How to land a UK film internship

Breaking into the film industry can feel like trying to gain entry into an exclusive club - nearly impossible. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or simply a passionate creative looking for a way in, internships can be a powerful launchpad as a temporary, entry-level position to gain experience in the industry. But competition can be fierce, and opportunities aren’t always easy to spot, let alone secure.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about landing a film internship in the UK: from where to look, how to stand out, and what to expect once you're in.

Contents

1. Understanding what a film internship involves
2. Where to find film internship roles
3. Tips for applying: Polish your CV and showreel
4. Stay organised: Keeping track of progress
5. What to expect from your internship

1. Understanding what a film internship involves

Before you start firing off CVs, take a moment to define what you're actually looking for. Not all internships in the film world are the same - in fact they can many departments:

• Production internships: These internships offer hands-on experience in all aspects of film production, from pre-production planning to on-set operations. 
• Post-production internships: Interns in this area may assist with editing, visual effects, sound design, and other tasks involved in the final stages of filmmaking. 
• Development internships: These internships focus on the initial stages of film creation, including script reading, research, and development. 
• Distribution internships: Working for studios and large streaming platforms like Amazon and Netflix.
• Marketing and social media internships: Interns in this area help promote films through various channels, including social media management, market research, and event coordination

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I want to work on set, in an office, or in post-production?
• Do I want to get experience in a particular role (e.g. script development, cinematography)?
• Am I open to remote opportunities?

Photo by Nathan J Hilton

Paid vs Unpaid

There are two types of film internship:

1. Student internships: run hand in hand with an academic course, much like the American system. Student internships are not paid placements. 
2. General internships: If interns are classed as a ‘worker’ then companies should provide a wage in accordance with the national minimum wage. 

Location

London

It’s no secret that London dominates the UK’s film industry. It's home to the BBC, Channel 4, Pinewood Studios, plus many production companies and post-production studios.

You do have to consider the cost of living is high, plus factor in travel and accommodation if you’re not based there. And focusing only on London could mean missing out on equally exciting opportunities elsewhere.

Manchester

Manchester has become one of the UK’s most important media hubs, thanks largely to MediaCityUK — home to both BBC and ITV, as well as a host of independent production companies. The city offers strong opportunities in TV drama, factual programming, and even some film work.

While competition for roles can still be fierce, Manchester’s more affordable cost of living compared to London makes it an appealing base for those starting out in the industry.

Bristol

Bristol stands out as a UNESCO City of Film Bristol. It's also the birthplace of motion picture pioneer William Friese-Greene and the birthplace of Hollywood legend Cary Grant. It’s the home of Aardman Animations (Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep) and has a thriving factual and documentary sector.

The city is particularly strong in animation, natural history filmmaking, and documentaries. While the industry here is smaller than London’s, Bristol is well-connected and offers a tight-knit community that values collaboration.

Glasgow

Glasgow boasts a vibrant film and TV scene, supported by Creative Scotland’s investment in the arts. It’s home to major broadcasters like BBC Scotland and STV, as well as an energetic indie film community.

Opportunities here often centre on drama, independent productions, and factual content. While there may be fewer internships available overall compared to larger cities, Glasgow’s close-knit industry means that once you’re in, you can quickly become part of a strong creative network.

Other regional hotspots

• Cardiff: Growing TV & film sector, particularly through Bad Wolf Studios (His Dark Materials).
• Belfast: Titanic Studios and a post-Game of Thrones production boom.
• Leeds: Channel 4 headquarters and growing indie scene.

Types of companies

Independent Production Houses

These are smaller, often more agile companies producing feature films, documentaries, or commercials. You may get to wear multiple hats and be involved in different stages of production. It’s often more hands-on than in a bigger organisation. On the other hand resources can be limited.

• Examples: Warp Films (This Is England), Pulse Films (Gangs of London), Blueprint Pictures (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri).

Broadcasters

Think big names like BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky. Broadcasters don’t just produce, they commission and distribute films and TV content. More structured internship schemes with clear training opportunities. Highly competitive; roles may be more specialised and departmental.

Post-Production Studios

These companies handle editing, colour grading, sound design, and visual effects. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes magic that happens after filming, this could be your calling.

Learn specialist skills in a technical environment; get exposure to big-name projects. Work can be highly focused — great if you love detail, less so if you crave variety.

• Examples: Framestore (VFX), The Farm Group (post-production for TV & film), Molinare (film and high-end TV post).

Film Festivals & Arts Organisations

Interning at a top UK film festival (e.g. BFI London Film Festival, Sheffield DocFest) can give you insight into programming, marketing, and event production. There's excellent networking opportunities with filmmakers, critics, and distributors and usually temporary, seasonal roles.

2. Where to find film internship roles

Here are some top resources and methods to help you find internships:

Production Company Websites

Many production companies list internships or entry-level roles on their websites. Start with a list of 20-30 independent UK film companies and check their sites regularly. Some may not advertise, but it's still worth reaching out speculatively.

Industry Job Boards

• Mandy.com – Great for crew and production roles.
• The Talent Manager – Widely used in UK TV and factual.
• ScreenSkills – Offers internship schemes, training, and job listings.
• ProductionBase – Film, TV and commercial roles.
• Arts Jobs (Arts Council England) – Useful for roles in film festivals, museums, and more.

Social Media & Newsletters

Follow film companies and industry professionals on:

• LinkedIn (great for networking)
• Twitter/X (many independent filmmakers post roles here)
• Instagram (especially indie production houses and film festivals)

Subscribe to newsletters like:

• Screen International
• BFI Newsletters
• Film London Bulletins

You can also utilise word of mouth by joining local film groups and meeting others with film interests. See our list of London indie film groups and meetups for inspiration.

3. Tips for applying: Polish your CV and showreel

You don’t need a 10-page portfolio — but you do need to make a strong, relevant impression.

CV Tips

Tailor your CV to each opportunity. Highlight relevant skills like video editing, script analysis, or set work. Keep it short and sharp: 1 page is ideal, 2 max.

Include:

• A short personal statement
• Relevant experience (student films, short films, freelance gigs)
• Transferable skills (teamwork, problem-solving, organisation)
• Software skills (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Draft)

An optional way to present your work is to create a simple portfolio site. Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Notion to create a basic website showing your projects, CV, and contact details.

For showreel tips, read how to create a killer showreel.

What if you have no experience?

Think a bit harder - don't overlook your personal film related hobbies, student projects, and volunteer positions. These all show your passion and commitment:

• University projects or short films you’ve helped on
• Volunteering at a film festival
• Student societies (especially film or media-related ones)
• Any personal projects (YouTube, TikTok editing, etc.)

4. Stay organised: Keeping track of progress

If you haven’t heard back after 7–10 days, it’s perfectly fine to send a short, polite follow-up email. Keep it friendly, not frustrated. 

One of the simplest (yet most overlooked) ways to stay persistent without becoming overwhelmed is to track your applications.

Create a spreadsheet (Google Sheets works well) with columns for:

• Company Name
• Position Title
• Date Applied
• Contact Person (if known)
• Follow-Up Sent? (Yes/No)
• Outcome (Interview, No Response, Rejection)

This helps you: Avoid accidentally applying twice to the same role, follow up at the right time and spot patterns in which applications get better responses.

Rejection is part of the creative industries. Even top directors, writers, and producers hear “no” far more often than “yes.” Use each application as practice for refining your CV, improving your cover letter, and learning more about the kinds of roles and companies that suit you best.

Instead of waiting around for one dream internship to get back to you, keep applying. A good target is 3–5 quality applications per week. This is enough to keep you in the running for multiple opportunities without burning yourself out.

Quality is key here, it’s better to send five well-researched, tailored applications than 20 generic ones. Employers can spot a copy-paste email from a mile away.

5. What to expect from your internship

So, you’ve landed the internship — congratulations! You’re about to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry really works.

But what will your day-to-day actually look like? The short answer: it varies — a lot. Internships in film can range from coffee runs and spreadsheet updates to sitting in on creative meetings or shadowing a crew member on set. Your experience will depend on the type of company, the stage of production, and even the personalities of the people you’re working with.

Typical Tasks You Might Do

• Administrative work – This could include booking meeting rooms, managing call sheets, or logging footage. It might not sound glamorous, but attention to detail here can really impress.
• Research – You may be asked to find background material for a script, compile reference images for a production designer, or gather information on filming locations.
• Assisting on set – Helping move equipment, managing props, or being a runner between departments.
• Shadowing professionals – Observing an editor, sitting in on a casting session, or listening to production meetings.
• Helping with events – If you’re at a festival or marketing department, you might be welcoming guests, distributing press packs, or updating social media.

The Reality Check

While you might dream of directing on day one, most internships start with smaller, practical tasks. This isn’t a bad thing — it’s an opportunity to prove yourself reliable and adaptable. The more you show initiative and deliver quality work, the more responsibility you’ll be trusted with.

Remember: in the film industry, no job is “beneath” anyone. Everyone made tea and hauled kit in their early days.

How to Make the Most of It

• Be punctual – Film is a time-sensitive business. Being late can have knock-on effects across the whole team.
• Stay curious – Ask thoughtful questions when appropriate, and show you’re engaged with what’s happening around you.
• Say yes – If someone needs a hand, offer to help (within your ability). Flexibility is highly valued.
• Build relationships – Be friendly, approachable, and respectful. The connections you make could open doors later.
• Document your learning – Keep a notebook of new terms, processes, and contacts you encounter, it’ll be gold for your next application or interview.

What You’ll Get Out of It

• Industry insight – A first-hand look at how productions run and the roles involved.
• Practical skills – From technical know-how to communication and organisation.
• Networking opportunities – Meeting people who may hire you or recommend you in the future.
• A clearer career direction – You might discover a department you love (or one you realise isn’t for you — equally valuable).

That's a wrap

There’s no single route into the UK film industry, and internships are just one way in. Stay curious, keep building your skills, and don’t wait for someone else to give you the green light to start creating.

Think of an internship as more than a short-term placement. Every task, however small, is a chance to prove yourself and to learn something new. If you treat it as an investment in your future career, you’ll walk away with more than just a line on your CV — you’ll have skills, contacts, and confidence that no classroom can teach.

In the end, the people who make it into film share one thing in common: persistence. They keep applying, keep learning, and keep showing up until the right door opens.

Looking for more work experience tips? Read how to get hired on your first UK film set.