Information for Students

An internship is a great way to prepare for a career in the entertainment industry. This page provides you with information on how to obtain an internship, how to enroll in an internship class, and where to look for additional information.

  1. Obtaining an Internship
  2. Enrolling in Internship Classes
    • Undergraduate Students
    • Graduate Students
  3. Information for International Students

 

Obtaining an Internship

Obtaining an internship is very similar to finding a job. It is ultimately your responsibility to secure the internship. But we provide some of tools to assist you in the process. Start off with our Applying for Internships pamphlet.

The UCLA Film & TV Internship Program maintains a comprehensive database of internships in the entertainment industry. Every quarter we are contacted by studios, agencies and management companies, networks, and production companies who seek qualified UCLA applicants. Feel free to search the database.

Please know that we make every effort to screen and admit only the most reputable companies. However, you are encouraged to further research these companies and use your own best judgment in pursuing the right opportunity. If you believe a company does not provide a professional and adequate work environment, please let us know: internships@tft.ucla.edu.

The UCLA Career Center also maintains a comprehensive database of internships and job opportunities across many industries with Bruinview.

 

Enrolling in Internship Classes

 

Undergraduate Students

In order to receive credit for an internship, undergraduates must enroll in two classes: One section of FTV 183A, 183B or 183C AND FTV 195:

  • FTV 183ABC "Producing 1-3" is a series of courses that offer undergraduate students an overview of the film and television industries. Students can enroll in any section that is offered that quarter. Each course includes lectures and discussions of contemporary entertainment industry trends and issues. Please see the Registrar’s schedule for current class times. Attendance is required of all undergraduates in all ten sessions.
  • FTV 195 "Corporate Internship in Film & TV" offers academic credit for fieldwork. You must commit ten weeks to your internship. There are no weekly meetings for this course.
  • FTV 183A, 183B or 183C AND 195 must be taken concurrently with the internship.

 

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students must have junior or senior standing to enroll in FTV 183 and FTV 195. Freshmen, sophomores and those students with an internship not related to film and television should contact the Center for Community Learning for internships courses with other departments.
  • Undergraduate students from all majors are welcome to participate in the Film & TV Internship Program.

 

Course requirements

  • Students earn four units for FTV 183 and 2 to 6 units for the FTV 195 internship component. Students should elect 2 units for 14-16 hours of internship work per week (140 hours per quarter); 4 units for 17-19 hours per week (170 hours per quarter); and 6 units for 20+ hours per week (200 hours per quarter).
  • Students receiving 6 units for 195 should conduct 3 interviews with individuals in their office and include a report with their final paper.
  • A completed time sheet, approved by the student's internship supervisor, is required at the end of the quarter.

 

Enrollment

  • You can enroll in FTV 183A, 183B or 183C directly through MyUCLA.
  • To enroll in FTV 195 you will need to complete a contract. You find the contract function when you go to MyUCLA and choose "Contract Courses" in the left hand column. Follow the instructions and print out the contract. Click for a step-by-step manual.
  • You will also have to complete and get all the signatures for the Liability Waiver, Student Learning Agreement and Worker's Comp Agreement. Your employer will have to approve and sign the latter two as well. Download the complete Internship Package.
  • Drop off the completed Internship Package at the Film & TV Internship Office in 225B East Melnitz or email them to the Internship Coordinator: internships@tft.ucla.edu. Once the faculty adviser has approved the paperwork, your enrollment will be processed and FTV 195 will show up on your class list.
  • After you are formally enrolled you may request a verification of credit letter for your employer, if needed. Click here for instructions

 

Graduate Students

 

Course Requirements

  • Students receiving 4 units are required to complete a minimum of 14 hours of fieldwork per week for a total of 140 hours for the duration of the internship. In addition, students must complete a research paper on the company.
  • Students receiving 8 units are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of fieldwork per week to total 200 hours for the duration of the internship. In addition, students should conduct 3 interviews with individuals in their office and include a report with their final research paper.
  • A completed time sheet, approved by the student's internship supervisor, is required at the end of the quarter.

 

Eligibility

  • Graduate students in the School of Theater, Film and Television may enroll in FTV 498.
  • Students from other Schools should contact the faculty adviser of the Internship Program for permission.

 

Enrollment

  • To enroll, you will have to complete and get all the signatures for the Liability Waiver, Student Learning Agreement and Worker's Comp Agreement. Your employer will have to approve and sign the latter two as well. Download the complete Internship Package.
  • Drop off the completed Internship Package at the Film & TV Internship Office in 225B East Melnitz or email them to the Internship Coordinator: internships@tft.ucla.edu.
  • After receipt of your forms you will receive an email with your Permission To Enroll (PTE) number, which will allow you to enroll in FTV 498 on MyUCLA.
  • After you are formally enrolled you may request a verification of credit letter for your employer, if needed. Click here for instructions

 

Information for International Students

Different restrictions apply to J-1 and F-1 visa holders. Generally students who have been enrolled for three quarters fulfill the 9-months requirement for eligibility for post-program academic training (which includes non-paid internships). Please contact the International Center for more information and to determine your eligibility.