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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Looking for internships

S

Solomon Schechman

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Hey my name is Solomon and I am a sophomore Syracuse University film major looking for an internship. I was wondering if anyone had any advice because I am having a difficult time find one. I am really into shooting with the Red One. I was also hoping that maybe one of the production companies that are on Reduser would be looking for an intern for this summer.

Thanks,

-Solomon Schechman
 
Hi Solomon:

Maybe be more specific in terms of what you are looking to find. Would you be satisfied running errands and bringing the donuts? Perhaps list out some scenarios you'd be happy with, whether you expect pay or no pay, what area of the country or world you are willing to work in this summer and whether you can pay for your own travel and lodging. The more specific you can be, the more advice/leads you will receive.

Kindly,

-shooter
(michael zaletel)
 
Michael thanks for your response and the good advice.

I would settle for running errands but I am really looking to gain actual production experience. I would be happy working for someone who would let me be a member of a crew. In a perfect world I would love to learn how to be an ac because I am an aspiring cinematographer.

- don't expect pay (but wouldn't turn it down)
- I am willing to work anywhere in the country was mostly looking for something in New York or LA but I don't have a preference also Maryland would be good too because I live there.
-I can pay for travel and lodging

Thanks,

-Solomon
 
Hey Solomon, if you're looking for credited internships as a school requirement, your university should be able to set you up with respectable positions/companies. There are a ton of "internships" listed on craigslist, et al that profess to be for college credt when they are not offically approved or recognized by any accredited schools. Have you approached any of your film professors? Some of them may have connections or their own projects and will be happy to have some student involvement.

If you just want to get on set, there are plenty of people out there who will take unpaid help. Some of them are reputable and professional, some are not. Check websites (mandy, media-match, local film commissions, etc.) and try to find local rental houses, production companies, line producers, and PMs that might have some projects in the works. Send resumes or polite inquiries and hope for the best.
 
My school hasn't been much help neither have my professors and as of now I am on my own. I am not required to have an internship so thats not an issue. I have been checking mandy every once and a while the past couple of weeks there have finally been some postings about this summer which is nice but still haven't found anything yet. I have been sending resumes out left and right with no responses. I figured asking on Reduser would be my best bet and so far it is I have gotten more answers to my questions then anywhere else, thanks everyone for that.
 
If you wanted to work at an LA rental house that has RED cameras, you should give us a call. I don't think we have any interns lined up for the summer yet. Ask to talk to Steve if you call.

One thing is that you do have to be receiving credit to work as an intern at Birns.
 
Ok then. Yeah things are slow for me I'm pretty booked in April as of right now but I could sure use some PAID gigs right now. Also this could help me and you both out Schechman. If anyone knows of websites that post crew type jobs post those up as well. Looking for websites that house jobs for the entire USA. Like the links below.

www.craigslist.org
www.mandy.com

Anymore?

Thanks
Nicole
 
Yea I know what you mean. My biggest debate for the summer was if I should stick with my job back home so I can make money to finance my student films or get an internship. I decided to go with the internship idea and the first suggestion I got was to look on Mandy.com. My only problem with this site is that I looked in January and there was absolutely nothing for the summer and now finally summer crew positions are getting posted. I get out of school in a month and I was hoping to have an internship lined up by now. On a positive note I have a lot more leads than i did before I poster on reduser so hopefully this will solve my problem.

-Solomon
 
I think craigslist is a last resort, especially for paying gigs. The "jobs" posted there are usually b.s.

Mandy is ok, there are a lot of inexpensive subscription sites (media-match.com, procrewbook.com, productionhub.com, ad infinitum) and free sites (slatecast.com, local newsgroups, etc.). State and city film commisions often have good listings. It's really not that tough to find these types of sites, just google film jobs and hundreds of options will pop up.

If you're really new to this, then almost any experience can be beneficial. If your own profs can't or won't help you, try other local unis, film schools, art institutes, whatever - somewhere, something is going on and most of those shows will gladly take on a willing, helpful, polite person in some capacity.
 
Yeah, it's tough. Patience and tenacity will be your best virtues for now. There is definitely a need for knowledge and skill, but when you're starting out luck and timing are even more important. I realize it sounds trite, but if you keep at it you'll get a break eventually.
 
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