Check here for calls for crew or interns!
A trained workforce is integral to the success of film, tv, and commercial production in the region. UMFO has created a platform to connect interns to incoming projects in order to comply with St Louis County Rebate Program guidelines.
A trained workforce is integral to the success of film, tv, and commercial production in the region. One of UMFO’s main priorities is workforce development. UMFO has created a platform to connect interns to incoming projects in order to comply with incentive program guidelines.
GOAL: A pipeline of interns to incoming projects that turn into trained workforce participants.
DESCRIPTION: The UMFO Internship program provides a platform/database for students and productions to connect and allow participants to gain experience with productions.
A: Interns have their profiles listed on the UMFO production guide.
A: Yes – interns must be paid minimum wage.
A: No, you are not required to. UMFO strongly recommends that you house interns just as you would the rest of your crew.
A: Yes. You must treat interns as hired crew and abide by all normal procedures.
A: Reasonable effort must be made to help the intern perform up to standards. Have a conversation, explain what is needed, etc. If, after a reasonable effort is made, the intern is still not performing, the production can terminate the agreement. Interns must be paid for all hours worked.
A: If another intern is available, we encourage the production to replace the intern with the next from the list.
A: Hiring entities work directly with educational institutions to fulfill reporting requirements if needed. The production must report wage information to UMFO as a part of the required rebate reporting and file all relevant state tax, labor, and employment reports as required by state law.
A: You must have participated in an UMFO workshop or be a currently enrolled student (ages 18+) in a similar program/ higher education partner.
A: Examples include Zeitgeist Minnesota Media Arts School (Zeitgeist), any theatre or arts degree at a local college or university, etc.
A: Yes, interns must be 18 years or older as of the start date of the job.
A: No. While no previous on-set experience is required, interns must have attended one of the educational opportunities listed above.
A: Interns must create their profiles on the UMFO production guide.
A: This is like any other job! Interns must apply and be hired for the job. Productions decide which candidates best fulfill their needs.
A: As an intern in the program, you are required to work the days that the project needs the position fulfilled. If you are unable to work the entire time, the production may choose another candidate.
A: Yes – interns must be paid minimum wage.
A: Each production is different but most pay on a bi-weekly schedule just like a regular job. Ask your supervisor for details before you begin.
A: Your employment tax designation will be determined by each production, and in accordance with state and federal laws.
A: UMFO does not require that you sign a contract but always be sure to check with a legal professional if you have any questions.
A: No, but if you live in the rebate area, your wages are rebateable by the production. UMFO strongly encourages productions to hire local interns first, if there are no local options, the project can consider candidates from outside of St Louis County or the IRRRB service area.
A: No, sometimes projects aren’t a good fit due to other work schedules, distance from home, etc. UMFO expects prompt and clear communication between the production and the intern candidates and asks that you reply promptly if they are not available.
A: Interns are required to fill out an UMFO feedback survey with basic demographic information at the completion of the internship.
A: Yes. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the set.
A: Most professional sets provide basic food (aka, craft services) and meal breaks based on union contract rules.
A: Check in with your supervisor that is assigned to you during your pre-production interviews.
A: Yes! If your production schedule allows you to complete multiple productions, you can do it!
©2025 Upper Midwest Film Office. UMFO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
