Comedy Central Internships: Your Guide to Breaking into the Entertainment Industry

Landing an internship at Comedy Central can be a pivotal step for aspiring professionals seeking to enter the dynamic world of entertainment. These internships offer invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes look at how content is created, developed, and distributed across various platforms. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Comedy Central internships, including eligibility requirements, available roles, and tips for maximizing your internship experience.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for Comedy Central internships, particularly the TV Programming Internships (Summer 2025, Hybrid - NYC/LA), applicants typically need to be students who will be Juniors, Seniors, or Master's students in the fall of the internship year. Paramount, the parent company of Comedy Central, seeks candidates who are eager to learn and contribute to the creation of premium content for a global audience.

Diverse Internship Opportunities

Comedy Central and its parent company, Paramount, offer a range of internships spanning various aspects of the entertainment industry. These internships provide exposure to different roles and departments, allowing interns to explore their interests and develop valuable skills. Here's a glimpse into some of the available categories:

TV Programming

The programming strategy team at Comedy Central is responsible for planning and scheduling content across all platforms, including linear television, apps, online platforms, Video-On-Demand (VOD), and Paramount+. Interns in this area may assist with:

Screening and evaluating programming for planning purposes.
Digital scheduling, including screening content for various stunts and projects.
Generating original descriptions for full episodes and clips.
Analyzing and reporting on competing sites, podcasts, and networks.
Maintaining relationships with production companies.
Ensuring content is delivered and ready for air.

Agency

Agency internships offer exposure to the representation of actors, directors, producers, writers, and cinematographers. Interns shadow talent agents, gaining insights into the day-to-day operations of an agency and the representation of talent in the entertainment industry. Previous interns have been hosted at agencies such as Allegory Creative Management, Abrams Artists Agency and UTA.

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Casting

Casting internships provide experience in identifying performers for television shows and films. Interns may be placed in the production company or office of a casting director, participating in research, scheduling, interviewing, and logging auditions. Casting directors are essential to the pre-production process, and interns will learn how they match performers with the artistic and business goals of a production.

Cinematography

Cinematography interns work within television or film studios, assisting cinematographers during pre-production, location/studio shooting, and post-production color correction. Interns gain exposure to key aspects of television production and equipment handling. A strong motion picture/video/photography background is ideal, and applicants are often required to upload a video link of work samples. Previous interns have been placed at shows such as 9-1-1, The Rookie and For All Mankind.

Art Direction/Set Decoration

Art Direction/Set Decoration internships are based in design studios or art departments for major network and pilot productions. Interns receive a high-level overview of the production design process, shadowing and participating in design aspects, including production design, construction, property sourcing, and budgeting. Previous interns in this category have been placed in the studios of production designers such as James Pearse Connelly and on shows such as The Voice and Matlock.

Costume Design

Costume Design internships offer experience in the creation of costumes for television programs. Interns work in costume departments, studios, or independent company settings, observing the day-to-day operations of industry-related costume departments and venues. A digital portfolio is usually required. Interns may have the opportunity to assist the Costume Designers Guild at Comic-Con San Diego. Previous interns in this category have been placed on shows such as The Queen's Gambit, black-ish and Euphoria.

Development

Development internships focus on the creation of new television content. Interns may be placed at a network, cable, or production company, assisting with tasks such as reviewing scripts, creating pitch decks, and preparing materials for selling a production. These internships are available in both children's programming and scripted content. Previous interns have been placed at companies such as The Jim Henson Company and Cloudco Entertainment, FX, National Lampoon and Valhalla Entertainment, Freemantle, Tremendous! Entertainment and Bunim-Murray Productions.

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Directing

Directing internships provide an overview of the directing process on single or multi-camera TV productions. Interns may be exposed to casting, production meetings, location scouting, and shooting, observing productions such as series, TV movies, and late-night shows. Background coursework in directing and editing is often preferred, and applicants may be required to upload a video link of their original work. Past interns in Directing have been placed on productions such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Station 19 and Happy's Place.

Editing

Editing internships are based in studios or production companies, where interns observe post-production of various types of shows. Interns gain exposure to film/tape non-linear, color correction, and motion graphics systems. Previous interns have been placed at companies such as Geiger Post, Ping Pong Productions, and others.

Interactive Media

Interactive Media internships focus on creating new media, social, and digital content for a network, studio, or production company. These internships involve working with interactive television, or interactive telephony. Previous interns have been placed at companies such as Getty Images.

Music

Music internships offer experience in scoring and creating soundscapes for television shows and programs. Interns may be placed under the administration of a music composer at a production company or music studio. Prior experience in music, especially for television or film, is preferred, and applicants may be required to upload a video link of original compositions. Previous interns have been placed in the offices of composers such as Jeff Russo, Mark Isham, Sparks and Shadows and others.

Broadcast News

Broadcast News internships are based at local TV news stations, where interns are immersed in the day-to-day processes of broadcast journalism. This includes working within an assignment desk, production control room, web operations, and field assignments with news crews. Previous interns have been placed at stations such as Univision, KABC 7 News, and Fox 11.

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Entertainment News

Entertainment News internships offer experience in newsgathering, writing, and broadcasting activities related to the entertainment industry. Interns may be placed at a production facility or television news organization covering entertainment news. Previous interns have been placed on shows such as Extra and E! News.

Physical Production/Business Management

Physical Production/Business Management interns assist production executives with their department's oversight of the physical production of multiple television programs. Interns gain an understanding of the overall production process from both a show and corporate point of view. Previous interns have been placed at companies such as Warner Bros. Television Group, Hulu and Nickelodeon.

Television Production

Production internships are based at digital studios or production companies, where interns receive an in-depth immersion into the animation process. Interns observe and participate with professionals dedicated to the art and artistry of visual effects and character animation. Previous interns have been placed at companies such as Titmouse, Lex + Otis and Bento Box.

Maximizing Your Internship Experience

An internship at Comedy Central can be a transformative experience. Here are some tips to make the most of it:

Be Proactive: Take initiative and seek out opportunities to contribute. Don't be afraid to ask questions and offer your assistance on projects.
Network: Build relationships with your colleagues and supervisors. Attend industry events and networking opportunities to expand your professional network.
Learn from Everyone: The entertainment industry is filled with talented and experienced professionals. Take the time to learn from their expertise and gain insights into different roles and departments.
Embrace the "Coffee Machine" Mentality: As Drew Shannon '10, a Puget Sound alumnus and former Comedy Central intern, points out, sometimes the most impactful contributions come from taking on overlooked tasks. In his case, it was ensuring the coffee machine was always functioning for Jon Stewart at The Daily Show. Embrace the opportunity to excel at even the smallest tasks, as they can lead to bigger opportunities.
Be Open to Different Perspectives: The entertainment industry is diverse and dynamic. Be open to different perspectives and ideas, and be willing to learn from others.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your internship as an opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities. Take on challenging projects and demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
Be Professional: Maintain a professional attitude and demeanor at all times. Dress appropriately, be punctual, and communicate effectively.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback on your performance and use it to improve your skills and abilities.
Stay Connected: After your internship ends, stay in touch with your colleagues and supervisors. Maintain your network and continue to build relationships in the industry.
Remember the Little Breaks: As Jon Stewart wisely said, "There are no big breaks. There are only a series of little breaks. The key is to work your hardest and do your best at every little break." Focus on maximizing every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem.

The Value of Internships

Internships provide valuable experience and insights that can help students and recent graduates launch their careers in the entertainment industry. They offer the opportunity to:

Gain practical experience in a professional setting.
Develop valuable skills and abilities.
Build a professional network.
Explore different career paths.
Enhance their resume and job prospects.
Gain a competitive edge in the job market.

Advice for Aspiring Interns

Start Early: Begin your internship search early and apply to multiple opportunities.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship application, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any experience you have in the entertainment industry, such as film projects, television productions, or related coursework.
Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your passion for the entertainment industry and your eagerness to learn and contribute.
Prepare for the Interview: Research the company and the internship role, and be prepared to answer questions about your skills, experience, and career goals.
Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the internship.

Compensation

The hourly rate for some internships at Comedy Central is $20.00.

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