INTERNSHIPS

A trained workforce is integral to the success of film, tv, and commercial production in the region. Therefore, 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 St Louis County Rebate 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

FAQS

FOR INTERNS: 

Q: How do I qualify to become an intern?  

A: You must have participated in an UMFO workshop or be a currently enrolled student (ages 18+) in a similar program/ higher education partner.

Q: What is a similar program or educational partner?

A: Examples include UMD’s Maroon Loon Studios, Catalyst Story Institute’s Storieroad, Zeitgeist Film School, any theatre or arts degree at a local college or university, etc.

Q: Do I have to be over a certain age to be an intern?

A: Yes, interns must be 18 years or older as of the start date of the job. 

Q: Do I have to have previous experience working on a film/TV set?

A: No. While no previous on-set experience is required, interns must have attended one of the educational opportunities listed above.

Q: How are interns selected by productions?

A: 

  • Interns must create their profiles on the UMFO production guide.
  • UMFO will promote available opportunity information on UMFO’s website and social media accounts.
  • Incoming productions search the guide to connect directly with candidates through their contact info. Interns and productions work directly with each other (UMFO doesn’t take part in the selection process)
  • If the candidate is part of a higher education program that requires documentation for credits, the hiring production and education facilities work directly with each other for reporting requirements. 

Q: What if there are more interns than jobs available?

A: This is like any other job! Interns must apply and be hired for the job. Productions decide which candidates best fulfill their needs.

Q: Do I have to work the entire production?

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.

Q: Are interns paid? 

A: Yes – interns must be paid minimum wage.

Q: When will I be paid?

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.

Q: Are interns 1099 or W2 employees?

A: Your employment tax designation will be determined by each production, and in accordance with state and federal laws.

Q: Am I required to sign a contract?

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.

Q: Do I have to be a St. Louis County resident?

A: No – but if you live in the rebate area, your wages are rebateable by the production.

Q: Do I have to take a job if offered to me?

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.   

Q: What are the reporting requirements?  

A: Interns are required to fill out an UMFO feedback survey with basic demographic information at the completion of the internship.

Q: Do I have to get myself to set each day?  

A: Yes. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the set.

Q: Is food provided?

A: Most professional sets provide basic food (aka, craft services) and meal breaks based on union contract rules.

Q: What do I do when I arrive at set?

A: Check in with your supervisor that is assigned to you during your pre-production interviews.

Q: Can I intern on multiple projects at the same time?

A: Yes! If your production schedule allows you to complete multiple productions, you can do it!

FOR PRODUCERS

Q: How do I select interns?

A: 

  • Interns first create their profiles on the UMFO production guide.
  • Incoming productions search the guide to connect directly with candidates through their contact info. Interns and productions work directly with each other (UMFO doesn’t take part in the selection process)
  • If the candidate is part of a higher education program that requires documentation for credits, the hiring production and education facilities work directly with each other for reporting requirements. 

Q: Are interns paid? 

A: Yes – interns must be paid minimum wage.

Q: Do I have to house them?

A: No, you are not required to. UMFO strongly recommends that you house interns just as you would the rest of your crew.

Q: Do I have to feed them?

A: Yes. You must treat interns as hired crew and abide by all normal procedures.

Q:  What if an intern isn’t performing? 

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.

Q: What if an intern quits?   

A: If another intern is available, we encourage the production to replace the intern with the next from the list.

Q: What are the reporting requirements?  

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.

Q: Who do I contact with questions before, during, or after production?  

A:  You can email UMFO at exec@uppermidwestfilmtv.org anytime.