6 Reasons Why a Production Internship Is Worth it!

Most of us go into a J-school thinking that we’ll be certain of what our calling is by the time we graduate, at least I did. However, the situation is usually the opposite. I found myself in a complex broth, with my interests spread across writing, video-editing, ideating, lifestyle and international politics. And that’s when I decided to explore and handpick my niche.

I landed an internship with Times Internet, Mumbai- and in this article I’ll share with you all that being a production intern taught me!

Exposure to professional industry standards

You’ll get a chance to work with skilful production teams, celebrities, and other crew on set- creative, set & decor, make-up, lighting, camera and the list goes on. The experience will make you conversant with the industrial jargon, as well as the standards.

Helps you figure out where you fit

Having worked with all the teams, from script, pre-production, set crew to post-production, you’ll know what rides your boat. I, for one, found myself consistently attracted to the content and script behind a commercial. A production internship really is a blessing in disguise!

Helps you build a network

The internship will introduce you to seasoned professionals, everyone from makeup artists to creative producers! There can’t be a better opportunity to expand your network. Keep in touch with these people, follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, and be up-to-date with who’s doing what.

The set is the best classroom

The script might take a 180 degree turn once you start shooting, dialogues may be modified, scenes get added and subtracted last minute, and the list is endless! The set teaches you what a classroom can never. I’ll share with you a little something that my boss, who is also marketing maestro, told me this morning- ask as many questions as you want, be prompt, and most importantly, never assume i.e make an ass out of u and me. Cool day, eh?

Teaches you to hold your own ground

In course of the internship, you’ll figure where your heart lies, and you must stick to it. A production internship tends to get a little overwhelming and even demoralising sometimes, so hold your ground, tomorrow will be a better day!

Enhances your resume

Being a production intern implies that you’ve seen the production process first-hand, from start to end. You understand the pre-production manual, the treatment of a script, the casting, sets, and the list goes on! In addition to that, you might also get the chance to assist a marketing campaign, ideate briefs etc. Believe me, you’ll do a great favour to your resume by being a production intern, and the clarity that it’ll give you on what you want to pursue is unparalleled!

All in all, a production internship is a super dynamic and charged-up experience. One month into the internship, I’ve assisted an editorial shoot with Zoya Akhtar, worked on a branded iDiva video, an IndiaTimes project, and saw the making of a 360 degree marketing campaign. Every day is a surprise here, and a lesson that I could never find in my college notes.