Protecting Interns and Assistants in Film & TV
Introduction – The Most Vulnerable People on Set
Interns and assistants are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, but the least protected when it comes to workplace misconduct. In an industry built on hierarchy and freelance labor, these early-career roles span a variety of positions across multiple departments, with interns and assistants placed in areas such as production, creative, and administration. Protecting them is not just the right thing to do; it’s an investment in the future of film and television.
Why Entry-Level Roles Are at Higher Risk
Power imbalances make interns and assistants easy targets for exploitation. In many entertainment environments, there’s an unspoken expectation to “pay your dues” without complaint. This toxic culture creates fertile ground for:
Overwork and underpayment
Verbal abuse and public shaming
Inappropriate behavior passed off as mentorship
The prevalence of unpaid internships further increases the risk of exploitation. When entry-level workers fear retaliation or losing future opportunities, they often stay silent—perpetuating the cycle.
Common Forms of Misconduct Against Interns and Assistants
Verbal abuse, yelling, public humiliation
Many assistants are treated as emotional punching bags for stressed-out superiors.
Sexual harassment or inappropriate advances
Without clear reporting channels, interns may feel pressured to tolerate boundary violations.
Tasks beyond scope or in unsafe environments
From completing personal errands without rest to operating equipment without training, these requests are both unethical and dangerous. While interns and assistants are expected to assist with appropriate tasks such as data entry, they should not be assigned unsafe or unrelated duties.
Wage theft, unpaid overtime, or lack of breaks
It’s common for assistants to work 12–16 hour days without proper compensation, especially on indie sets.
While some programs offer paid internships or academic credit for experiential learning, many assistants still receive neither, working long hours without pay or recognition.
Mental and Career Consequences of Unchecked Harm
Early-career abuse leaves long-term scars. Victims report:
Burnout and anxiety that follow them into future jobs
Mistrust of supervisors, limiting mentorship potential
Self-doubt and shame, making it harder to speak up later
Many talented professionals leave the industry entirely after their first harmful experience. A person who was once interested in a film or TV career may lose motivation or struggle to get hired after experiencing workplace harm.
What a Safe, Supportive Internship Should Look Like
A safe and supportive internship in the entertainment industry is more than just a résumé booster—it’s a launchpad for students and aspiring professionals. The best internships offer hands-on experience that allows interns to actively participate in real projects, rather than just observing from the sidelines. These programs are designed to help students explore potential career paths, develop practical skills, and build the confidence needed to succeed in a competitive field.
Interns should feel respected and valued as part of the team, with their well-being and safety prioritized at every step. A supportive internship ensures that students are treated with dignity, given clear guidance, and provided with opportunities to learn and grow. When an internship is structured with the intern’s career development in mind, it becomes a powerful stepping stone toward future success.
Program Structure and Components
A well-structured internship program in film, TV, or media sets clear expectations from day one. Interns should receive a comprehensive orientation that introduces them to the company, the industry, and the specific goals of the program. Training sessions should cover essential skills, from using the Microsoft Office Suite to understanding set protocols and safety guidelines.
Throughout the program, interns benefit from regular check-ins and constructive feedback, ensuring they’re on track and supported in their development. Opportunities to participate in special events, industry panels, and professional development workshops are key components, allowing interns to expand their knowledge and network with professionals. By providing a supportive environment and a clear roadmap, companies can help interns make the most of their experience and prepare for future roles in the industry.
Mentorship and Networking
Mentorship is at the heart of a truly impactful internship. Interns should be paired with experienced professionals who can offer guidance, answer questions, and provide honest feedback. These mentors help interns navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry, offering insights into job openings, potential career paths, and the realities of day-to-day work.
Networking opportunities are equally important. Interns should have access to industry events, conferences, and workshops where they can meet executives, directors, and other professionals. These connections can open doors to future jobs and provide valuable support as interns build their careers. By fostering a culture of mentorship and networking, companies empower interns to take charge of their professional journeys.
Portfolio Building
A supportive internship goes beyond basic tasks—it gives interns the chance to work on meaningful projects that align with their interests and career goals. Whether it’s assisting with editing, contributing to marketing campaigns, or supporting special events, interns should be trusted with responsibilities that allow them to showcase their skills.
Throughout the internship, students should receive guidance and feedback on their work, helping them refine their abilities and build a strong portfolio. By the end of the program, interns should have tangible examples of their contributions to share with future employers, demonstrating both their talent and their hands-on experience in the industry.
Best Practices for Supervisors and Productions
Creating safe environments for interns and assistants isn’t complicated. It requires:
Clear job descriptions and reasonable expectations
Zero-tolerance harassment policies that explicitly include all ranks
Regular check-ins, even if brief, to ask “How are you doing?”
Accessible reporting systems, like anonymous digital tools or third-party ombuds support
A respectful culture starts with those in charge.
Empowering Interns and Assistants to Speak Up
Entry-level professionals, especially students from college programs, can’t protect themselves alone. They need access to:
Education about their rights and workplace standards
Reporting tools like MyConnext.org, where they can safely document and escalate misconduct
Encouragement to set boundaries and seek peer or mental health support
A designated contact person within the organization for reporting concerns or seeking guidance
Let’s normalize asking for help and saying “That’s not okay.”
Success Stories from Past Interns and Assistants
The entertainment industry is filled with inspiring stories of past interns and assistants who have turned their early experiences into thriving careers. Many students who started as unpaid interns or assistants have gone on to work for leading companies, while others have launched their own successful projects or businesses.
These success stories highlight the value of internships that provide real support, hands-on experience, and access to industry professionals. By investing in the growth and well-being of interns, studios and production companies not only help students achieve their academic and career goals, but also cultivate the next generation of creative talent. When internships are structured to empower and protect, everyone in the industry benefits—from the interns themselves to the productions and companies that hire them.
Final Thoughts – Entry-Level Doesn’t Mean Expendable
Interns and assistants are the future of this industry. Opportunities span a wide range of roles in production, studio operations, films, directing, business, advertising, entertainment news, research, editing, creating new ideas and projects, and are available through both summer internships and semester-based programs. When they are respected and protected, the entire ecosystem benefits. Ignoring their safety breeds silence and turnover; honoring their value fosters loyalty, growth, and long-term success. From call sheet to camera, respect is for everyone.
