My internship at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission is jam packed with excitement and adventures in film. Every day I see something I did not see and do something I did not see or do the week before. I am constantly learning! This internship encourages growth by providing opportunities to not only learn but participate.

I began my career as a screenwriter before turning my attention to what was going on behind the scenes. This internship is a God send! I have been on film sets, commercial shoots, learned to scout locations and now (dramatic drumroll) I am proud to say now know why we use a clapper and the importance of lighting scenes and the definition of a BOOM and grip.

GCFC offers not only internship opportunities but seminars on every aspect of filmmaking you can imagine. Want to be a Production Assistant? They have classes and information sessions on that. Want to register your small business in a database for film crew opportunities or become a vendor? There is a seminar on that. Want to scout locations? Want to learn about how tax credits work? Do you want to learn how to "pull focus" or edit? There are courses and opportunities for that too!

GCFC’s relationship with Literary Cleveland, Liminal, Cleveland School for Digital Arts and a host of other organizations help to round out the learning!

The staff here is incredibly kind! Although busy pitching Cleveland's film program to filmmakers throughout the country (Bring your production to Cleveland we don't bite and we have professional filmmakers that rival anyone, anywhere in the world) they pause to generously answer questions and support me when I get stuck or need advice or information.

It is not just one-sided. I make sure to show up on time, prepared to work, learn and grow as an artist. I get in and get my hands dirty! I have done everything from perform a variety of administrative tasks, to help carry equipment, to clean the office kitchen. This ROCKS and gets balanced by attending events where I meet industry professionals and help solve problems big and small.

If you are thinking about interning do yourself a favor and GO FOR IT! There's nothing holding you back! Come join us! I promise you won't regret it!