Entertainment Industry Internships

Abstract

This Honors Thesis has two parts. Part 1 is a research paper that examines a key issue in internships in the entertainment industry: the controversy about paid versus unpaid internships. The research paper brings to light issues that have arisen in the industry in recent years and anticipates what may become of internship programs in the future: #1 The Field: the key importance of an internship for entry into the film and television industry; to provide an overall understanding of the business at hand; #2 The Controversy: a review of the misunderstandings and confusion about terms and definitions of work that have led to intern lawsuits; #3 The Court Cases: a survey of the significant cases over unpaid internships; and #4 The Outcome: Given the ongoing controversy, a look into what the future of internships may become. Part 2 is Learn to Intern, a booklet of advice about best practices for a successful internship experience, compiled from informational interviews and my own experiences as an intern.