10 Things Every Intern Should Know

So I thought I'd start things out with a little top 10 list. Here's what I have realized after my first month at Sunny.

10. This Is Your Grad School

There's no masters degree for production, screen writing, editing; none at least that I know of anyway. Agreeing to an internship is signing on for a learning program. Always be eager and willing to learn. Even if you already know how a greenscreen works, talk to the director about why they are using one. If you can't get that close to the people at the top, ask your superiors as many questions as possible. Be advised, it's best not to talk just for the sake of conversation, everyone else is busting their ass all day and probably wont have time to talk about the Cubs game. But always ask work related questions when you're curious, and don't act pretentious. Take initiative, but don't assume.

9. Introduce Yourself to EVERYONE

I don't care if it's the EP or some day playing transpo driver, make sure you formally meet everyone. The biggest mistake you can make is to stay quiet around the people you work with. Don't hide. Chances are, you will come in contact with everyone at some point where a conversation could present itself. If you stand next to someone long enough with out formally meeting, it becomes awkward. Remember, they probably already know who you are. But be polite and outgoing anyway.

8. Study Up

Know your show, read the scripts, imdb the staff, know the crew list. There's no worse feeling then having the rare experience of a director explaining his dilema and decisions when shooting a scene, and you have no idea what the scene is about. TRUST ME.

7. Please, Thank You, and Smile

Trust me. If you look like you can't wait for the whistle to blow, people will notice. If you're enthused to get the extras breakfast, it can only lead to more opportunities. And always be standing. Chances are you will have a PA-like positions, don't sit, it looks bad.

6. Play It Safe

If you smoke, don't do it on set. Don't brag about drinking, etc. While this is often a great way to bond with the other assistants and make friends that you will work with in the future. It could cause problems with your superiors. Be aware of your surroundings when talking about your party life. But don't be afraid to hang out socially with other people at work. Especially...

5. Befriend Your Peers

These are the people who will be on top within a matter of years. Don't try too hard to invite the 50-year-old EP's out for fine dining. If you have the opportunity to meet outside work, TAKE IT. But make sure you quickly turn your same-aged coworkers into friends. It only takes one persons success to establish dozens of careers.

4. Mind Your Ego

It puts people off. Don't start bragging about your 120 page super villain/vampire movie the second you meet people. It wont take long for someone to ask what you are interested in doing in this business, and even less time to get excited about helping you if they like you. People are always looking to take you under their wing, it's a big step for them as well to have an eager and willing apprentice.

3. Know Who Your Friends Are

A friend of mine gave me priceless advice after I got my first pilot picked up by a very successful EP. "Don't let your dick get too big." The second you start bragging and alienating people because you currently have a slightly higher advantage than they do doesn't mean you wont see them again when you hit rock bottom. This business is the perfect screenplay, arcs and twists you can't imagine. In my situation, the production bombed, the script was butchered, and everyone involved is still at square one. Keep the friends you make; they call them contacts out here for a reason.

2. Love Your Job

Whether you're on Big Brother 47, or Entourage, you have a very rare and valuable opportunity. While it's important not to develop and ego, it's ok to realize you have a really amazing gig. Always show how excited and grateful you are for this opportunity.

1. THIS IS YOUR GRAD SCHOOL

You aren't getting paid, you are here to learn, it is what you make it.

Keep up with your work. Agents wont care if you shoot 16-hour days. Go home and write, shoot, edit, etc. You are still learning, but pretty soon you will have to prove what you know. And you wont have the luxury of taking your time when there are bills to be paid.

If you ever have any questions, or great internship stories. Feel free to email me at dannyborrelli@gmail.com

- Dan Borrelli