Going in, I was very confident. I definitely have the skills, and I knew writing could be time consuming, but I was so overwhelmed by the volume of work thrown at me. But I sort of reveled in it. I tend to do a better job when i'm under the wire and stressed. Or maybe i'm just always doing a good job, and always stressed? I haven't had time to figure it out yet. But Interning at Bancroft has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about myself.
I went from being just a "good writer" (as determined by others... I don't get a say in that judgement) to being a self-sufficient writer. The first time I ever wrote a script was at Stevenson University. But all of the scripts I write on my own are for short films, since those are what we produce in class. I was able to use my scriptwriting skills to produce a FEATURE length documentary script/package, and a TELEVISION PILOT.
All of my FMI writing courses helped me attain this. Screenwriting taught me how to write a script, Advanced Screenwriting taught me how to plan out a documentary, Script Analysis taught me how to examine and provide coverage for a script. Grant Writing taught me how to research funding opportunities for film, and Feature Film Writing instilled a good old sense of dread in me... 15 pages due a week. If I hadn't taken these classes, I would have never been successful at Bancroft.
The best part about Bancroft is that I was able to choose what I write. For the documentary, Bruce gave me a selection of 3 books to choose from. Glory For Sale was my choice, I wanted to write about something local. And for The Gene Police, I asked him to give me some good genre fiction, and he found a perfect fit.
Bruce was the only person around to really network with, but I hope I can continue a professional relationship with him in the future, whatever form that takes.
I think the laid back and generally creative nature of working there made it a lot of fun. Most of the time Bruce and I would just talk about what movies we had seen lately, and about current affairs. It was nice and relaxing. I am just writing scripts after all.
There doesn't seem to be much room to grow there. Not because it's bad, but because it's small. Bancroft is such a small operation that they don't really hire or promote anyone... all the positions are taken, and there's only like 6 employees technically (including Bruce).
I felt well supported by Bruce, but I like to work without supervision anyways. He's been pretty hands off, and let's me do my thing. He never really gave me deadlines, as he knows i'm extremely busy, and working for free. I think if my situation were different, I would like deadlines and weekly check ins, but the relaxed nature of the work is just what I needed this semester.
It doesn't seem like Bancroft is hiring, but publishing wouldn't be a bad industry to work in. I love storytelling in general, not just film, and I also like to edit other peoples work. If I could work somewhere I could continue to write scripts, that would be fantastic.
I would recommend this internship to any other writing track student in the FMI program. It's a good place to BOOST your resume with work examples, and get a taste of what writing a feature is like.
ESPECIALLY because I know they're getting rid of the "Feature Film Writing" class. I understand budget cuts and all... But having a chance to get resume credit for writing something as massive as a feature is an undeniable opportunity.
Overall, this internship has just made me want to write EVEN MORE. I'm not sure where that will take me in the end, but I love doing it. I want to work in the industry, and I want to write... preferably in the industry. (that's the film industry if you're wondering).
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