Academy’s 4th Gold internship program begins with 19 entertainment industry partners participating

The fourth Gold internship program of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has begun with 19 entertainment industry partners of the Academy participating.

Academy Gold is an entertainment industry internship enhancement and mentorship program for young professionals and students from underrepresented communities. The internship program presents top film entertainment, technology, production services and digital media firms an opportunity to hire and train a diverse pool of talent. There are close to 300 past Academy Gold program interns to date, with over 85% having moved into positions within the industry (27% in positions higher than entry level). These interns represent 74% people of color, 64% women, 30% LGBTQ+ and 6% with disability.

In the fourth year of Academy Gold, participating partners include The Walt Disney Company, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, AMC Networks, Panavision/Light Iron, Bron Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros., Dolby Laboratories, Circle of Confusion, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Universal Filmed Entertainment, Participant Media, Moving Picture Institute, Paradigm Talent Agency, Telsey + Company and FotoKem.

The summer program is virtual due to the current pandemic.

Nancy Utley, Academy governor and Education and Outreach Committee chair, said “We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” according to a press release the Academy emailed to members of the press and US and Global News also received. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”

Christine Simmons, COO of the Academy, commented: “In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear. Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these students and young professionals that will change their trajectory in our industry.”

Each partner is sponsoring up to three of their interns for the program. At the start, there is a two-day orientation, which includes virtual tours of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Margaret Herrick Library and the Academy’s Film Archive. The orientation also includes studio and agency panels and Academy governors, members and other industry speakers.

Including 19 interns placed within the Academy, 74 students from across the US and other places are participating in the eight-week program. The internship will end with a graduation ceremony on August 8.

Academy Gold offers interns career preparation sessions, an assortment of panel discussions on all aspects of moviemaking and networking opportunities with industry professionals and Academy members.

For students interested in sound, costume design, film editing, cinematography and production design, there is also a production track with technical workshops and masterclasses on the internet. These 30 interns will, in the fall (once production in LA has resumed and guidelines allow), have the chance to acquire practical experience shooting scenes on a soundstage and learn on active productions shadowing several departments. Industry professionals and Academy members will participate in panels discussing crafts of the interns.

All students will be teamed up with an Academy member for an eight-month mentorship at the end of the program.

For the interns, there is also an alumni program, which will offer affinity groups for black and African-American, Asian-American and Pacific Islander, Latin, LGBTQ+ and women alumni to network with others with similar experiences, backgrounds and identities. The alumni program will also provide career advancement services, access and networking opportunities. Moreover, career progression and successes of the interns will be tracked through a database, allowing the industry to take advantage of a diverse talent pipeline, said the news release we received.