More photos from this internship can be found here.
Cape Town is home to the largest film industry in the Southern Hemisphere — a hub for major international productions and advertising campaigns. Recent productions filmed in and around the city include One Piece (Seasons 1 & 2), Blood Diamond, Rendition, Hitman, Invictus, District 9, and Safe House. Producers are drawn to Cape Town for its dynamic landscapes, exceptional summer light, and significantly lower production costs compared to the US or Europe.
Working with local production companies during South Africa’s summer film season (September–March), interns gain hands-on experience in film, media, and communications — from storytelling and creative development through to production and client collaboration. This internship offers a unique chance to build practical skills in a fast-paced, visually dynamic industry while contributing to projects that reach global audiences.
Tin Toy Productions
A film production company specialising in branded content and commercials, with full in-house capabilities from pre- to post-production, including a studio, sound suite, and VFX suite.
Cape Town TV
A non-profit, community-based television station founded in the mid-2000s by over 200 non-profit organisations to amplify local voices, human rights, social justice, and cultural development. It provides training, mentorship, and production resources for emerging filmmakers.
LIFEbrand
A communications and branding agency working exclusively with social-impact organisations — including non-profits, social enterprises, foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2013, it has supported over 60 brands through strategic brand development, content creation, multimedia storytelling, and full campaign support.
As a film and media intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a production or media organisation. Interns are individually placed based on their experience and interests, and responsibilities will vary depending on the host organisation's current projects. Typical duties may include assisting on film shoots, contributing to script development, supporting post-production and editing, audio production, research, communications, client booking, event coordination, and administrative tasks.
This internship offers exposure to multiple aspects of the industry, from creative storytelling to the technical and logistical realities of production, providing valuable insight into how media projects are developed, produced, and delivered.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
* Check with your university's Global Opportunities Office for their specific fee.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
The Host Site Fee Includes
Interns are accommodated in fully furnished, student-oriented housing located in Observatory, one of Cape Town's most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. Known locally as "Obz," this area is popular among students and young professionals for its lively atmosphere, cafés, and creative energy. Each intern has a private, fully furnished room and shares common living spaces, including a kitchen, lounge, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Housing includes 24-hour security and regular housekeeping, with a housekeeper visiting at least twice a week, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Interns pay a $100 cleaning fee and a $250 refundable housing deposit directly to the housing company (refunded if no damage occurs).
Wi-Fi is available at $20 per month for up to two devices, though speed and reliability may not match US standards. Other utility costs are split among housemates. The central location offers easy access to the city centre, beaches, and surrounding natural attractions, making it both convenient and culturally engaging.
"I honestly did not know what to expect. I have had internships in the film industry before, but those consisted of mundane tasks like filling out crew paperwork and making coffee. I am very happy to say that this internship is the best job I could have hoped for. My boss treats me with respect and truly values my opinion. I am working on the creative side of filmmaking and am genuinely able to see how the development process works... I have been able to build self-confidence in both a social and professional setting."
—Justin Roach, IE3 intern from University of Washington
"I have learned that worry is best abandoned for accountability and proactivity, and that asserting yourself may often be uncomfortable but is always rewarding... The greatest reward for me has been the relationships I have found here. Second to that is the reward of complete immersion in an entirely different way of life — the sights, the smells, the textures, the landscapes, the tastes. Every part of this experience, positive and negative, has been absolutely necessary."
—Angelina Hess, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"They threw me head-first into some big projects unlike anything I had done before, but were always there if I needed guidance. During my internship, I helped set up and film several shoots, edited one 30-minute talk show pilot, five 12-minute documentaries, three 30-second promotional videos, and the introduction sequence to a television series. I greatly expanded my portfolio and gained valuable technical and workplace skills. The most important thing I took away, though, was the relationships I formed."
—Ross Druckrey, IE3 intern from University of Oregon
"In the film industry, experience is what gets you a job — yet that experience can be hard to come by. Thanks to my three-month internship through IE3 Global, I gained valuable experience and can now include the following on my résumé: worked with Red Bull as a client, had my work broadcast on South African news stations, worked as an assistant editor on a feature-length documentary, and had my work shown at a venue to over 2,000 people as part of a live event. The number one thing I achieved personally is confidence — in both my work and myself."
—Alex Hoelscher, IE3 intern from University of Montana
Important note: Because this is an individualised placement, applicants must describe in their cover letters the specific type of work and organisation that interests them. While we cannot guarantee to meet all of an applicant's wishes, the more information we have, the better a fit we are able to find.
Interns will be living in Observatory and will be supported by local host organisation Volunteer Adventure Corps (VAC). Living in Obz and experiencing its cultural and political energy will help interns better understand the complexities of the "new" South Africa.
Observatory is popular among the international student and volunteer community because it is located halfway between the city centre and the False Bay coastline. Visitors have a wide selection of outdoor activities to choose from, including hiking, surfing, scuba diving, golfing, outdoor concerts, and wine tasting. Cape Town is surrounded by oceans and is home to many beautiful beaches. The city centre, known to Capetonians as the "bowl", is the ideal place for cultural excursions. This programme offers a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while living and working in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 15
- Film and video, photography, media studies, other relevant majors.
- Applicants must display a passion for film making.
- Previous experience in service-based industries is helpful.