Training New Mexicans in Film Industry Professions

​Internships (ages 18+):

Internships are short term (4 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-$18 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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Internships may be a good option for those who are considering the Apprenticeship program but are either not ready to commit or who are waiting for the program year to open up again. Completing an internship does not guarantee acceptance into the Apprenticeship program. 

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Pre-apprenticeship Programs (ages 16-23 or current college student):

Pre-apprenticeship programs are ideal for youth and young 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. The pre-apprenticeship program is completed in two phases: an unpaid training phase and a paid focus phase, for a total of 360 hours. 

Eligibility: Age 16-23 or current college student. No previous experience needed for the exploratory phase. Focus phase is by invitation only. In general, we select 15 exploratory phase interns each semester and up to 8 of those will be invited to the focus phase. On rare occasions, we may invite an exceptional student with sufficient previous experience and a clear area of focus directly into the focus phase. This is extremely rare. In general, students must complete the (unpaid) training phase to be considered for the (paid) focus phase. 

Pre-apprenticeship Phase 1: Exploratory / Training Phase

The exploratory phase is an unpaid training phase that introduces pre-apprentices to the various careers available in film and television. Pre-apprentices rotate through each film department, observing or working in an assistant capacity as they learn the skills needed for each department to function. This rotation provides a more complete understanding of the film industry, allowing students to prepare for and determine an area of focus.  Exploratory phase pre-apprentices spend roughly 12 hours in each of 13 departments:

• Art Department

• Set Construction

• Costumes, Electric

• Grip 

• Hair & Makeup

• Locations

• Office & Admin

• Post Production (Editing)

• Sound

• Camera 

• Lighting

• Script Writing

• Acting (optional)

• Broadcast Journalism / On-Camera host (optional)

They spend an additional 12 hours specializing in one department of choice, and 12 hours learning the business side of being a freelancer, resume building, and soft skills, totaling 180 hours to complete the rotation. Those interested in acting can spend their 12 specialized hours in front of the camera or working on acting technique. Exploratory pre-apprentices spend time supporting studio shows and field projects in an observatory or utility role. In addition, they are trained on all studio equipment and are generally proficient at basic use of camera and audio equipment by the end of this phase.

This phase is an unpaid internship designed for those who have little to no experience in film and aims to help interns decide on whether the film industry is a good fit for them, and if so, which area of film is of most interest to them. More than a focus on specific skills, this phase introduces interns to the Industry. It gives them a clear understanding of the time and schedule demands, and measures their work ethic and level of dedication. It is unpaid because this phase is a training phase. All or part of Phase 1 can be skipped if sufficient education and / or experience is demonstrated. College students in an certified film program who have successfully completed at least 18 credits of film related instruction may automatically qualify to apply directly to Phase 2. In general, Phase 1 is non-competitive and is a part of the selection process for Phase 2, which has limited slots and is competitive. 

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Pre-apprenticeship Phase 2: Focus Phase (paid)

Those pre-apprentices who work hard and demonstrate a clear interest and dedication will be invited to continue to the Focus Phase. This phase is a paid pre-apprenticeship program 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. 

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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 1-6 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 1-6 years while the apprentice is building their resume and networks and working toward guild or union membership and stable work in the industry.  All on-set days worked within their occupational track are excused AND count toward their required hours. 

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We are currently taking applications for apprenticeships for the following occupational tracks to begin in January 2025: 

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