MTV (Production) First internship report
A few weeks ago, I started my second semester as an intern at MTV. Last semester, I worked in the marketing department, learning the business end of MTV's operations. This semester, I am getting great experience working as an intern in their production department. Every week I am assigned to a production assistant in each of the production departments.
My first week at my internship, I was assigned to work on the post production team for a MTV show called "Snowed In". This show is basically MTV's version of spring break during the winter. I was taught how to use Viacom's online library system called Alias. With this program, I was able to search their entire library of tapes and recorded footage. Several people, from editors to producers, asked me to help them out by tracking down these tapes, ordering them, and picking them up. Often times, if it was needed, I was then asked to change to digital tapes over to VHS. The production assistant that I was working with took me to the dub room and showed me how to change tapes over, as well as make dubs of them. I also participated in editing sessions with the show's editors. The PA that I was assigned to was also in charge of handling all of the petty cash, time sheets and crew assignments. I was able to see the whole process of how he handled all of his responsibilities as the post production coordinator.
My second week on the job I was assigned to the PA in the control room. This exciting opportunity gave me the chance to be right in the studio where everything happens. I was able to interact with the directors, producers, veejays, cameramen, soundmen, gaffers, writers and many others. I sat right in the control room during the live tapings of shows like Total Request Live, VJ For A Day, and Direct Effect. I got a chance to see the directors in action as they controlled the live shows. I could see how many separate people it takes to produce live shows like these.
I was also given the opportunity to sit with the shows talent coordinators while they read over scripts with the shows guests and on-screen talent. The whole entire process was so exciting to see from behind the scenes. When you watch these same shows from home, you're oblivious to how much really goes on to create that show.
My third week at MTV, I was assigned to the general studio PA's. They basically work for everyone else in the studio by providing them with supplies, food, paychecks and anything else they may need. They also make sure the celebrity guests are comfortable and taken care of. For the two days I was with them I went all over the city doing runs for the studio. I picked up everything from microphones, to earpieces, shelves and tapes.
Overall, my first 3 weeks at MTV have been quite fulfilling. With the amount that I've learned in this short time, there's no telling how much knowledge the entire internship will provide me with. I love the opportunity to work right in the thick of the action. There is no better place than MTV to gain the most valuable experience, while having fun and working with people that treat you nicely. I can't wait to continue on with this internship and learn everything possible. I plan to take full advantage of my time at MTV by meeting and impressing the right people while learning about the music and production business.