E.J. Van Getson

DePaul University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Development

Company:
Endemol USA

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I wanted to seek a career in television because I can’t imagine the feeling for any person not to be able to see at least a quality of themselves on TV. I dedicate my future career to those people, and I can't wait to tell those kinds of stories that make people feel understood. I see this internship as an opportunity for growth, and it’s how I can start forming professional relationships with people who could be my collaborators in the future.

Azi Hussen

Montgomery College

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Development (Unscripted Series)

Company:
Warner Bros.

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
When I was sixteen and living in Stockholm, Sweden, I was approached by a radio producer who had a project to inspire youth through media. He offered me a microphone together with a cameraman and asked me to interview people. In doing so, I realized the power of storytelling and visual media, which ultimately led to my seeking a career in the television and film industry. I hope this internship will help me to understand better pre-production strategies for structuring complex stories in ways that are attention-grabbing and inspiring.

Grace King

Appalachian State University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Comedy Scriptwriting

Company:
ABC

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I grew up watching Seinfeld with my dad. Watching TV and laughing with my dad made me want to pursue comedy writing. When I found out the Television Academy offered a comedy scriptwriting internship, I applied because I knew it would be an incredible opportunity. I am excited to have an internship specific to the career I am pursuing. Breaking into scriptwriting is challenging, and you usually have to take several avenues to get to the one thing you want to do for the rest of your life. Thanks to the Television Academy, I will create relationships with comedy writing professionals and work in the area of television I am most passionate about.

Juan Mendoza

El Camino College

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Production/Creative Affairs

Company:
Shondaland

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Resilience is one of the most important values I have, going through a lot has only made me stronger and left me with the need to help others. Others may not believe in me but as long as I believe in myself I know I can accomplish anything because the best thing that pushes me is when I think I can't do it.

Ashton Montgomery

University of California Irvine

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Costume Design

Company:
Terry Gordon

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I have always loved television for its ability to create new worlds present, past, and fantastical, all brought to you on a little screen every week. I applied to this internship because it sounded like a dream opportunity to meet people working in the industry who create TV magic while getting a hands-on experience. This internship will give me invaluable experiences and connections that will hopefully segue into a more permanent position in television.

Frazier Bostic

University of South Carolina

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
PR/Publicity

Company:
Crown Media

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I applied to this internship program because I knew this opportunity would be a perfect chance to gain insight into the television industry and learn hands-on from working public relations professionals. I'm looking forward to learning about the role publicity plays in television and media, as I'm interested in applying this knowledge to my future career endeavors. I've always wanted to pursue a career in the television industry. Growing up, television deeply influenced my world and what I imagined was possible. Recently seeing so many women in the industry I admire like Ava DuVernay, Lena Waithe, and Issa Rae excel in their craft inspired me to chase my dream of working in this industry!

Sabrina Robinson

Azusa Pacific University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Directing

Company:
Ed Ornelas
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Station 19

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Ever since my junior year of high school, I knew I wanted to be a director. Attending college and participating on my own sets only reinforced that belief and although much of my experience has been in film, television has always fascinated me because of the ability to tell multiple stories within a completely unique world. I found out about the Television Academy Foundation's internship program through a previous intern, Amber Overholt, who had done the sound internship, and my friends and family encouraged me to apply. I was excited to be chosen as the directing intern because this internship program places you on a working set, and lets you learn from people already working professionally in the industry. I'm looking forward to connecting with these professionals and showing them all that I am capable of.

Beatty Smith

University of Notre Dame

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Agency

Company:
Abrams Artists Agency

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I am English and grew up in the Lancashire countryside; television was a happy escape, allowing me to meet people who may be very different to me and explore unfamiliar worlds. Both of my parents are school teachers but they are also huge film and television buffs, so I grew up dissecting all of the shows we would watch together, often resulting in heated debates. I developed an obsession for storytelling which led me to write my own scripts throughout high school and ultimately pursue a career in entertainment. During my time in the development department at FX Networks last summer, I found out about the Television Academy Foundation’s internship program and realized immediately what an incredible opportunity it would be. I hope that this internship program will expand my understanding of how a talent agency operates and allow me to create a network for myself as I build my career in Los Angeles.

Kanda Fang

Syracuse University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Development  (Virtual and Augmented Reality)

Company:
Skydance Interactive, LLC

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
After taking a VR course in Syracuse and an internship at a VR studio in L.A., I became interested in Mixed Reality. And I'm thrilled to find out that the Television Academy Foundation is including MR development this year. I saw this opportunity in an email my school sent out and I applied right away. I look forward to using and dedicating all the knowledge I learned to a professional setting.

Nik Wesson

Stanford University

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Development (Animation)

Company:
The Jim Henson Company

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I grew up watching television with my family: Mystery Incorporated; Avatar: The Last Airbender; The Boondocks; Leverage. I not only got to understand how television made me feel, I got to see the happiness, the sadness, the connection to others, that my family felt. I knew I needed to enter television. When I learned about the Television Academy Foundation internship program, I knew I wanted to utilize the ability to meet people, learn about the industry, and grow as an artist.

Oona Wagner

Skidmore College

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Casting

Company:
Carmen Cuba Casting

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Today, I think television is the most exciting medium out there… shhh, don’t tell movies. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in a golden age; the past twenty years or so has paved the way for complex television narratives, breathtaking cinematography and special effects, and performances by Oscar-winning actors. When Carol Burnett received the inaugural Television Achievement Award at the 2019 Golden Globes, I pinched myself a little, realizing I was witnessing history in the making. I applied for this internship program because the Television Academy is a beacon in the industry and feels like the perfect place to learn as much as possible in a short amount of time. Ultimately I know that this program is going to teach me more than I could have ever learned elsewhere, and will introduce me to lasting connections that I hope to utilize in my future career.

Claire Park

Harvard University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Scripted Series Development

Company:
ABC Studios

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up on a wide variety of shows has developed my adventurous taste in TV, and in this “Golden Age” of content, I love that show creators are constantly subverting our expectations of how TV should be. Some of the most innovative and inspirational shows to me have been Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Master of None. Once I realized that TV development is a possible career path, I knew I had to get involved somehow, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to intern through the Television Academy, which I first heard about on my school’s career website. I’m excited to meet and be inspired by other TV fanatics and professionals in the industry, to discuss stories all day, and to learn how content development fits into the larger whole of TV production and the operations of a studio.

Joseph Keller

Elon University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Marketing

Company:
Endemol USA

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, I developed a deep respect and love for cinema at a young age. We endearingly called it “Wilmywood” or “Hollywood East," as it was home to the largest full-service studio outside California. Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve running around the studio lot with my best friend whose family was involved in producing. Not knowing anything about the film industry and just focusing on the fun costumes, nice security guards, and secret cookie stashes in the writer’s room gave me the childlike sense of wonder towards movies that I still carry today. I first heard about the program after researching avenues into the entertainment marketing landscape. The Television Academy Foundation's marketing track was exactly what I was looking for: a blend of real marketing experience with my passion for entertainment. The biggest benefit I see of the program is access to industry professionals. Having conversations and exposure to the individuals leading the entertainment marketing environment is invaluable.

Kellyann Lennon

Pace University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Choreography

Company:
Mandy Moore - So You Think You Can Dance

My grandma always said she saw me being a part of television in some way. My fellow dance friends inspired me to apply for the Television Academy Foundation’s internship program. This internship will be a HUGE stepping stone in one day being a working choreographer in the dance industry.

Joshua Elizondo

Santa Monica College

Graduation Year: 2022

Category:
Development (Unscripted)

Company:
Anchor Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Since a young age I’ve always enjoyed performing and being a vessel for creative expression. After moving to L.A. in 2014, my mentors instilled in me early on to learn all aspects of the industry to build a solid foundation and career for myself. I applied for the internship program after learning about it last year through my network, to gain knew skills and knowledge in the field and am really excited to be a part of the program this summer!

Eunice Maruhi

Hope College

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Production - Documentary

Company:
Daniel H. Birman Productions

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I believe in the power of storytelling and so I aspire to build a platform where, as Africans, we can tell our own stories and hopefully reshape the demeaning western image of Africa that continues to persist. I have always had a lot of respect and admiration for the Television Academy and its contributions to the advancement of the television industry. So when I got into the internship program, I was so thrilled to be given the opportunity of learning from the best in the industry. Through the internship, I hope to make life-changing connections and for my art of storytelling to be further nurtured.

Matthew Ward

Temple University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Production - Live Television

Company:
Bob Bain Productions

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I first got into television production and live event production in High School. The teachers I had there really inspired me to pursue a career in production. When I was in L.A. for my study away program I had met with several live television directors and a few of them had recommended the Television Academy internship program, which is why I applied. I think this internship will be the best way for me to learn the industry, network with professionals, and break into live television production. Working with and learning how a live television production company works is going to prepare me to leverage the connections I make throughout the internship and kick-start my career.

Giovanna Vicini

University of California, Santa Barbara

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Interactive Media

Company:
Getty Images

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I find it fascinating that television content can spread important stories and messages on a mass scale. I have always known I wanted to work in an industry that reaches so many people in order to contribute to the representation of vibrant stories and diverse identities. The Television Academy Foundation’s internship program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone wanting to break into the television industry, so I felt extremely compelled to apply to the program. By immersing myself in a network of seasoned professionals and ambitious peers, I’m excited to make meaningful connections and learn new skills to jumpstart my future career.

Qiuxiao Tu

School of Visual Arts

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Animation

Company:
Bento Box

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I'm grow up with American TV Show and animations. Not just watching episode, I'm also watching behind the scene and try to figure out how TV is been made. It is very appealing to me to join in the TV industry one day, and even hope to become a director to make my own TV animation. I applied for this internship because I saw those alumni who was in this program had very good development in there future career. this program can open a gate for your future on TV industry. The Television Academy Foundation gave me the opportunity to work in Hollywood, giving me the opportunity to participate in the production of real TV animations, let me learn and experience how these TV animations were created.

Kellyn Morris

Tulane University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Scripted Development

Company:
Entertainment One

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I happened upon a class all my fellow film students were raving about called Development: From Pitch to Picture which wound up being the most valuable course I have taken at Tulane. The class was taught by, Robin Blanche, an industry powerhouse who has worn the hats of producer, screenwriter, and studio executive. Ultimately she was not only the one who recommended the internship but also uncovered my passion for nurturing a story from pitch to picture. An internship at the Academy will allow me the opportunity to learn from the development executives who fought to champion the stories that elevated television into its golden age.

Antoine Combelles

American Film Institute

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Cinematography

Company:
Joaquin Sedillo

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
As a kid, watching Friends really developed the idea of familiarity with a piece of entertainment. The idea of having somewhere to go back to and see our favorite characters evolve and grow. The possibility of establishing a language and story over the span of a long time, even years sometimes, is engaging and really attractive. The Television Academy and their internship program has the reputation to be an incredible program that would provide the opportunity to follow a cinematographer in his work on a show. It feels like a great way to learn about the collaboration with the filmmakers and the creation of the look of a show.

Emma Garcia

Sarah Lawrence College

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Writing (Drama)

Company:
Campanario Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I have always loved television and the way it could tell so many types of different stories. As a result, I couldn't imagine not working in the industry and being a part of telling those stories. I applied for the Television Academy Foundation's internship program because I knew it could give me the experience I need to start my career in the television industry.

Elliot Georgiadis

The University of Akron

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Broadcast News

Company:
Fox 11

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I have always been drawn to the art of storytelling; everyone has something to share. I applied for this program at the encouragement of one of my graduate professors who felt it would be a great fit for me given my background and future career goals, not to mention the incredible opportunities offered. Truly, my hope for this internship is to gain experience and knowledge. I am an incredibly enthusiastic learner with big dreams, so I am excited by the chance to learn more about the field I am so inspired by!

Heidi Hoffmann

Bowling Green State University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Sound

Company:
Smart Post West

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I was inspired to pursue a career in television after I watched the series finale of my favorite show, Orphan Black. I thought it would be incredibly fulfilling to be a part of something that had such a profound effect on so many people. I heard about the Television Academy Foundation's internship program through a professor at my university and was encouraged to apply for the sound category based on the work I had done in the film department. My ultimate career goal is to be a Foley artist, and this internship will help me get there by providing me hands on experience with industry professionals, and connecting me with a network of other interns and alumni.

Eden Strachan

Ithaca College

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Production - Movies for Television

Company:
Stan & Deliver Films

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
When Mr. T., my eighth grade teacher, introduced me to iMovie, it was unimaginable that four years later I would chose media to be my life's work. In pursuit of my dream of becoming a filmmaker, I decided to major in Documentary Studies & Production at Ithaca College. My mentor, Professor Chrissy Guest, introduced me to the Television Academy Foundation internship and encouraged me to apply. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to work alongside industry professionals to learn the skills I need to successfully move forward in my career.

Emily Hall

American University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Editing

Company:
Fox 21 Television Studios

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My mom and I have always spent hours watching TV shows together, and while I’ve always wanted to work in film, seeing how much joy my mom and I got out of TV made me realize that I wanted to work in television. I found out about the Television Academy Foundation internship program three years ago while searching online for internships in L.A., and I have wanted to be a part of it ever since. Being selected for this program is a dream come true, and I know that this opportunity will help me gain hands-on experience working as an editor in a television studio, as well as learn about the industry from talented professionals and my fellow interns.

Samantha Glassner

Northwestern University

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Casting

Company:
Schiff/Audino Casting

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My father works in television and after hanging out on set as a child and watching the behind the scenes magic of television, I was inspired to follow in his footsteps. I was inspired to apply to the Television Academy Foundation's internship program by casting director Eyde Belasco who did this internship and found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. She encouraged me to apply! This internship program will help me to get valuable industry casting experience necessary to start a career in casting and will introduce me to professionals who can guide me along the way!

Raven Walker

Full Sail University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Production Management

Company:
Tremendous Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up, my family and I watched TV together after dinner every night. It was usually the only time in the day that we all got to spend time together in one place. As a young girl, I didn’t realize why I was so drawn to television but as I matured, I realized it was the chance to not only be with my family, but also being able to immerse myself in another world for a short period of time. Those moments watching TV with my family are what inspired me to seek a career in television because I'd be able to make content for other families to enjoy just as I did with mine as a child. When my professor told me about the Foundation's internship program, it was a no-brainer. The companies interns are paired with are the best of the best in television. The opportunity to intern for the Television Academy Foundation will give me a chance to learn from some of the most successful and knowledgeable people in the business. I’ll also be able to use the knowledge and newfound skill sets I gain to better myself and my craft and help others in their television endeavors.

Kelsey Cunningham

University of Georgia

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Physical Production/Business Management

Company:
Hulu

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Television has always developed a sense of community for me, whether that was fostered through watching re-runs of M*A*S*H with my grandfather, Battlestar Galactica with my parents, or American Horror Story with college roommates. I've always wanted to be a part of creating this sense of community for others, leading one of my college mentors, Dr. Kate Fortmueller, to encourage me to apply for this program. Through the Television Academy Foundation's internship program, I can truly see how all aspects of this business, from development to exhibition to marketing, work together to create what we see on screen. As a hopeful producer and production executive [one day], this insight will help me more efficiently plan and manage productions.

Amber Locke

Loyola Law School

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Legal & Business Affairs

Company:
HBO Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Two of my professors at Loyola Law School, Barbara Rubin and Lee Straus, both have long entertainment careers in television. Professor Straus informed me about the Television Academy Foundation's internship program. The internship program will open a lot of doors for me in television, and I am excited to sharpen my skills at my host company.

Keyanna Khatiblou

Northwestern University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Development - Scripted Series

Company:
STARZ

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I love how far-reaching television can be. TV has the capacity to bring people together and open their minds to experiences far away from their own. The Television Academy is an amazing opportunity to see how these stories are developed and I'm so excited to be one step closer to becoming a TV writer.

Danika Lyle

Stanford University

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Scripted Series

Company:
The Wolper Organization

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
In elementary school, I was always arguing at recess about why Spongebob was better than all the other kid shows. It was then I realized that I liked figuring out which shows work and which ones don't, and I've wanted to learn the secrets of good storytelling ever since. When I heard about the Television Academy's opportunities to read stories all summer and learn from industry-pro mentors, I knew that I would be another step closer to cracking the codes to creating great shows and stories that inspire the next generation.

Adam Parker

Stephens College

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Development: Movies for TV

Company:
Daniel L. Paulson Productions

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I love television because it embraces the complex nature of the human condition, giving creators enough time to construct intricate portraits of interesting characters. I applied to the Television Academy Foundation internship program because it’s the gold standard of TV internship programs and I’ve heard that that reputation allows it to partner with companies who are at the forefront of the industry. I want to learn, especially in an age where television content is conglomerating and proliferating. Where is television heading, and how is development changing? I feel like this internship will help me answer those questions and set me up to navigate my career.

Jaylene Murillo

University of Florida

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Editing (Scripted)

Company:
Geiger Post

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I want to work in television because I love the power that it has to unite, inspire, and make us feel. I applied to this internship because it gives me the opportunity to work in a specific area I love. Additionally, I applied because I know it will help me gain valuable connections in my professional and personal life. This program will provide a better perspective of the industry and cultivate me into a better storyteller so that I may go on to create things that people love.

Abbie Vandruff

Elon University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Development: Unscripted

Company:
Back Roads Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up, unscripted television shows were a staple in my household-- a fun way for me and my parents to spend time together after school and work. As I got more interested in working in the television industry, I'd watch each episode and imagine myself working behind the camera. So, when I found this program, and the Development: Unscripted category, I knew that I had to apply, because it really was my perfect match. I am hoping that my summer with the Television Academy Foundation's internship program will expose me to real-world experiences and challenges that will allow me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am so excited to face them head-on!

Safi Nazzal

Chapman University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Children's Programming Development

Company:
Moonbug Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I chose to pursue television after taking a melodrama elective at my university. Melodramas across the globe speak to the potential behind producing edifying content. While our shows will not change the world, they will offer the language for such change. Thus I found myself applying for the Television Academy Foundation, eager to decode the mechanics of this industry and inspired to work alongside the encoders of future content.

Tori Chin

University of Florida

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
PR/Publicity

Company:
Cartoon Network

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My love for the art of storytelling inspired me to seek a career in television publicity. There's magic in the ability to learn about other people, places and cultures from your living room. I was inspired to apply to the Television Academy Foundation's internship program when I saw that other UF students had been chosen for the program in previous years. I am so grateful for this internship and the ability to work in the entertainment publicity field on this scale while making great connections with people in the industry!

Chuck Riddick

University of Louisiana - Monroe

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Public Relations/Publicity

Company:
Hulu

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up, my favorite television show was The Golden Girls, and if you'll remember, they had a gay character in the first episode as their housekeeper. I didn't even realize how big of a deal this was growing up, but revisiting this show over the past few years, it just really made an impact on me, seeing someone like myself actually on television. One of my professors, Dr. Lesli Pace, inspired me to apply for the Television Academy Foundation's internship program. For a gay, first-generation college student from Louisiana, this industry would have been impossible for me to ever work in without the help of the Program.

Alexis Clinton

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Entertainment News

Company:
Extra TV

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My godfather worked as a videographer for NBC and I’ve always looked up to him over the years. As I got older I would watch talk shows everyday, analyze the dynamics of how reality TV was created, and obsess over the latest celebrity news. Applying for this internship was something that I thought was out of my reach because of what I was told. However, with the experience/ connections that I know I will gain from this internship program, I’ll be that much closer to my goal of being a versatile woman within the world of broadcasting.

Jamil O'Quinn

Loyola Marymount University

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Development: Scripted Series

Company:
Valhalla Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I was inspired to seek a career in television because from childhood I've experienced television's capacity to agitate and influence society both socially and culturally. My ultimate desire is to create and develop content that gives voice to communities that are systemically voiceless. The internship program with the Television Academy Foundation will further help my career goals by providing me with experiences that enhance my knowledge of the development process of scripted series, while concurrently broadening my community within the television industry.

Leah Robinson

Central Michigan University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Unscripted

Company:
Lighthearted Entertainment

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My inspiration for seeking a career in television blossomed with help from my high school journalism teacher as well as the amazing broadcasting program that they have at my university. I applied because the application was sent out through our entire degree program and I wanted to take my shot at it. The Television Academy will allow me to make valuable connections within the industry and I cannot wait to start my career.

Jamie Bigelow

Wayne State University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Public Relations/Publicity

Company:
Beck Media and Marketing

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Television inspires me every day. It's always been a passion of mine to work in the entertainment industry, and TV is my main source of entertainment. I applied to the Television Academy Foundation's internship program in the public relations/publicity category because I want to expand my knowledge within this industry. I hope to learn more about the audience in Los Angeles as well as the clients at Beck Media and Marketing.

Carmen Lustik

New York University

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Music

Company:
Sparks and Shadows

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
My passion for screen scoring began like anyone's: with a little Hans Zimmer and a whole lot of tears. I quickly became inspired by the way a simple melodic or harmonic sequence could have such an emotional impact and reignite sentiments long after the movie or television episode concluded. I applied for the Television Academy Foundation internship program because it provides an amazing opportunity to work alongside top industry professionals and get hands-on experience navigating the technical, social, and logistical complexities of the industry that just can't be found in the classroom.

Andrew Briggs

Indiana University - Bloomington

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Program Planning & Scheduling

Company:
The CW

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Television is an incredibly unique yet underappreciated platform due to it always being available for consumption. Growing up as someone who watched, and still does watch, a lot of TV, I am inspired to create entertaining and meaningful shows and programs for TV viewers of all ages. I applied for the Television Academy Foundation's internship program because the Program Planning & Scheduling category immediately jumped out to me as something that I would be extremely interested in. I follow Nielsen TV ratings and have always been curious about what factors networks consider when renewing, cancelling, and scheduling shows. As a TV ratings enthusiast, it will be the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in this internship. The Television Academy Foundation's internship program will be a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself and learn a great deal about the business. I know it will be an extremely rewarding experience in helping me evaluate my multi-faceted career aspirations within the entertainment industry.

Callie Tucker

University of Cincinnati

Graduation Year: 2021

Category:
Unscripted Development

Company:
44 Blue Productions

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I have loved television my entire life but it took me a long time to realize that it was a career I could pursue. Once I discovered screenwriting I dove headfirst and began teaching myself before I started film school. I found the Television Academy Foundation's internship program and my family encouraged me to apply. The Television Academy Foundation's internship program will allow me to learn how television shows are developed from the moment they are pitched to when they air on tv. I'll get to see and assist in this process at a production company and strengthen my skills so that once I graduate I can pursue my career in Television confident in my training.

Evan Macedo

University of Southern California

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Agency

Company:
Allegory Creative Management

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I always knew I wanted to help make television, growing up watching shows like Drake and Josh, Monty Python, Avatar: The Last Airbender, etc. My internship advisor, knowing my goal to work for TV, told me about this summer internship program. Happily, I applied and got this amazing opportunity to learn from some of the industry's leading agents.

Priscilla Franklin

Virginia Commonwealth University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Art Direction/Set Direction

Company:
James Pearse Connelly

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Dirty Jobs taught me to appreciate the impact of hardworking factory workers, fishers, and other common workers. Now it's my time to give back by using television to inform and influence others about social change and diverse cultures. I applied to this internship program to become a more skilled designer and leader. Being able to closely work with a design company will teach me how to problem solve under stress, imagine new concepts differently, and interact with professionals from all disciplines.

Jason Young

University of Michigan

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Scripted Series Development

Company:
FX

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I was inspired to seek a career in television because of its ability to connect with audiences through shared experiences and diverse representations. I applied to the Television Academy Foundation's internship program after a conversation with an advisor about my personal storytelling goal to learn the processes of television development. With this familiarity I hope to help others amplify their voices, creating room on-screen for new and often overlooked stories. I believe that this program has resources that will help me gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and connections to accomplish my career goals.

Tyanna Slack

Howard University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Production - Commercials

Company:
Radical Media

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up in such a small town, I used television as an escape. I was able to see what the world could offer. I was able to dream bigger. Television was not simply entertainment — but a vision. As soon as I heard about the internship from my mentor, I knew I had to apply. The inspiration for applying to the program came from my drive to get the necessary guidance and experience to push my career forward. This internship is a great opportunity to work with very talented individuals, along with figuring out how the industry works firsthand.

Erin Cicchitti

DeSales University

Graduation Year: 2020

Category:
Editing (Reality)

Company:
Bunim/Murray Productions

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I suppose it was my parents who inspired me to seek a career in television; I always enjoyed making little videos when I was younger, but my parents helped me realize that I would be able to make a career out of what I loved. My boyfriend was the one who brought my attention to the Television Academy's internship foundation program. Once I saw all of the great companies I could work with, I knew I had to apply. The Television Academy will allow me to connect with working editors in the industry and broaden my network outside of my local area. I know that the connections I make will be invaluable and I can't thank the Academy enough for selecting me as an intern.

Sarah Arthur

Pepperdine University

Graduation Year: 2019

Category:
Production - Movies for Television

Company:
Lifetime Television

What or who inspired you to seek a career in television?
I have always been intrigued by the transformative nature of storytelling, and this is ultimately what inspired me to seek a career in television. As an Emma Bowen Foundation Fellow for the past four years, I have learned first hand the value of interning at a well-established company in the media industry, while simultaneously having a network of other interns and participating in career development opportunities. This motivated me to look for similar internship opportunities, and the Television Academy Foundation internship was the perfect fit. I am looking forward to utilizing The Television Academy’s resources to further my goal of creating a more inclusive television industry, and giving people of color a voice on the big screen.