The MPii Intern Training Program

***COVID UPDATE: at this time, and until further notice, all MPii internships are online only. ***

Motion Picture Industry Institute (MPii) has been a leader in the industry for 30 years, researching and improving best practices among working professionals and creating industry-leading training programs to share and support the use of those better industry standards. 

Key areas of focus include: Story Development, On-set Protocols and Safety, career-building strategies and industry processes, especially with regard to diversity, inclusion and representation, both on-screen and behind the cameras.

Motion Picture Industry Institute now offers a range of internships, which provide graduated levels of high-impact hands on training and “this counts on your resume” experiences. For example, the introductory General Industry Internship prepares those interested in exploring this industry to stand out when applying for the most competitive entry-level jobs in the industry and to then move up quickly.  Hands on experience would typically involve conducting research directly with some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, including shooting and editing documentary-style interviews of top Hollywood and independent motion picture industry professionals in a wide range of roles and specialized skills. Other intern opportunities at MPii include working with senior staff conducting research as part of a major gender equity initiative in our industry. 

Internships are how our industry invites the best and brightest future entertainment professionals to help themselves better prepare for their career launch. Because for over three decades MPii has been the leading organization researching best practices and career-building strategies in the motion picture and television industry, the insights, training and experience you will have access to at MPii are the most up-to-date and most effective in the business. 

These part-time or full-time positions are typically a mix of:

  • On-line and in-person.
  • In office, in studio, and on location.
  • Working individually, working in small teams, and working in larger group activities.

Daytime, evening, and weekend hours available. 

Like all the best internships, there is a competitive application process. And as a high-value career preparation program, it does not pay a salary, but if you have the right mindset and attitude, you’ll find that the program pays much more in education and network/relationship building opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

Because interns are actively involved in so many aspects of MPii’s work in the industry, and MPii needs to preserve its reputation of high-caliber of work product and industry-leading standards of excellence, the following are strict job requirements:

  • Over 18 years old
  • U.S. citizen or has work or student visa
  • In Los Angeles area during the term of your internship. (NOTE: if you cannot meet this requirement, look into online opportunities at MPii to improve your career potential from wherever you are.
  • Highly reliable work ethic
  • Self-starter, able to work well individually and in teams
  • Growth mindset, excited to learn and grow
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Capable with GoogleDocs
  • Adept in both written and spoken English language
  • A quiet place to work “at home” (to be able to present professionally on Skype video calls).
  • A reliable high-speed internet connection.
  • A reliable computer.
  • Reliable transportation (aka car or credible Uber/Lyft budget). Note: not required for online positions. 

(Note: College credit available.  But since MPii is a research institute, current college enrollment is NOT required to qualify for this internship.)

We are looking for reliable candidates who can commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week, for no less than 8 weeks. NOTE: since you get from the program in direct relationship to what you put in, we see most successful interns investing 20+ hours a week to maximize their benefits.  

Interns who are exceptionally (1) proactive, (2) self-motivated, and (3) have a genuine enthusiasm to learn and grow will likely have the most successful internship experience.  You need to be able to follow a set of guidelines and procedures and execute, without needing to be micromanaged. 

A demanding program, it’s an unpaid position best-suited for those serious about fully engaging to earn career-building experience, on-the-job training, and recommendations that are vital to launching your career in the industry. 

TO APPLY TO THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS at MPii email to: InternApp@mpindustryinstitute.org

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Frequently Asked Questions:

It may vary from 3 or 4 to as many as 20 or more, depending which area of focus the internship is in, and at what level, as well as time of year and other factors.

Typically, the top-performing interns earning promotions within MPii, which is a key to landing the more competitive entry-level jobs in this business.  Once an intern had earned at least one or two promotions within the MPii internship program, they may  go on to other internships which are hosted at production companies, studios and networks, talent agencies, management companies, publicity and PR firms, etc. , where due to the higher-level of training they received at MPii, they stand out from the competition and earn those few coveted entry-level Assistant jobs and tend to be promoted more quickly thereafter.

Reliability.  That means demonstrating you are (1) proactively self-motivated, (2) demonstrate rock solid commitment to your word, and (3) have a genuine enthusiasm to learn and grow.  And during the internship, you need to be able to follow a set of guidelines and procedures, as well as execute and deliver with unshakable reliability, without needing to be micromanaged.