Training New Mexicans in Film Industry Professions

General Internships (ages 16+):

General Internships are short term (up to 6 months) paid on the job training programs. They do not require related instruction and do not require a rotation phase. Internships are perfect for those who know what occupation they want to go into and have some experience, but are looking to add to their resumes. It is also a good choice for a person is still trying to decide if the film industry is a good fit or to want to explore a few specific occupations within the industry before committing to something bigger. Interns may be brought on for a specific project or may work on a variety of projects throughout their internship. Interns are paid between $15-$20 per hour depending on education and experience. 

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Internships may be more flexible regarding occupational track than the Apprenticeship Programs, which are highly regulated by the government and the State has determined which occupations are able to be on the list. General internships can explore a variety of occupations or select an occupation not available through Apprenticeship Programs.

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General Internships are funded through a variety of partnerships. To be eligible, applicants must be either enrolled in a college film program, recently graduated (within 1 year) from a college or certified film program, will graduate within the upcoming calendar year, or come with outside funding through another source (such as JMP, DWS, or WIOA). This may include dual credit high school students as well. 

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Completing a general internship does not provide Direct Entry into the Registered Apprenticeship program, but may count toward Phase 1 of Pre-Apprenticeship depending on the structure and goals of the internship. This should be communicated early on in order to ensure the program is designed to meet the goals of the Phase 1 Pre-Apprenticeship.

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Pre-apprenticeship Programs (ages 16+):

Explore. Train. Launch Your Career in Film & Television.

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Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed for youth and adults (ages 16+) who are ready to explore careers in film and television. Whether you’ve never stepped on set before or you're looking to build a competitive resume, this program offers hands-on learning, industry insight, and a clear pathway toward union work and paid employment in New Mexico’s booming film industry.

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Program Overview
The program is divided into two phases:

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Phase 1: Film & Television Foundations (Unpaid, 180 hours)
A guided independent study where students rotate through every major department, receive equipment training, and complete a final capstone video to showcase what they’ve learned. 

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Phase 2: Career Focus & Paid Experience (Paid, 180 hours)
Students who complete Phase 1 may apply for Phase 2, where they specialize in one department and work on Katharsis Media and partner productions while preparing for entry into union or paid freelance work.

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Phase 1: Film & Television Foundations
Phase 1 is self-paced — but you are not alone. Students are supported every step of the way by a dedicated advisor who helps them:

• Create a schedule that fits their life

• Connect with project leads and partner organizations

• Know exactly what to say and how to reach out

• Gain confidence in professional communication

• Make warm introductions where needed

Key Elements:

• 180 total hours across 13 core film departments:​

  • Art Department

  • Set Construction

  • Costumes, Electric

  • Grip 

  • Hair & Makeup

  • Locations

  • Production Office

  • Post Production (Editing)

  • Sound

  • Camera 

  • Lighting

  • Production Assistant

  • Acting/On Camera Talent (optional)

• Six required production trainings:

  • Boom Operator

  • Camera Operator

  • Technical Director

  • Production Assistant (PA)

  • Production Lighting

  • Studio-based DaVinci Resolve training

• Production shifts typically 4 hours long

• Final capstone project: a 5–8 minute broadcast-ready video

• Milestone check-ins with your advisor

• All progress tracked in a Production Logbook

To qualify for Phase 2, students must:

• Complete all Phase 1 requirements

• Work on at least one partner production

• Secure one letter of recommendation to IATSE Local 480 (generally from work on the partner production)

Phase 2: Career Focus & Paid Experience
(Application Required After Phase 1 Completion or via Direct Application)

Students who complete Phase 1 may apply for Phase 2 — a competitive, paid training experience designed to prepare emerging filmmakers for union-track careers and high-level industry work. Admission to Phase 2 is not guaranteed by completion of Phase 1. 

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Applications are reviewed based on:

• Completion of all Phase 1 requirements

• Demonstrated professionalism and reliability

• Final capstone project quality

• Participation in at least one partner production

• A letter of recommendation to IATSE Local 480

• Availability of funding and department needs

Direct Application to Phase 2
Students with prior education and experience may bypass Phase 1 and apply directly to Phase 2.

Minimum requirements for direct application:

• At least 18 credit hours of film-related coursework from an accredited institution

• At least 10 days of documented on-set production work (up to 50% may be student projects)

• Professional references and portfolio demonstrating readiness

• Direct entry applicants will complete an interview and portfolio review as part of the application process

Phase 2 is a paid pre-apprenticeship phase where pre-apprentices declare an area of focus and spend most of the next 180 hours working in that department. On studio projects and small field projects, they may find themselves taking the lead in the department. On larger projects, they will be assistants or utilities, and may lead under the supervision of their mentor. Pre-apprentices interested in acting will complete a hybrid version of this, splitting their time between in front of and behind the camera work. 

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In addition, these pre-apprentices have the option to write and produce their own small crew studio series and are trained in basics of preproduction, live editing and basic post production. They work both in the studio and in the field on large and small projects.

Pre-apprentices earn high school / college credit and also receive IMDb credit for all productions they work on. 

Completion of this Pre-Apprenticeship Program also allows individuals to earn 15 of the 30 required qualifying union days for IATSE Local 480. 

Why Pre-Apprenticeship?

• Build a professional film resume while still in school / working a "day job"

• Learn directly from working industry professionals

• Explore multiple career paths to find your focus

• Gain eligibility for union work and paid opportunities

• Produce a broadcast-ready portfolio piece

• Receive personal mentorship every step of the way

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Eligibility: Ages 16+;  No experience required for Phase 1.  Phase 2 admission is by application and based on performance, professionalism, and funding availability. 

Pre-apprenticeship programs are ideal for youth and adults who are considering a career in film and television but do not have any experience and want to gain experience and explore the various careers in film and tv.

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Registered Apprenticeship Programs (ages 18+):

Katharsis Media is currently the only Registered Apprenticeship Program for film and television trades in the state of New Mexico. A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a program that has been approved through the State Apprenticeship Office to provide professional training in a specific occupation.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs are nationally recognized certificate programs designed for those who are serious about a career in film and television. The program is divided into four phases, with an hourly raise accompanying each phase advancement. Apprentices can start in Phase 1 and then move through the subsequent phases, or they can advance by credit based on previous experience or education.

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Apprenticeships are full time, paid positions that take between 1-4 years to complete. Credit can be applied to reduce the amount of time based on education and experience. However, all apprentices must complete at least 50% of the required time in order to complete the program. These programs are designed to provide stable income for 1-4 years while the apprentice is building their resume and networks and working toward guild or union membership and stable work in the industry.  All paid on-set days worked within their occupational track are excused AND count toward their required hours. 

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Our program currently offers apprenticeships in the following occupational tracks: 

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