community television experience during their internships.
Amherst Media Overview
The organization serves as a community media hub and training ground where internships are the foundation of their operations. Students get free training and equipment access while helping with daily workflow and productions. Interns gain ground experience as they cover community events, film member programs, and create unique content for their three channels. Many success stories highlight the program’s impact. Former intern Rae Whitley landed a Production Assistant role at WWLP 22News, while Karan Chaudhary secured an internship with National Public Radio.
Amherst Media Key Learning Opportunities
Students develop significant industry skills through these filmmaking internships based on their roles:
Production Interns become skilled at videography with Sony equipment, edit using Adobe Premiere, create motion graphics with After Effects, and work on crew teams
Anchor/News Writer Interns learn broadcast journalism, develop interviewing techniques, and master non-linear editing
Journalism Coordinator Interns lead weekly script meetings and produce the end-of-semester Rewind magazine
Social Media Interns drive marketing strategies and design available graphics for multiple platforms
Amherst Media Stipend & Duration
Positions open seasonally throughout the year. Summer programs attract high school students. Live production interns earn between $16.00-$22.00 per hour with a median rate of $19.00 per hour. These rates make Amherst Media’s paid filmmaking internships more competitive than most.
Amherst Media Eligibility
Position requirements vary across roles. Production Interns must major in Film/Video/Communications or show work samples that prove their skills. Anchor positions need Journalism or Communications majors. Journalism Coordinator roles accept only juniors and seniors. High school students can join Amherst Media’s six-week summer program to learn foundational media skills.
Ladder Virtual Internships connects driven students with startups worldwide right from their homes.
Ladder Internship Overview
Harvard entrepreneurs founded Ladder Internships, which offers a selective virtual program where students cooperate with startups and nonprofits in a variety of industries. This online experience lets you build professional experience whatever your location, unlike traditional filmmaking internships that need physical presence. Each intern tackles ground projects that add value to their host companies. A startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach will guide you as mentors throughout your experience.
Ladder Key Learning Opportunities
Ladder’s program helps you develop professionally in several ways:
Build ground projects that showcase your abilities to future employers
Network with founders from top institutions (Harvard Business School, Y Combinator, McKinsey)
Get customized training in communication, time management, and other professional skills
Discover career paths in media, journalism, technology, and environmental science
Your completed work presentation at the program’s end will add a professional-level project to your portfolio.
Ladder Stipend & Duration
The program runs for 8 weeks and needs 5-10 hours weekly commitment. The Summer 2025 cohort’s regular admission deadline is May 11, 2025, and the program begins on June 2, 2025. The startup internship program costs $2,490. Students whose family income is $50,000 or less annually can get full financial aid from Ladder.
Ladder Eligibility
High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students can apply to the program. Competition is fierce—the summer 2023 cohort saw over 700 applications for just 70 spots, a 10% acceptance rate. Successful candidates show self-motivation, strong communication skills, and a growth mindset. The application process includes a form submission and an interview before the final decision.
Ready to Intern?
Filmmaking internships are a great way to get experience for anyone serious about breaking into the entertainment industry. This piece highlights 15 different programs that range from major studios like Warner Bros. Discovery to community-based programs at places like Amherst Media. These options provide something valuable for every aspiring filmmaker. The pay varies – from positions offering up to $25 per hour to unpaid roles that provide valuable industry connections and portfolio-building projects.
Finding the right fit for your specific interests and goals shapes your career path. Each program opens unique pathways to industry experience – from festival production at the Atlanta Film Society to creative development at Warner Bros., or hands-on technical training with Fresh Films. Programs exist across New York, California, Florida, Virginia, and beyond, whatever your location. Ladder Virtual Internships even removes all geographical barriers.
These programs teach technical skills and help build the professional network needed for long-term success in film. The best approach is to look for programs that match your specific filmmaking goals rather than chase the highest pay or biggest names. Young filmmakers have more available entry points than they might think, with programs like the BRIC Youth Media Fellowship and Media Arts Center San Diego specifically designed for them.
The film industry runs on fresh views and new talent. Your experience from film student to industry professional begins with these hands-on chances that turn classroom concepts into ground expertise and connections. The 2025 program deadlines are coming up fast—your next career-defining chance is waiting.
While you’re at it, you should check out more of FilmLocal! We have plenty of resources, and cast and crew. Not to mention a ton more useful articles. Create your FilmLocal account today and give your career the boost it deserves!
FAQs
Q1. Are film internships worthwhile for aspiring filmmakers? Film internships can be extremely valuable, offering hands-on experience, industry connections, and skill development. While some may be unpaid, the knowledge and networking opportunities often outweigh immediate financial compensation for those looking to break into the competitive film industry.
Q2. How can students find internships in the film industry? Students can find film internships by utilizing their university’s career center, researching production companies and studios directly, applying through job sites like Indeed, and leveraging industry-specific resources such as IMDB Pro to identify potential opportunities.
Q3. What types of internships are best for film students? The best internships for film students depend on their specific interests and career goals. Options range from production assistant roles at major studios to creative positions at smaller production companies. Internships that offer hands-on experience in areas like cinematography, editing, or screenwriting are particularly valuable for skill development.
Q4. Is there an age limit for film internships? There is generally no set maximum age for film internships in the United States. While many are geared towards college students and recent graduates, opportunities exist for individuals of various ages looking to enter or transition into the film industry.
Q5. What should aspiring filmmakers focus on when starting their careers? Aspiring filmmakers should focus on creating their own projects, networking with other industry professionals, gaining diverse on-set experience (even in entry-level positions), building a strong portfolio or reel, and continuously improving their technical and creative skills. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to various roles within the industry can lead to more opportunities.