American Documentary Internship Programs

Major film studios and entertainment companies offer a variety of internship programs for aspiring professionals. These internships provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and valuable resume experience in various aspects of the entertainment industry, from film production to marketing and technology.

Opportunities at Major Studios

Several legendary companies, pioneers in the entertainment industry, offer exciting summer internships and film production internships. These internships provide opportunities to work on major film productions and gain experience in various departments.

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures, a pioneer in the industry tracing its roots back to 1912, runs a prestigious Page Program. This program has become a gateway to the entertainment business. As a brand ambassador for Paramount Pictures, your role involves managing studio audiences and leading professional tours. You’ll work 6-hour shifts with 80% of time spent actively engaging with the studio environment. The program lets you attend exclusive industry events and meet entertainment professionals. More than 60% of graduates land full-time positions within the Paramount family. Many graduates move into entertainment industry roles of all types and learn about film production and studio operations. Special assignments become available after six months to expand your experience and responsibilities.

The company offers a warm and welcoming environment for growth and learning. Interns at Paramount are able to voice their opinion, have coffee chats with people in the company, and raise their hand to help with other tasks. Interns are treated as an employee and an equal. They are welcomed in every room and are always encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. Interns get to support important projects and the real impact they have on the company. Interns are granted so much trust, and gain real hands-on experience.

The Paramount Internship program exposes interns to various departments of work, new people, and valuable professional skills. The program includes:

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Professional Development Focus on goal setting, elevating your resume, actioning on feedback and building your brand.
Business Learning Hear from Executives at Paramount and learn more about the media/entertainment industry.
Mentorship Every intern is aligned to an informal mentor to help them navigate their summer at Paramount.
Networking & Social Meet your fellow interns through a mix of in-person and virtual events.
Wellness Prioritize your mental, physical and financial wellbeing through a variety of events throughout the summer.

Paramount hires interns who are currently enrolled at an accredited college/university.

Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery has one of the best film production internships in entertainment. The program lasts 11 weeks with two options to start: June 3rd - August 16th or June 10th - August 23rd. Interns put in 35-40 hours each week in a hybrid setting. They work in departments of all types including creative development, production, marketing, and technology. Undergraduate interns earn $19.00 per hour while graduate-level interns get $25.00 per hour at Warner Bros. Discovery. Interns see major professional growth through their hands-on projects. A former marketing intern in corporate communications wrote copy for posts, managed events, and developed content ideas for WBD’s internal social media. The program is a chance to follow a four-year internship track where students can explore different departments each summer to build detailed industry knowledge. Project-based assignments help interns prepare for future roles in entertainment.

HBO Max’s Content Development Internship helps aspiring filmmakers become pioneers in streaming. Undergraduate interns earn $19.00 per hour while working in the Los Angeles area. The internship helps students learn about network award strategy and execution. Interns work with HBO and Max original content within Warner Bros. Discovery. They help with Emmy Awards campaigns and track competitive landscape grids. Warner Bros. Discovery’s speaker series and roundtable discussions are a great way to get industry connections. Interns meet industry veterans and build lasting professional relationships. Many past interns have built strong connections with executives and joined exclusive WarnerMedia speaker series. Interns learn industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Apps throughout the program.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s award-winning global internship program provides students with unparalleled learning opportunities through firsthand experience with iconic brands like CNN, Max, Bleacher Report, TLC, Food Network and more. The program is designed to nurture students both professionally and personally. Internships are offered across all businesses under the Warner Bros. Discovery umbrella, ranging from technology, design, marketing, publicity, development, production, news, games, sports and animation, to corporate functions in finance, legal, human resources and more! After completing a WBD Early Talent Program successfully, participants are a part of the alumni community.

Warner Bros. Discovery also has internship programs in:

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Argentina: Buenos Aires
Brazil
France
UK & Ireland
Mexico: Mexico City
India, Canada, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, Denmark, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Netherlands, Argentina, Singapore and many more locations worldwide.

To join the Argentine Internship Program, students must be actively enrolled in an Argentine accredited university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollment required), must be 18 years or older, and must have the legal right to work in Argentina. To join the Mexican Internship Program, students must be actively enrolled in an Mexican accredited university degree program for the full duration of the internship (proof of enrollment required), must be 18 years or older, and must have the legal right to work in Mexico.

Netflix

Netflix’s Creative Innovation team is shaping storytelling’s future through innovative technology. The internship lasts at least 10 weeks and you can start in June. You’ll work with world-class experts in program management, data analysis, and filmmaking tools. Netflix lets you work on trailblazing projects with generative AI, live tools, and transmedia technologies. You’ll find unique ways to use emerging technologies that boost creativity and speed up production. Excellence thrives in Netflix’s culture of inclusion and breakthroughs. Recruiting happens from late summer through March.

The interview process has:

A take-home assessment
Two to three rounds of interviews that evaluate technical and behavioral skills
Role-specific evaluations

The program pays competitively, with intern salaries ranging from $20.00 to $40.00 per hour.

Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios, the creators of award-winning shows like Rings of Power and Daisy Jones and The Six, has exciting internship opportunities at their Culver City location. Interns work full-time from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Each role has a final project that shows what interns learned during their time there. Creative teams let interns develop marketing campaigns and assets for Amazon Original series and movies. Every intern gets a dedicated mentor who guides them through the experience. They work together with executives at the Culver City offices. Guest speakers and networking events help interns build professional connections. Students learn about film production from start to finish. The program builds mutually beneficial alliances with the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program to create opportunities for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions.

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Universal Studios

Universal Studios Production Internship program excels at giving hands-on film industry training. Students rotate through departments like production design, entertainment operations, and creative development. They work on actual projects that make a real difference in their fields. Both technical and creative skills grow during the program. Your work includes:

Creating sketches and digital renderings for design visualization
Developing 3D models using industry-standard CAD software
Conducting user research to inform design decisions
Preparing design documentation for leadership presentations

The internship pays well, with hourly rates from $18 to $25 based on experience and qualifications. Universal Studios likes to promote from within, which creates promising career paths for successful interns. The program opens doors to full-time positions and prepares you for roles throughout NBCUniversal’s big portfolio. You learn about potential career paths in the entertainment industry through networking and exposure to different business segments. Applications open 3-4 months before each semester’s start date.

Focus Features, a division of NBCUniversal, has reshaped the scene of independent cinema with its unique internship program. The program teaches script coverage and production development. Interns evaluate filming locations, tax rebates, and crew availability. You’ll check production schedules, call sheets, and wrap reports while keeping filmmaker databases current. The marketing intern role covers brand development on multiple platforms. You’ll learn about the film distribution lifecycle. The program helps you become skilled at pre-buying processes, running numbers, and deal negotiations. This internship runs from June to August 2025 and needs 40 hours per week in Universal City. You’ll work together with teams in 20 countries to distribute independent films globally. The program champions diverse stories and unique voices that prepare you for specialty film distribution.

Disney

Disney’s Talent Development program has carried forward Walt Disney’s ‘Nine Old Men’ legacy since 1971. Students join a 12-week paid summer experience that blends artistry with technology behind famous films. They focus on three core areas - Production, Technology, and Studio departments. Students get practical experience in creating timeless stories. Students learn specialized skills and see filmmaking from many angles through close mentorship. The program builds a shared community where different points of view flourish. Nurturing next-generation talent through exploration and breakthroughs remains the core focus. The program shows Disney’s steadfast dedication to enabling future storytellers through the Disney Future Storytellers initiative. This initiative removes barriers and expands access to careers in media and entertainment.

Students get competitive pay and build valuable industry connections. They work among professionals who created beloved films like Frozen 2, Moana, and Zootopia. Students work between 10-29 hours weekly during spring and fall sessions. Summer positions need a 40-hour weekly commitment. You’ll work on ground projects that range from script coverage to detailed program research. Students build their skills through multiple channels. The program helps you master simple office software like Microsoft Office Suite and various internet platforms. Networking becomes easier through educational sessions and social events. Job listings appear 1-4 months before start dates. Successful candidates show great organizational skills and maintain professionalism in ever-changing environments. Interns work among talented professionals who create global entertainment content.

Lionsgate

Lionsgate’s Film Internship Program discovers and brings in talent from different backgrounds to provide educational experiences in the entertainment industry. This 10-week program follows a hybrid schedule. Interns work in the office four days a week and remotely on Fridays. The program requires 36 hours of work weekly. Interns learn about marketing, production, development, and distribution. The program focuses on learning through real-life projects. The program’s well-laid-out mentorship connects interns with experienced leaders who share career wisdom beyond the internship. Many interns move into full-time entry-level positions within the company. Interns cooperate with industry professionals on key projects and develop skills they need to succeed in the entertainment business. Students must be actively enrolled in an accredited college or university to join the program.

A24

The internship program at A24 puts its focus on arthouse and multiplatform films. Interns work in acquisition, distribution, and marketing departments to learn about independent film releases. Students can take part-time positions and work up to 24 hours each week. The program expects interns to:

Write coverage on submitted materials (2-3 reports daily)
Keep project talent lists and grids updated
Help manage social media
Create GIFs and edit content for marketing campaigns
Pitch original social concepts

Interns earn $17.50 per hour and work among professionals who created award-winning shows like Beef and Euphoria. The program helps develop practical skills and needs interns to know Adobe Suite and social media platforms well.

Blumhouse Productions

The studio that created Paranormal Activity and The Purge franchises gives an explanation of horror film production methods. The program focuses on horror and thriller genres. Interns learn about script coverage, development, and production for both TV and film projects. Interns make $18.00 per hour and work 20 hours weekly. TV and film executives, directors, and talent meet with interns weekly. The program includes company events, gatherings, and exclusive screenings in Los Angeles. Many interns create original short films with guidance from Blumhouse’s creative team and submit their work to the company’s summer film festival. Each intern reviews more than 30 potential Blumhouse titles.

New Line Cinema

New Line Cinema, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. The program runs for 10 weeks during summer between June and August. Interns work 40 hours weekly in a hybrid format and receive company-issued computers to work remotely. The internship gives hands-on experience in film production. The program creates networking opportunities with industry professionals. Interns work in development offices to learn about casting processes and provide feedback on priority projects. Strong organizational skills, work ethic, and genuine interest in film development are essential for candidates. Positions are available in creative development, acquisitions, marketing, and international distribution. Interns receive competitive compensation that prepares them for future roles in production, development, and marketing. Candidates must be enrolled in a college degree program during the internship. Most summer internships open November-March. Fall terms usually open by late summer.

DreamWorks

DreamWorks welcomes fresh ideas and non-traditional paths to success. Visual development roles need portfolios that show strong design foundations in perspective, composition, painting, and color theory. The program helps you build an impressive portfolio through executive speaker series, professional development workshops, artistic classes, and practice art tests. Applications close on March 8th, with spots open in spring, summer, and fall sessions. You must be enrolled in a degree program or be a recent graduate with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Pixar Animation Studios

Students tuck into different technical parts of the animation pipeline during the program. They work on their own projects in modeling, set dressing, shading, characters, layout, lighting, and effects. We designed this program for students who love combining art with technology. Students welcome new ideas through group projects and personal exploration. They work among industry professionals and bring fresh views to current projects. Pixar looks for candidates with strong presentation skills, teaching background, and knowing how to create groundbreaking technical solutions.

Other Internship Programs

Austin Film Festival

Austin Film Festival offers internships in various departments, including:

Development Department: Cultivates and maintains relationships with local and national sponsors to raise money for the festival.
Conference Department: Coordinates panels, conducts research on potential speakers, topics, and industry trends; write copy for programmed panels, and assist with marketing efforts.
Office Management Department: Maintains an efficient office environment.
Script Competition Department: Assists with the script competitions.
Film Competition Department: Runs the film competition and programs all the films that screen during the Festival.
On Story Department: Assists in the post-production duties affiliated with the execution of the On Story Project.
Executive Department: Provides flexible, organized, committed team players with a sense of humor to join our department.
Operations Department: Oversees designing and implementing organization-wide infrastructure that enables more efficient department workflows, collaboration between departments, hiring processes, and ways to ensure organization’s short and long-term goals are being met.
Young Filmmakers Program Department: Aids in facilitating the operation of the four main Young Filmmakers Initiatives: Digital Storytelling, Summer Film Camp, Festival Scholarship Program, and the Young Filmmakers Competition.
Summer Film Camp Department: Works with the Director of the Young Filmmakers Program, Summer Film Camp Coordinator, and instructors during the Annual Summer Film Camp.
Marketing Department: Assists the Marketing Department with research, copy writing, grassroots efforts and internet marketing strategies.

Moving Picture Institute’s Hollywood Career Launch Program

It’s not easy to break into the entertainment world, but the Moving Picture Institute’s Hollywood Career Launch Program helps talented young filmmakers get a foot in the door. Since 2006, we have awarded over 265 paid internships. Many of our Hollywood Career Launch Program interns are students or recent graduates, but in some cases we extend advanced internships to intermediate-level filmmakers. Internships typically last for 12 weeks. Most placements are in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted at any time.

The Television Academy Foundation Internship Program

The Television Academy Foundation's general program offers year-round experiential learning opportunities in Spring, Summer, and Fall for students interested in exploring all facets of the entertainment industry. Television Academy Foundation interns have been placed at studios, networks, and production companies across the industry. The Television Academy Foundation is proud to have jump-started and supported the careers of leading executives, directors, producers, and Emmy winners over the course of the last forty years.

California Film Commission’s Tax Credit Program

Careers in film and media are within reach for California community college students through meaningful, project-based work opportunities. Since 2017, 53 students have been hired as paid interns across 11 productions through contributions to the fund, affording students first-hand experience in art, camera, grip, wardrobe, and production. Explore diverse roles, from visual effects to sound design, and get mentored by industry professionals. Companies receive tax credits of up to 25% for eligible productions that are produced in California that also support career-based learning and training programs.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's premier film organization and is home to a global membership of more than 11,000 of the most accomplished film industry artists and leaders. The Academy connects global audiences - its members, the film industry, and film fans - through their shared passion for making and watching films. The Academy offers internships in:

Awards Collection Intern
Cataloging and Digitization Intern
Home Movie Collection Intern
Membership, Impact and Industry Intern
Photograph Archive Processing Intern
Processing Archivist Intern
Reference and Research Services Intern

The Black List

The Black List is a technology startup and a film/television production company whose mission is to identify and celebrate great screenwriting and the people who do it, wherever they may be.

Monkeypaw Productions

Monkeypaw Productions cultivates artistic, thought-provoking projects across film, television, and digital platforms and champions highly specific perspectives and artistic collaborations with unique and traditionally underrepresented voices.

Radial Entertainment

Radial Entertainment is a global entertainment company operating FilmRise and Shout! Studios brands, and a diverse library of more than 70,000 movies and episodes in a wide variety of genres including classic TV, horror, award-winning films, classics, animation creator content, and more. The company delivers high-quality entertainment across all major consumer platforms including FAST channels, AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, physical product, and theatrical film.

STARZ

STARZ is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television.

American Cinema Editors (ACE) Internship Program

Each year, the American Cinema Editors Internship Committee selects two interns from each city (Los Angeles, New York, London) and provides them with the opportunity to shadow for one week each the editing rooms of a feature, a television show, and an unscripted show. Interns also visit several facilities integral to post-production (e.g. sound stages, VFX vendors, labs, etc.). Interns are being mentored by ACE editors and previous alumni. The ACE Internship Program is geared toward anyone with a passion for editing, who is just starting their career in post-production. The ACE internship starts in October and lasts four weeks. The two selected interns are paid a stipend while attending the program and are covered by liability insurance through American Cinema Editors, so they can be considered “paid interns”. The structure of the ACE Internship Program emphasizes assistant picture editing.

Key Considerations

Compensation and Benefits

Major studios like Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, and Disney pay competitive wages between $17 to $40 per hour. Larger companies often offer paid roles. These programs give you direct experience through real projects. You’ll get mentorship from industry veterans and access to exclusive networking events.

Locations

Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta remain the top hubs for film industry internships.

Application Deadlines

You should note that application deadlines come 3-4 months before start dates.

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