No matter what your writing style is, it’s possible to become a screenwriter, if you’re dedicated to the craft. You might be interested in films that are in the genre of drama or the genre of action, or you might be interested in writing a sitcom pilot episode. Whether you’re planning on working in New York City or Los Angeles, it’s possible for you to secure a screenwriting internship.
We’re going to discuss the best screenwriting internships, today. First, we’ll discuss some things that you need to secure screenwriting internships, and then, we’ll get into the list, describing the top five screenwriting internships out there.
By the end, you’ll know everything that you need to know about screenwriting internships. Let’s get into it!
What Do I Need to Get a Screenwriting Internship?
Although every internship is going to be different and you should look at the requirements for each internship that you’re applying for, here are a few things that you’ll probably need, in order to secure a screenwriting internship:
Be Enrolled as a Student
You’re probably going to have to be a student, in order to get an internship. Although sometimes you can get away with simply being an emerging screenwriter without much experience, many internships like it if you’re a student.
This is because you might earn school credit for completing the internship (sometimes in lieu of payment), and also, this is because internships want dedicated candidates who have some experience with other screenwriters. Because students take classes under professors who are professional screenwriters, internships might require you to be a student, because you have industry experience from your classes.
Another thing about being in school, is that oftentimes internships will recruit students, based on their undergraduate or graduate institution. In other words, a school might be notified of a screenwriting internship, and then, they’ll inform their students about it, or they’ll pick a qualified student to recommend to the program. In more ways than one, being a student helps, when you’re trying to get a screenwriting internship.
Have a Portfolio
In order to be picked for a screenwriting internship, you’re going to have to have samples of your work, to prove that you’re qualified to work in a writers’ room. Now, it probably won’t be
necessary for you to have a successful show under your belt, but you’ve got to have some kind of advanced writing to prove your skills.
When you’re showing your portfolio to internships, you want to prove that you can think in a way that is innovative and creative, so you’re going to want to show your best scripts, that prove your dedication to the craft. A lot of being successful in the screenwriting industry is contingent on you being dedicated to never giving up, and if you show a long script to the company you’re applying to, they’ll know you’re dedicated.
Try to pick works of writing that reflect your unique and personal voice. Every screenwriter is different, so it’s vital that you let the internship know what makes your work special. There are tons of boring scripts out there, so don’t fall victim to showing a script that’s boring—stand out!
Be Creative
In the screenwriting industry, it’s vital that every applicant is creative. In order to think of the next up and coming television show or movie, you have to have unique ideas! So, when you’re applying to the internship, prove that you’re creative and able to think quickly. New ideas have to flow all the time, in order to be successful in this industry. Let the internship hiring team know that you’re always thinking creatively.
Be Committed
This one seems self-explanatory, but you have to be committed to working in the industry, and you have to have time to work in the industry, in order to secure an internship. If you’re going to school in Kansas, and you apply for a full-time internship in New York, you’re probably not right for the job, because you can’t commit to it.
However, if you’re a student who goes to school in Los Angeles, and you apply for a part time internship in Los Angeles, you can commit to this job, so you are more likely to be a successful candidate.
There are Many More Traits Required, Too
Although there are plenty more qualities that you need to possess in order to be a successful screenwriting internship candidate, this list is a good place to start, when you’re getting ready to apply for jobs.
Now that you know the basic traits that are required to get a screenwriting internship, let’s get into the list of the top five internships for screenwriters to apply to.
Top Five Screenwriting Internships
5. ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship
Although this is not an internship—it’s a fellowship—it was created with the goal of helping screenwriters advance their career, so if you’re trying to become a professional screenwriter, this job is great for you. ScreenCraft is a professional organization that aspires to connect screenwriters with the people that will make them successful in the industry.
So, when you work on the ScreenCraft Screenwriting Fellowship, you’re going to receive mentorship from successful screenwriters, and you’ll also be connected with other writers, who have completed the program in the past.
All that you need to do to apply, is include a sample script that you’ve written and a cover letter. Be sure to make a cover letter that is really show-stopping, because there are a lot of applicants!
4. Warner Brothers
We’ve all heard of Warner Brothers, so if a company is a household name, it’s probably a good idea to try to get an internship there. When you intern at Warner Brothers, you’re going to be working for ten weeks in different departments, like creative development, social media, and more.
It’s important to make connections, and when you work at this internship, you’re going to be making connections with people at Warner Brothers, which is a big deal. To apply, simply include a resume and a cover letter. If you get accepted, you’ll have an inside look into one of the biggest production companies in the world!
3. Emmy Remote Development Internship
This internship is remote, which is incredibly exciting, especially for people who don’t live in Los Angeles or New York City. During this internship, you’ll work on movies, television series, children’s shows, and more. Also, you’ll be able to appraise other ideas for film and television shows, and you’ll see what happens when shows go into development.
To apply, you’ve got to explain why you’d be good for the internship, and include your resume, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript. This is another competitive internship, but working for the Emmy Television Academy would be a big career opportunity.
2. Short Film Intensive
This internship was created to help advance the careers of college students, and although you’ll work on screenwriting projects, you’ll learn about more than just screenwriting. You’ll learn about digital editing, cinematography, production, and more. Another perk of the internship, is that you’ll be able to network with other writers, because the internship is a large group of dedicated screenwriters. And the best way to network, is to catch a screenwriter before they
emerge into fame. You never know when a member of your cohort is going to be successful in the future! And you never know if your interests will intersect with another creative in the future.
It’s simple to apply. You only need a cover letter, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and samples of your writing.
1. StoryFit Internship
We’ve made it to the number one internship available for emerging screenwriters, so if you’re serious about being a professional screenwriter, you’ve got to give this internship a chance!
StoryFit is one of the most important companies who integrate AI and machine learning into the entertainment industry.
So, when you work for StoryFit, you’re going to be responsible for doing tasks like analyzing scripts, reading scripts, fixing scripts, and reformatting scripts. The exciting part about this internship, is that you might have the chance to read different scripts that are incredibly famous. So, you’ll have an inside look into some of the biggest movies and television shows, before they hit the big screen.
This internship is designed for writers who are located in Austin, Texas, but if you’re not willing to move, there are a few remote positions available. These internships are available all year round, and you’re only required to dedicate ten hours a week to the internship.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to become a screenwriter, it’s important to love the craft and work hard. Although these aren’t the only internships that are available for talented, young screenwriters, this list comprises the best of the best internships available.
Remember, if you’re not accepted the first time, try to apply again. Plus, it’s always a good idea to apply to a lot of internships, when you’re in the market for a new job. So, don’t give up, and always keep writing, to hone your craft.
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