UNC Hollywood Internship Program

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Nikki Byrne Nikki Byrne , HIP class of 2026. She has secured internships with Hallmark through Emmys / Television Academy & Birns & Sawyer, Inc. . Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Nikki :)

Q. College major?

A. I’m majoring in Communication with a focus in Media Production and a minor in History.

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. I applied to the Hollywood Internship Program because it offers an amazing doorway into the film industry through the alumni network and other resources.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. I am most interested in feature films and limited series, especially comedies and mysteries!

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. I love hanging out with my friends, spending as much time outside as possible, running, playing guitar, reading, and playing with my dog Jasmine.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. Ultimately, I want to be a Producer and Director.

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Varleine Coq Varleine Coq , HIP class of 2026. She has secured an internship with Tiny Hero Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Varleine :)

Q. College major?

A. Double major in Business and Media and Journalism (Ad/PR). 

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. The opportunity to experience what a career in entertainment could look with other UNC students who also have similar interests.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. Entertainment Marketing & Commercial Production.

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. I like crocheting, playing tennis, and exploring new places.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. Commercial Director & Art Director for film, tv, and music, and theater.

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Laila Heard Laila , HIP class of 2026. She has secured internships with Better Half Productions & Mad Massive Entertainment. Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Laila:)

Q. College major?

A. Double major in Media & Journalism and Political Science.

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. I want to pursue a career in entertainment, specifically entertainment law, so when I found out about this program, I thought it would be a great way to get my foot in the door of the industry. I’ve always been interested in media, graphic design, and fashion as well, and I knew I could possibly explore those interests in LA too.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. Representation and Entertainment / IP law.

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. Working out, fashion, travel, art.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. General Counsel at a major studio.

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Keira Braithwaite .braithwaite , HIP class of 2025. She has secured an internship with Shoe Money Productions. Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Keira :)

Q. College major?

A. I’m majoring in English and Comparative Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing as well as Communication Studies with a custom concentration.

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. I was drawn to the Hollywood Internship Program because of the close-knit cohort and network of support that it offers, which has truly been invaluable in making the transition from UNC to LA. I was also interested in the personalized internship training and speaker events provided through the program and have learned a lot about both the entertainment industry and entering the job market out of college.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. I am most interested in writing in the one-hour TV drama and genre space. I also love feature writing and hope to get my screenplays produced some day!

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. My absolute favorite things to do in the world, in no particular order, include trying new restaurants, visiting street markets, playing video games and DnD, reading, going to the movie theater, baking, going to the gym, and spending time with my family.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. My dream job in the entertainment industry is to be a showrunner and to freelance my feature screenplays. I would love to adapt some of my favorite books and video games.

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Peyton Jones , HIP class of 2025. She has secured internships with & Shoe Money Productions. Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Peyton :)

Q. College major?

A. I majored in Communications Studies with a concentration in Media Production. I also double minored in Writing for the Screen & Stage and Creative Writing.

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. I was interested in the HIP Program because of the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional setting. Los Angeles has long been considered the mecca for people interested in entertainment careers, so getting to live here for the summer while furthering my career in the industry is such a valuable opportunity.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. I am interested in writing and development for both live-action and animated TV/film.

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. My other interests/hobbies include marketing, drawing, documentary film, and video production.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. My ultimate dream job would be either a development executive, or a writer/showrunner on an animated show.

Internship announcement! 📢 Meet Gage Austin , HIP class of 2025. He has secured internships with & . Congratulations!!! Read on to get to know Gage :)

Q. College major?

A. I am majoring in Journalism, Communication (media production) with a minor in global film studies.

Q. What interested you about the Hollywood Internship Program?

A. I was interested in an opportunity to work hands-on close to the beating heart of the film industry and to expand my skillset as a visual creator.

Q. What part of the entertainment industry are you most interested in?

A. I want to be a part of film production where I gain practical experience working on sets with the lightning and camera crew.
I also

Q. What other hobbies or interests do you have?

A. I also run, practice photography and play guitar in my spare time and try to read as often as I can.

Q. What is your ultimate dream job in the industry?

A. I am most interested in cinematography and camera operation. I want to be able to make creative lighting and camera decisions that shape how narratives are told.