Entertainment and News Media Apprenticeship

The National Leadership Program: Apprenticeship in Entertainment and News Media

Entertainment and News Media Apprentices on the set of Meet the Press during a tour of NBC Washington Bureau

Since 2015, RespectAbility has consulted on more than 200 TV episodes and films by partnering with studios, production companies, and independent filmmakers at every stage of the creative process from development through casting, production and marketing. As an Entertainment and News Media apprentice, you will be on the frontline of fighting stigmas in media and impacting on-screen representation, working collaboratively with the entire team to create and deliver authentic images, stories, and best practices.

Our program is fully accessible for people with disabilities and offers full-time in-house job coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities. Assistive technology support is available as needed.

Who We Want

We are looking for creative, results-driven individuals who want to learn about the inner workings of the entertainment industry and disability representation. Apprentices should value hands-on experience, and be passionate about film and television. While no formal entertainment experience is required, this Apprenticeship is best suited for individuals with some basic knowledge and/or experience in entertainment (i.e., classes, student films, freelance work, etc.)

Apprenticeship Duties

The Apprentices will work closely with our Entertainment and News Media team and our National Leadership Program Director. Individual projects will be assigned based on an individual’s unique skill set and their own ability to “bring something to the table.”

Jonathan Murray speaking to RespectAbility Fellows

Jonathan Murray, creator of The Real World and Born This Way, speaking to RespectAbility Apprentices

Entertainment and News Media Apprentices will have the opportunity to:

Consult on projects by reviewing scripts and animatics, PR/Marketing language, casting breakdowns, and other relevant industry materials
Write reviews for our website highlighting disability-inclusive content and other blog posts featuring RespectAbility-affiliated creatives, industry news and events, etc.
Research industry trends
Assist with logistics for pipeline programs and virtual events
Clean up transcripts of events and webinars, and add captions to videos

In addition to hands-on work experience, all Apprentices will participate in special presentations by guest speakers and intensive strategic communications workshops. A career plan will be developed by each Apprentice that will enable them to gain appropriate workplace experience while contributing directly and measurably to RespectAbility’s impact.

Upon completing the Apprenticeship, graduates can expect to come away with firsthand experience in the entertainment industry, fair knowledge of issues impacting people with disabilities, and leadership skills to help them grow into confident advocates.

Important Details for Applicants

Excellent communication and organizational skills are strongly preferred, and Apprentices should exhibit leadership skills to complete their own projects.
Strong preference for college seniors and above.
The Apprenticeship program lasts five and a half months.
Core hours include between 11 AM-5:30 PM ET.
Apprentices are required to work 20 hours per week.
Apprentices will receive $17/hr.
Your cover letter must explain why this Apprenticeship in particular is of interest to you and why you believe you have the skills, focus and independent drive to make a positive difference in your time with us at RespectAbility.

Expectations

A commitment of 20 hours per week.
Participation in staff meetings and team meetings.
Attendance in weekly speaker series.
Work with the National Leadership Program Director on advancing your career goals. This will include strengthening your resume, cover letter and building your professional network.

Apply for the Apprenticeship

RespectAbility provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RespectAbility complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.