9 Film Internships for High School Students in the USA

The film industry is a canvas for creativity, storytelling, and technological innovation. For high school students aspiring to be part of this exciting world, internships offer invaluable experiences and learning opportunities. Below, we explore nine exceptional film internships available for high school students in the USA, each promising a unique journey into the realm of cinema.

1. Fresh Films Program:
   This program runs for 30 weeks with weekly after-school meetings. High school students get the unique opportunity to work with industry giants like Sony, Paramount, and Discovery Networks. Participants engage in various projects including producing a music video, a competition show, a documentary, and a scripted short film. This immersive experience is a great way for students to learn the ins and outs of the film industry. For more details, visit Fresh Films Program.
2. NYU Tisch Future Filmmakers Workshop:
   Hosted by the renowned NYU Tisch School of the Arts in New York, this 14-week program offers high school students a chance to develop their storytelling and technical filmmaking skills. The workshop is free and is particularly focused on students from underrepresented groups in the film industry. Participants gain hands-on experience and interact with professional filmmakers and Tisch faculty. More information can be found on the NYU Tisch website.
3. Museum of the Moving Image Teen Council:
   Based in Queens, NY, this 6-month program is part of the MoMI Teen Digital Media Innovators program. It offers a paid job development opportunity for NYC teens interested in media arts. Participants curate events, including film festivals and workshops, under the mentorship of museum media educators and industry professionals. Visit MoMI Teen Council for more information.
4. New York Film Academy Teen Filmmaking Camps:
   These summer camps, available in various locations globally and online, are tailored for students with little to no film experience. Participants write, shoot, direct, and edit their own films, receiving in-class instruction and participating in on-set production. The program culminates in a screening of the students’ works. More details are available at NYFA Teen Filmmaking Camps.
5. SOCAPA Filmmaking Summer Camp:
   Offered in Los Angeles, New York, and Vermont, SOCAPA provides intensive summer camp experiences for students aged 13-18. The camps include various filmmaking intensives, where participants craft their own films and collaborate with others. Visit SOCAPA Filmmaking Summer Camp for more information.
6. NYU Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop:
   This virtual workshop from NYU Tisch School of the Arts focuses on directing, shooting, and editing. High schoolers produce a documentary, a music video, and a final narrative film under the guidance of expert mentors. Learn more at NYU Tisch Online Workshop.
7. UCLA Film and Television Summer Institute:
   This three-week intensive workshop in Los Angeles lets high school students learn about cinematic storytelling and create their own film projects. Participants also attend lectures featuring guest speakers. Visit UCLA Summer Institute for further details.
8. USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program:
   Located in Los Angeles, USC’s six-week summer sessions allow high school students to learn about filmmaking, screenwriting, computer animation, or film/television business. The program includes college-level courses and the opportunity to earn college credits. For more information, visit USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program.
9. Austin Film Festival Young Filmmakers Program – Summer Film Camp:
   Based in Austin, TX, this 8-week program is part of the Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmakers Program. It offers classes and workshops in screenwriting, filmmaking, editing, and more. The camp is a comprehensive introduction to the film industry for young enthusiasts. Check out Austin Film Festival Young Filmmakers Program for details.

Each of these internships provides a unique pathway into the film industry, offering high school students the chance to explore their passion for cinema, develop filmmaking skills, and gain invaluable insights into the world of movie-making.