Internships at Kartemquin

“Being able to learn from people that work with, and at, Kartemquin is an invaluable experience…It is a family from the get go. In everyway, Kartemquin has prepared me for my future career in filmmaking. They showed me what it means and takes to produce high-quality social issue documentary.”

–Spring 2006

“I really enjoyed working with filmmakers in a dynamic and nurturing collaborative environment, knowing that I was a part of projects that had social significance and artistic merit… I always felt like I could ask questions and run things by everyone… I feel I have a much better grasp on how a documentary is created from start to finish. Most importantly, the experience has given me faith that I can use my talent to create works that are true to my values of social justice and that there are highly successful people doing just that.”

–Spring 2006

“Not only do I have a more compete, well-rounded vision of what documentary-making entails, I have a sense of a community of filmmakers that I didn’t really know existed in such a way… It also showed me that I can really love what I do at work whether it’s the fun stuff or the crummy stuff and look forward to every time that I get to show up. If I could have been there everyday, I would have, and I miss it now. Most jobs get boring or frustrating inside of a month, or someone’s mean or treats you like you don’t matter or you feel like your work is irrelevant. Not only did I get to stand in the shadow of giants, but they were friendly giants, ones whose experiences and perspectives will leave a huge stamp on my filmmaking and my approach to the work of getting it done.”

–Spring 2006

“I learned so much more about documentary filmmaking and what it entails. I also learned a lot about myself and my interests.”

–Winter 2006

“Well, I learned a lot. When I came into the internship one of my goals was to learn how the actual process and business of making documentaries worked. I believe I got a feel for this in my time at KTQ. Not only that, but through listening to various producers and editors I reached a better understanding of how to make a good documentary from a creative standpoint. I also learned more hands-on, functional skills that I can take away, such as dubbing from different formats, some editing processes, and exposure to some equipment.”

–Fall 2005

“I liked the variety of stuff—how there were days where you knew what to do and other days you found stuff to do. But, unlike other internships, my tasks were not demeaning enough. I expected to be roughed up, but I was spoiled instead. I hear that’s how things are at other intern programs… Kartemquin provided a solid glimpse at the makings and workings of a documentary film company, and a good one at that. It’s been a terrific experience, I don’t know how any other job could measure up… (except pay :))”

–Fall 2005

“I was lucky to intern during KTQ’s fortieth year and work at the retrospective.”

–Fall 2005

“I enjoyed talking with, and getting to know, the people who work here, hearing about what they do and learning the different equipment… It was great to really see first hand all the ‘behind the scenes’ work that goes into creating a film. Everyone knows you have to raise money and prepare budgets, for example, but it’s another thing to see all the time that goes into a film besides just the shoots. Also, I’m sure you could put in a good word for me if I need a future recommendation ? :)”

–Summer 2005

“This has been one of the greatest groups of people I have ever worked with/for. When I had questions I never felt too much like a pain for asking, which was really important for making this place feel comfortable. It also really made a difference that I would hear back about stuff I worked on—how it went, the results, etc… I think the intern program here is something special and nearly perfect. I can think of nothing I’d do different. I learned that making a documentary requires a ton of organization, phone calls and flare. I am looking forward to working on one full time.”

–Summer 2005

“I enjoyed meeting each and everyone of the staff and freelancers who were incredibly open to me. I have been impressed by the amount of commitment and support I’ve had here. I guess what I most benefited from was seeing the love and hard work and joy everyone puts into what they do, and mostly in seeing how you guys go ahead with projects that are very difficult to make—very independently and with such truth and care. It has been great for me to meet a group of interesting and ‘utopian’ filmmakers.”

–Summer 2005

“Putting together proposals for grants gave me a new perspective on the rigors of the administrative side of filmmaking. Everybody around the office was very kind and straight- forward. It gave me a better sense of the workings of an office, particularly in a creative/artistic field.”

–Summer 2005