Internships

The Palm Springs International Film Society is accepting internship applications on a rolling basis and requires a minimum of 20 hours per week for 6 weeks (or a minimum of 120 hours).  Interns receive a $2,000 stipend at the completion of their internship. We are interested in applicants who want to learn more about the film industry, communications, event planning, and business management.

The Film Society offers a comprehensive program in which interns gain skills in their chosen field, learn the workings of a non-profit organization, and experience how a film festival operates from the inside. We are proud to host a new cohort of interns each season to learn about and contribute to the process of putting on two major international film festivals and another year-round programming. 

The Palm Springs International Film Society is currently looking to fill internship positions for the upcoming Film Festival in January.

Internship applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis, with evaluations generally taking place between October and January, and again in May and June. You can expect to receive updates on the progress of your application during these periods.

Click on the expandable descriptions below for intern staffing opportunities. 

For more information contact us: Via email or call our main office at 760-322-2930 

MARKETING INTERN

The Marketing Department is responsible for promoting and advertising the Palm Springs International ShortFest and its events and performs the necessary research to identify the target customers and other audiences. The Marketing team will focus on promoting a consistent message, and coordinating image and marketing campaigns that connect and inform potential filmgoers, festival guests, and media outlets about festival information and events.


The Marketing Intern will support the Marketing Manager with all aspects of the festival’s social media marketing, promotions, and advertising.

Elements of the Position Include:

● Posting festival news and announcements on our website
● Contacting and interacting with local or relevant organizations and interest groups
● Assisting in the distribution and production of all posters, promotional materials, and print, radio and television ads/promotions
● Proofreading copy was written by other team members
● Assisting in capturing content during the festival when needed
● Styling content to post on social media when needed
● Tracking, collecting, and organizing all press clippings on the festival and pulling reports
● Helping respond to press requests and distribute materials to media who request it
● Building email blast and newsletter structures, filling in content, and sending them out
● Assist in the marketing and production of community events

Abilities Required:

● Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
● Intermediate computer processing skills including Microsoft Office and social media networks
● Ability to lead as well as follow and execute instructions effectively
● Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, and solution driven and able to work independently
● Must be willing to work evenings and weekends June 20-26
● Must have a reliable vehicle
● Must be able to have FUN and be a team player
● Interest in marketing, public relations, social media, and/or film
● College coursework or comparable work experience preferred
● Experience with Photoshop and/or Premiere Pro preferred

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

The Marketing Department is responsible for promoting and advertising the Palm Springs International ShortFest and its events and performs the necessary research to identify the target customers and other audiences. The Marketing team will focus on promoting a consistent message, and coordinating image and marketing campaigns that connect and inform potential filmgoers, festival guests, and media outlets about festival information and events.


The Social Media Intern will support the Marketing Manager with all aspects of the festival’s social media marketing, promotions, and advertising.


Elements of the Position Include:

● Monitoring and posting on social networks
● Online outreach and promotion using Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
● Responding to posts or comments to bring value to user’s interactions
● Posting festival news and announcements in a timely manner using approved content
● Posting and interacting with local or relevant organizations and interest groups
● Performing research to add more value to our content
● Assisting with the distribution of promotional materials
● Creating copy for content and proofreading copy wrote by other team members
● Capturing content during the festival
● Styling content to post on social media
● Live tweeting during festival events
● Organizing and saving content captured to archive
● Assist in the marketing and production of community events

Abilities Required:

● Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
● Intermediate computer processing skills including Microsoft Office and social media networks
● Ability to lead as well as follow and execute instructions effectively
● Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, and solution-driven and able to work independently
● Must be willing to work evenings and weekends June 20-26
● Must have a reliable vehicle
● Must be able to have FUN and be a team player
● Interest in marketing, public relations, social media, and/or film
● College coursework or comparable work experience preferred
● Experience with Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and/or After Effects preferred

Programming Intern

The Programming Intern plays a crucial role in supporting the programming department and helping to ensure the successful execution of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. As an intern, you will work closely with the Programming Manager, Programming Coordinator & Programming Assistant led by the Artistic Director.

The responsibilities and qualifications for this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Verify film details in the database
  • Assist with publicity materials
  • Data entry and organization of the database (FileMaker Pro), ensuring accurate and up-to-date information
  • Respond to general phone calls and emails related to programming, providing timely and professional communication
  • Assist in proofreading the Festival guides and website for accuracy, ensuring the correct representation of films and related information
  • Proofread festival press release(s) 
  • Assist with creation of Member Preview
  • Assist programming team on-site as assigned special screenings, events and programs
  • Introduce films and moderate Q&A sessions during the festivals, engaging with audiences and filmmakers (as needed)
  • Assist in ballot inputting
  • Write a comprehensive wrap report summarizing the programming activities and lessons learned during the festival
  • Assist with preparing award shipment details

Desired Qualifications:

  • Availability to commit up to 120 hours from Oct-Jan (extended hours during the festival)
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite and Google Suite
  • Highly organized with attention to detail; adaptable, self-driven, and able to work independently
  • Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends
  • Reliable transportation
  • A positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and ability to contribute to a fun, team-oriented environment

Guest Relations Intern

This position is for an individual interested in working in the hospitality or communications field. The intern will work directly with our Guest Relations Manager to ensure film guests arrive prepared, are informed of festival events, and enjoy the experience.  Must be able to commit to 20 hours/6 weeks | longer hours during the festival

 

Elements of the position include: 

  • Answer guest questions via phone and email
  • Welcome and check in guests upon arrival
  • Serve as an ongoing presence in our guest suite and at festival events
  • Track and input guest information in the database
  • Help support the operations of the Guest and Industry Suite
  • Build guest welcome packets and bags
  • Provide support for all aspects of the Guest Relations department

Abilities required:

  • Strong interpersonal, verbal (including phone work), and written communication skills
  • Intermediate computer processing skills including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
  • Ability to lead as well as follow and execute instructions effectively
  • Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, solution-driven, and be able to work independently
  • Must be able to work nights and weekends during the festival
  • Must have a reliable vehicle
  • College coursework or comparable work experience preferred
  • This intern interfaces with over 500 guests, an outgoing demeanor is a plus

Development Intern

Individuals should be motivated, and detail-oriented with a strong interest in film and fundraising. Individuals will work closely with the manager and members of the development team to aid in the overall sponsorship and fundraising process. This internship is a great chance to learn about and participate in the sponsorship process and the inner workings of a film festival.

 

Elements of the Position Include:

  • Researching grant opportunities
  • Preparing the Ticket Packages for Sponsors
  • Data entry and verification for all Sponsors
  • Solicit and collect donations for Guest Bags and Hospitality Suite

Abilities Required:

  • Must be able to commit to 20 hours/week | longer hours during the festival
  • Detail oriented and highly organized
  • Professional demeanor
  • Self-starter with the ability to take direction
  • Strong proofreading skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel

Production Intern

This internship is for an individual who is interested in working in event planning and production. The individual will work with the Operations Manager and production team on administrative and production tasks. The Palm Springs International Film Festival will provide insight and practical experience into event planning, logistical support, creating and maintaining inventory, and the day-to-day operations of an event organization

 

Elements of the position include:

  • Set up and break down event spaces
  • Create and monitor supply inventories
  • Set and strike signage and step & repeats
  • Set up and break down computers & printers
  • Troubleshoot and reply to staff production requests
  • Organize storage and office spaces

Abilities Required:

  • Must be able to commit to 20 hours/6 weeks | longer hours during the festival
  • Ability to follow and execute instructions effectively
  • Must be able to lift 40lbs and stand/walk for long periods of time
  • Must be comfortable working outside
  • Must be organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, and solution-driven
  • Intermediate computer processing skills including Microsoft Office Suite and Internet 
  • Must be able to work some nights and weekends
  • Must have a reliable vehicle

Forum Intern

The Forum team is responsible for the planning and implementation of all Palm Springs International Shortfest forum events including industry panels, roundtables, master classes, etc.  They develop a cohesive forum program which teaches, engages, and impacts attending filmmakers who are developing their trade and which promotes the mission and vision of the Palm Springs Film Society.  The Forum intern provides support for Forum events and works closely with staff to check in guests and ensure smooth execution of the program and a positive experience for all participants of all panels, rountables, and meetings with over 90 attending industry members and hundreds of filmmakers.

Elements of the position include

  • Interact daily with filmmakers and forum participants
  • Greet and check-in participants for forum events
  • Work closely with the Forum Producer and Forum Coordinator to ensure a smooth execution of the programs
  • Assist with the distribution of information to guests
  • Assist with forum administrative duties
  • Ensure that Forum rooms are refreshed by hotel staff daily

Skills Required

  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written skills
  • Intermediate computer processing skills including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
  • Ability to lead as well as follow and execute instructions effectively
  • Interest and knowledge/willingness to learn about film and the film business a plus
  • Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, flexible, self-motivated, solution-driven, and be able to work independently
  • This intern interfaces with over 500 guests, an outgoing demeanor is a plus
  • Must be able to act in a professional manner

Education