NFL FILMS Spring 2019 Internship Program

Winner of 126 Emmy Awards, NFL FILMS is widely recognized as the most honored filmmaker in sports and is credited with revolutionizing the way America watches football and sports in general. Each year NFL FILMS produces more than 600 hours of new NFL programming for NFL Network, ESPN, HBO, Showtime, all major broadcast and numerous cable networks, NFL.com, and content-streaming platforms. Additionally, NFL FILMS provides audio/visual and engineering support for other divisions of the NFL.

 

The NFL FILMS Internship Program is a paid opportunity. Participants in the program have the chance to experience one of the most unique learning environments in the television and film industries. The NFL FILMS Internship Program is known for offering a hands-on approach to learning. Our award-winning staff is willing to assist and mentor those individuals with a serious desire to further their studies and achieve their career goals. Incorporated into the internship program are seminars that cover topics such as navigating the unique employment landscape in this industry, the importance of networking, freelancing, and Q & A sessions with executives and former interns. Additionally, we provide time for interns to observe and experience all phases of our operations in film and video production as well as the opportunity to work on one's own project to upgrade his or her skills and demo reel.

There are several departments within NFL FILMS that offer internship opportunities. A description of each department can be found below. Please thoroughly read through each department description before selecting your area of interest in our application. Based on an applicant's stated interest, course of study and experience, we will assign an intern to spend the majority of his or her time in one of these departments: Audio, Producers, Social Media, Cinematography, Footage Licensing, Talent Relations, Media Services, Project Management, Studio, Graphics, Entertainment Development, and Field Operations.

 

Current college students may participate in the NFL FILMS Internship Program for academic credit. However, receipt of academic credit is entirely dependent upon the policies of the university and is the responsibility of the student.

NFL FILMS is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2019 internship program (February 11, 2019 -- May 10, 2019). Internships are limited to a period of no more than 6 months. Applicants must be available at least three full-days a week (Monday -- Friday) and acceptance is contingent upon the outcome of a standard background investigation. The program is designed as an educational experience for qualified individuals. This internship is open to college students and recent graduates only.

Complete the online application and assessment. When prompted, please upload BOTH cover letter and resume.

Application deadline: Friday, October 12th at 11:59pm EST

Interviews held: November/December 2018

Offers made: December 2018

Start Date: Monday, February 11, 2019

End Date: Friday, May 10, 2019

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTIONS 

This department is appropriate for those individuals looking for a career as a Director of Photography or Cinematographer. Interns will work with our Emmy Award-winning cinematographers, gaining knowledge of and experience with high-definition cameras; learning proper care, maintenance, and handling of HD equipment from our extensive inventory, and acquiring real world experience working side-by-side with our crews in the field for various shoots. Interns will gain knowledge on how to light and shoot NFL Films-style productions and will be given time to light and shoot in various situations, while receiving feedback from our Cinematographers. Students interested in working in this department should have a working knowledge of on-location film production and equipment.

 

This department is appropriate for those individuals interested in Entertainment or Copyright Law. The Footage Acquisition department is responsible for acquiring and licensing intellectual property (i.e.: news stories, movie clips, photos, magazine covers) from third parties, to be incorporated into NFL Films productions. Students in this internship will build their research, communication, and organizational skills by working hands-on to research and acquire third party materials. They will also research and confirm the copyright holder of the requested elements, secure permission to use the elements in our productions utilizing license agreements and other appropriate paperwork. They will learn the various types of agreements that we enter into, how to build professional working relationships (both internally and with third party vendors) and how to track expenses/detailed information for future reference.

 

This is not a news, broadcast, advertising, or public relations assignment. This internship is appropriate for individuals who are interested in utilizing their editing knowledge, while expanding their research and communication skills. The National Football League holds the rights to all NFL footage and the Media Services department is responsible for compiling and disseminating that footage to companies who have a licensing agreement with the NFL. The intern assigned to this department will assist in researching and gathering material for outside television networks, NFL teams, news stations, and movies/television shows currently in production requiring NFL footage. Utilizing our in-house search and database systems, this department chooses aesthetically appropriate shots based on the request to be filled and creates a compilation reel for each job. Interns will also assist the department in completing the department's additional daily tasks. Individuals requesting Media Services must have editing experience and know Final Cut Pro.

This department is appropriate for individuals interested in a career in graphic design for broadcast. An intern in this department will gain valuable experience and the ability to upgrade their skills while working with our staff artists. Interns will be exposed to all aspects of the department including designing their own Cinema 4D and After-Effects projects. Additionally, students will be working with our artists on projects in Photoshop and Illustrator; motion graphics design; 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, animation and rendering; motion and timing; typography; composition; and color theory. Preference is given to those students that have 3D or After-Effects experience, competency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and a passion for broadcast graphic design.

This department is appropriate for those individuals interested in a career as a writer, editor or in a producing role involving the creative content of a show. Interns in this department will work with our Emmy Award-winning Producers and learn all aspects of the NFL FILMS style of storytelling. Producers at NFL FILMS are responsible for the content of the entire production from conception of the story, including researching footage, conducting interviews, scripting narration to graphic elements, and the final edit and audio mix. Interns will observe and learn about all facets of the producing position, including researching the history of a player, team, or story; non-linear editing; logging interviews, game footage, and radio calls; and on-location and in-house shoots. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to our high profile programming. Preference is given to those individuals with an understanding of non-linear editing software and an interest in telling football stories.

This internship is appropriate for individuals looking for a career producing a live television studio show. Interns will report directly to the show's Coordinating Producer and work daily with Producers and other production crew. Interns will experience the creative production process that goes into getting a live weekly show on the air. Responsibilities include gathering show topics, researching and logging footage of weekly press conferences, assisting in the editing of pre-produced segment content, and coordinating live, interactive social media initiatives during air. Preference is given to those individuals looking to pursue a career in live or broadcast television production; experience with ENPS is a plus.

This department is appropriate for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the management of creative projects from a budgetary and resource management standpoint. The intern will shadow a project manager and observe how productions are budgeted, planned and executed. They will take a larger role in the daily office tasks needed to manage various budgets, which includes but not limited to: the administrative duties of processing timecards & invoices, creating wrap binders, working in the Purchase Order system and reviewing expense reports. A successful candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, be extremely organized and is a self-motivator. A basic understanding of the process and equipment used in television and film production as well as a basic business knowledge are preferred.

 

This department is appropriate for those individuals interested in a career as a Talent Coordinator or working with athletes at a sports team or agency. The Player and Talent Relations department is responsible for scheduling and coordinating shoots and interviews for NFL Films programming and works closely our Producers, Directors, Field Operations personnel, and Project Managers. Those responsibilities include maintaining databases and calendars, coordinating travel for individuals coming to NFL Films or to remote locations for interviews, and preparing and disseminating paperwork to all involved in the shoot. Establishing and strengthening relationships with all the NFL Club Members, players, and players' agents is a key goal of this department. Preference is given to those individuals who have a strong knowledge of NFL players, are highly organized, work well in a team atmosphere, and have outstanding communication skills.

 

This department is appropriate for those individuals interested in obtaining a career in post-production audio, television studio mixing and/or location recording and mixing. Interns in the Audio department will be exposed to all aspects of audio undertaken by NFL Films. Interns will work with our audio mixers gaining knowledge of audio operations on our shooting stage during live shoots, including setup, troubleshooting, wiring talent, and assisting the studio mixer. Interns will also be exposed to our Sound Transfer department and gain experience with equipment used to transfer our 40+ years of audio from various analog formats to digital files, locating audio clips for various productions, and archiving radio calls from NFL games. In addition, interns will be given numerous opportunities to observe and occasionally assist our award-winning mixers with talent voice-over recording sessions, sound design, on location recording and post-production mixing sessions. Priority is given to those individuals studying the art of Audio and all interns will be expected to learn the Fairlight Xynergi DAW, which is used extensively throughout the Audio department.

This role is appropriate for individuals interested in pursuing a career in development. Intern will learn how to assess the development landscape and leave with an understanding of the process of development and the career paths available. They will assist the Director of Entertainment Marketing and the Manager of Entertainment Marketing and will research trends, synthesize data, and create briefing books for pitch meetings. Additionally, they will assist with pro-active research to identify trends in the marketplace, especially for finding underutilized areas for NFL integrations. Individuals applying to this department should have a basic understanding of the process of development and be versed in Word, Excel, Power Point (or the equivalents.)