Internships weren't much of a thing when I arrived in Hollywood nearly (gulp) 50 years ago, but getting started by working for free certainly was in fashion. Given that I knew nothing about the film industry -- other than that a camera, DP, script, and actors were required -- that seemed fair. Truth be told, I had nothing to offer any production beyond youth, a good attitude, and the willingness to work as hard as necessary to get started, so why should they pay me?
I was fortunate. After a month of driving the set dec truck in pre-production, then working as a set PA during the first weeks of filming, I was offered the assistant editing gig for $50/week (roughly $275 in 2025 dollars), which was a life-saver. Although I soon learned that editing would definitely not be my path through Hollywood (I was born to work on set), landing my first paid gig was huge ... and the contacts I made on that project led directly to the next 40 years of my career.
Nobody should work for free any longer than necessary, of course, but when you have nothing to offer beyond raw youthful enthusiasm, you take what you can get.
One of the interns went on to create the series "Ed" for Worldwide Pants
Another went on to direct those cinema classics "Cabin Boy" and "Death to Smoochy"
And a third became the Executive Producer of "Ellen"...
I of course am currently working in "immersive theater" in Buena Park telling people there's no parking here for Porto's and pointing them toward the restrooms
Did anyone actually see that DeNiro movie? What if you're not in college, but you'd like to get back in the business and you're willing to work for free? Surprisingly, nobody is interested in free labor unless you're under 30!
Internships should be a two way street. I work for free; you invest in giving me learning and experience. Too often, this contract is not respected.
Internships weren't much of a thing when I arrived in Hollywood nearly (gulp) 50 years ago, but getting started by working for free certainly was in fashion. Given that I knew nothing about the film industry -- other than that a camera, DP, script, and actors were required -- that seemed fair. Truth be told, I had nothing to offer any production beyond youth, a good attitude, and the willingness to work as hard as necessary to get started, so why should they pay me?
I was fortunate. After a month of driving the set dec truck in pre-production, then working as a set PA during the first weeks of filming, I was offered the assistant editing gig for $50/week (roughly $275 in 2025 dollars), which was a life-saver. Although I soon learned that editing would definitely not be my path through Hollywood (I was born to work on set), landing my first paid gig was huge ... and the contacts I made on that project led directly to the next 40 years of my career.
Nobody should work for free any longer than necessary, of course, but when you have nothing to offer beyond raw youthful enthusiasm, you take what you can get.
It's all part of paying your dues.
When I interned at Letterman....
One of the interns went on to create the series "Ed" for Worldwide Pants
Another went on to direct those cinema classics "Cabin Boy" and "Death to Smoochy"
And a third became the Executive Producer of "Ellen"...
I of course am currently working in "immersive theater" in Buena Park telling people there's no parking here for Porto's and pointing them toward the restrooms
Hey, at least you've still got your sense of humor!
Did anyone actually see that DeNiro movie? What if you're not in college, but you'd like to get back in the business and you're willing to work for free? Surprisingly, nobody is interested in free labor unless you're under 30!