Breaking In: The Glamorous World of Screenwriting Internships
Ever dreamt of sipping espresso shots with big-time producers, or brushing shoulders with A-list actors while mumbling about narrative arcs? Well, you gotta start somewhere, and screenwriting internships are your golden ticket! Let’s dive into the caffeinated, exhilarating world of screenwriting internships and figure out which ones might have you rewriting the next big blockbuster (or at least fetching coffee for someone who is).
The Crème de la Crème of Screenwriting Internships
When it comes to internships, not all are created equal, but that just makes the hunt more thrilling! Here are some of the top spots where your brilliant screenplay might not gather dust in a drawer.
- NBCUniversal Internship Program: Imagine being in the middle of the action where TV shows and movies are brought to life. From ‘The Office’ reruns to ‘Jurassic Park’ escapades, NBCUniversal might just be the backdrop for your big break. Interns work in diverse areas, including script reading and development, and yes, mastering the art of making impeccable coffee.
- Warner Bros. Internship Program: Dive into the universe where Batman and Friends come from. The Warner Bros. internship program offers positions in everything from film development to marketing, where reading scripts and providing script coverage is part of your day-to-day work. All super-hero capes need to be checked at the door, though!
- The Academy Gold Program: It’s like getting a backstage pass to the Oscars! This program isn’t just about the golden statue; it provides internships across various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting. The bonus? Workshops and networking events with industry professionals where you learn the best way to accept your future Oscars.
- Pixar Undergraduate Program (PUP): Ready to take storytelling to the next dimension? At Pixar, you can get involved in the story creation process for animations that probably shaped your childhood. Note: Singing the theme from ‘Toy Story’ during the interview, not recommended.
The Perks of Penning It as an Intern
While fetching coffee might indeed be part of your job description, the real perks of a screenwriting internship are much less about caffeine and more about career ignition:
- Behind-the-scenes access: This is your chance to see how the magic happens, from script to screen. It’s like having a backstage pass but for the biggest and most exciting sets you can imagine.
- Building bridges: Networking might sound as fun as a dental appointment, but in the biz, who you know really can launch your screenplay onto someone’s desk and not just into their trash can.
- Mentorship: Some say you can’t teach good writing, but surely, being mentored by industry professionals can inject some steroids into your screenwriting muscles.
- Hands-on experience: There’s no better way to learn than by doing. Whether it’s crafting call sheets or actual scripts, every task teaches you more about the craft.
Writing Your Way In: Application Tips
Securing these internships might require more effort than writing a romantic-comedy climax. A few tips to make your application shine:
- Portfolio polish: This is your time to shine, baby! Make sure your scripts and writing samples are as polished as a golden Oscar statue. Showcase your best work; let them know you’re the next Tarantino or Nora Ephron.
- Network like a pro: Remember, the screenplay world thrives on contacts. Attend film festivals, screenings, and workshops. Sometimes, it’s your talent, but many times, it’s your ‘Rolodex.’
- Customized cover letters: Scatter your personality like confetti in those cover letters. Make each one special—no one likes the stench of generic, mass-produced letters!
With these tips and a bit of luck, your journey from fetching coffee to fetching scene praise could be just an internship away. Ready, set, network!
