Our Fabulous Interns
Name: Michael Wheaton
Name: Grace Scheller
Home Town: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
College: Grove City College
Studied: Communications and International Studies
Ambition for the future: To continue working in journalism and press abroad in whatever way I can!
When was I at Raindance: May – July
What I did: Marketing with Nina, interviewing guests of the festival, coordinating press with Stuart
Worst moment: Any time I had to answer the phone #scary
Best moments: Interviewing Andrew Scott!!!!!!!!!!! And meeting everyone on Raindance staff I guess.
Name: Sienna Orlando
Home Town: Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
College: Montclair State University
Studied: Film & Television
Ambition for the future: I would like to continue working in the media industry whether it be in film or television. I hope to one day work on a movie set no matter what position I am given.
When was I at Raindance: January – April 2024
What I did: Digital Marketing, creating promo videos for advertising, helping with Open Shorts Night, and answering festival emails.
Worst moment: Answering festival emails where people would ask for a free submission or discount.
Best moments: Being in the office with everyone! The staff here are such a joy to be around and I couldn’t have asked for a better internship placement
Name: Zach Levens
Home Town: Bedfordshire, England
College: City of Westminster College (Paddington).
Studied: Art & Design (Specialising in Photography).
Ambition for the future: I would like to continue to working within the film industry whilst devloping my career as a photographer.
When was I at Raindance: October – November 2023.
What I did: Digital Marketing, Photography, Camera and Audio Managment, Along with helping many areas of the team from Marketing to Finnance and much more!
Worst moment: Everyone being shocked when I told them I was born in 2006.
Best moments: Being surrounded by such an incredible team, working on & learning new skills and meeting new people.
Name: Alexandra Lowe
Home Town: London, UK
University: Royal Holloway University of London
Studied: Film, TV and Digital Production
Ambition when I graduate: To continue making films and gain more experience behind a camera on sets.
When was I at Raindance: July – September 2023
What I did: Digital marketing, writing reviews, helping with hospitality on shorts night, email management and helped filming of programme announcement event.
Worst moment: Being given a £50 note to pay for coffee.
Best moment: Shorts night and The Programme announcement.
Name: Kaleen Gendreau
Home Town: Orlando, FL, USA
University: University of South Florida, Tampa
Studied: Production and Political Science
Ambition when I graduate: To keep writing, work on more films, become a cinematographer.
When was I at Raindance: May-July 2023
What I did: Help with content for socials, interview and write a few things for the blog, help at Open Shorts Night, help with festival trailer, and classic intern stuff.
Worst moment: Having to tell people I’m from Florida.
Best moment: Interviewing an independent filmmaker/ director for the Raindance blog and hearing about his experiences.
Name: Sarah Hobgood
Hometown: Bay City, Michigan
University: Central Michigan University
Degree: Broadcast and Cinematic Arts
Ambition for the future: To work on set in some capacity, work my way up to being a first assistant director, and eventually write/direct some of my own stuff!
When was I at Raindance: Summer 2023
What I did: Watched and reviewed feature film submissions, kept up with festival emails which included sifting through a lot of junk mail and responding to a lot of emails asking for waiver codes.
Worst moment: All of the emails asking for deadline waiver codes weeks after the final deadline passed.
Best moment: Helping out with and being an extra for the festival trailer and our lunches in the park!
Name: Karla Espinoza
Home Town: London, UK
University: University of Westminster
Studied: Contemporary Media Practice
Ambition when I graduate: give a voice to the people does not have one, and visibility to those who need it through my media projects such as documentaries, moving images, short films… Even working in film festivals representing my Latino community.
When was I at Raindance: April- June 2023
What I did: I learned from every single aspect of a film festival, from working in programming to marketing stuff, helped and support executive Director David Martinez with any tasks that should be done and helped with the Open Short Nights.
Worst moment: no really, so grateful for lived these experiences
Best moment: The Open Short Nights, sharing the night with filmmakers and seeing their work, every single one is a unique and completely different piece of work, love how they look so proud of their work.
Hometown: New Hope, Pennsylvania USA
University: University of Pittsburgh
Degree: Film and Media Studies – Production Track
Ambition for the future: I would to love work anywhere in the film industry (festivals/production/
When was I at Raindance: January – April 2023
What I did: Classic intern stuff (answering the phone, emails, buzzing people in), wrote a couple blog posts, social media, emailed people about sponsorships, watched some of the submitted short films, helped with some courses and Open Shorts Nights, just assisted anyone if they needed any help in the office.
Worst moment: The lack of windows making it hard to prepare for the rain when you left to go home.
Best moment: Open Shorts Nights! I loved seeing how different each short was and being able to chat with new people/get to know co-workers better! Also just getting to know the people I worked with, I loved the environment and will definitely miss it!
Name: Gaia Antonini
Hometown: Varese, Italy
University: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano
Degree: IMACS (International Master in Cinema Studies)
Ambition for the future: Programming for film festivals and, eventually, found my own one
When was I at Raindance: June-December 2022
What I did: Programming features and short films, creating social media content, hospitality and conducting some Q&As during the festival days.
Worst moment: Waking up early the day after all the parties during the festival
Best moment: The festival, all of it <3
Name: Samuel Draper
Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
University: University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Degree: Film Studies (Concentration in Film Production)
Ambition for the future: Direct and produce feature films and series
When was I at Raindance: September-December 2022
What I did: filming and editing behind-the-scenes content from events, working closely with the events and production team on big events such as rolling out the red carpet (ensuring there were no bubbles), setting up press boards and the step-and-repeat, and lastly being readily available to move any heavy objects in the vicinity.
Worst moment: Early morning breakdown after Opening Night. Very early.
Best moment: Attending all of the events throughout the festival. It was a great chance to network with filmmakers alike, while also having a great time without fun Raindance team.
Name: Ellen Kesler
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
University: Samford University
Degree: English Literature and Film Studies
Ambition for the future: Write for a publication about film or teach English and Film at a university.
When was I at Raindance: September-December 2022
What I did: marketing / outreach for festival promotion, manned the hospitality desk during the festival, wrote blog posts for the website and helped with whatever else was needed in the office.
Worst moment: making the trek to Genesis cinema during the festival.
Best moment: Every night of the festival! It was such a great learning experience and I am so grateful for all the friendships I made in the office.
Name: Carolina Kravina
Home town: Trieste, Italy
University: Università di Bologna
Degree: Film, Television and Multimedia Studies
Ambition for the future: keep working in film festivals or in the industry
When was I at Raindance: July-September 2022
What I did: mainly social media / marketing (newsletter), wrote some articles for the blog and also reviews for the movies in this years programme. Helped going through archive material for the 30th edition official trailer. Assisted at events.
Worst moment: when people kept calling Raindance but turned out they got the wrong number.
Best moment: office parties! Joking, lots of good memories and experiences, I learned a lot and it was very difficult to say goodbye.
Name: Maggie Courtney
Home town: Springfield, Missouri
University: University of Missouri
Studying: Journalism (Strategic Communication) and Sociology
Ambition when I graduate: Extremely TBD. When I arrive back home in Missouri, I’ll be finishing up two more years of school before joining the workforce! Or graduate school. Or some other adventure. Whatever I do, I hope it will be something that allows for creativity and learning new things.
When I was at Raindance: Summer 2022
What I did: Handled daily social media posts, wrote a couple articles, went through old Raindance programs to record notable alumni, helped with marketing efforts, and of course, did the odd job hole-punching, printing, or stapling.
Worst moment: Being sick during the hottest days ever recorded in London history. With no AC. Not my favorite day.
Best moment: In the office, I loved being a part of something where people truly care about what they’re working on. Hearing stories from Elliot or David or Bailey or anybody about a cool person they met or festival they attended made the days I spent here so fun. Outside of the office, my favorite London memory was being in Trafalgar Square to see England win the Women’s Euro Final – the celebration was amazing to be at!
Name: Ella Gammill
Name: Talya Rezetko
Home town: Tucson, USA- Mexico
University: University of Aberdeen
Studying: Business Management
Ambition when I graduate: to be a project manager in construction
When I was at Raindance: Summer 2021
What I did: Wrote articles, created e-books, researched information on sponsorships and marketing
Best moment: Being a photographer and extra on the set of the Raindance trailer
Name: Callianne Jones
Home town: Minneapolis, USA
University: University of Minnesota
Studying: Film, Photography, & Marketing
Ambition when I graduate: to work on becoming a creative director!
When I was at Raindance: Summer 2021
What I did: Created e-books, worked on pitch decks, framed catalogs, researched sponsorship opportunities
Worst moment: Having the emotional turmoil which comes with framing 28 catalogs.
Best moment: Hosting the Born to Be Q&A!
Name: Grant Ginter
Home town: Arroyo Grande, CA
University: Arizona State University
Studying: Business Finance and Film and Media Production
Ambition when I graduate: Produce and support independent filmmakers and storytellers
When I was at Raindance: January – March 2020
What I did: Some of the incredible work I was able to complete for Raindance was creating financial statements, writing blog posts on recent films, create relationships with potential sponsors for the festival, and make the best tea in the office.
Worst moment: Spending 70 quid in the office to see Timothee Chalamet in a West End show, only for the show to be cancelled.
Best moment: The excitement of seeing Timothee Chalamet in a West End show, before it was cancelled.
Name: Lena Washington
Home town: Brooklyn, New York
University: Boston University
Studying: Communications – Film and Television
Ambition when I graduate: To work in editing or production for a film or television studio
When I was at Raindance: October – November 2019
What I did: Tweeted, posted on our Instagram and Facebook, answered phone calls, updated articles for the blog, helped with events and classes, and filmed for Vlogmas
Worst moment: Freezing in the Raindance office.
Best moment: Being invited to a co-worker’s Canadian Thanksgiving dinner on my first day and getting to know the rest of the team. Everyone here is incredibly nice, which makes it a great place to have an internship.
Name: Megan Clowes
Home town: Eldersburg, Maryland
University: Boston University
Studying: Film and Television
Ambition when I graduate: To work on set with a film studio and eventually become a cinematographer.
When I was at Raindance: October – November 2019
What I did: Tweeted, posted on Instagram and Facebook, answered phone calls, updated articles for the blog, helped with events and classes, and filmed videos for Vlogmas.
Worst moment: None!
Best moment: Being able to help at the Raindance short list party for the nominees of the BIFA awards. Everyone is very nice and welcoming and has great advice to help start your film career!
Name: Katy Wagner
Home town: Rockville Centre, New York
University: James Madison University
Studying: Communications- Public Relations
Ambition when I graduate: Work in Public Relations for entertainment, most likely in film or television
When I was at Raindance: May-July 2019
What I did: Tweeted, posted on our Instagram and Facebook wrote some articles, tweeted some more, and answered phone calls
Worst moment: I was doing work for Elliot on his laptop and after I gave it back to him, five minutes later his laptop broke. It wasn’t my doing but it was a weird coincidence!
Best moment: Publishing my first article, “5 Award Winning Directors Who Got Where They Are” on Raindance’s website was a pretty exciting moment for me! I’ve never had anything published on a website before, so it was pretty cool to see my own work published online
Name: Daniel Korth
Home town: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
University: I’m still at school!
Studying: Film Studies, Art, History and Drama
Ambition when I graduate: Make some independent feature films, and oneway end up in Hollywood!
When I was at Raindance: July 2019
What I did: I came for work experience, and I got just that and more. Wrote some articles, one of which I was privileged enough to have end up on the Raindance blog! I did some housekeeping odd-jobs, sorted out some lists. The most valuable thing by far has been being in a professional environment with other people who care about film.
Worst moment: There has honestly been nothing that I haven’t been glad to do, that I feel wasn’t worth my time.
Best moment: Seeing my rather wide-eyed, dreamy article actually published on the Raindance blog!
Name: Charlotte Christy
Home town: Buffalo, New York
University: Kings College London
Studying: Film Studies
Ambition when I graduate: Find a job somewhere in the industry, possibly at another festival or production company!
When I was at Raindance: April – June 2019
What I did: Tweeted, posted on our Instagram, wrote some articles, tweeted, lied to some sales callers, watched a few screeners, tweeted, drank too much tea, and always jumped when someone rang the door. Oh, and I tweeted!
Worst moment: That time I had to tell a woman from a sales call the person who she was looking for didn’t exist…because someone had told her a fake name earlier that day…and she proceeded to ask for another person…who I had also lied about, earlier that day.
Best moment: Attending the Independent Filmmaker’s Ball and getting to bring friends (and drink for free!) I got to hang out with people from the office on a more casual level, do some networking with some of the guests, and sell some raffle tickets for a great cause. Win-win-win!
Name: Solomia Dzhu (also Dzhurovska)
Home Town: Ternopil, Ukraine
University: Cambridge School of Art Studies: Film & TV Production
Aspire To: Direct feature films that will start a new wave of filmmaking, move people’s hearts and stop wars.
When was I at Raindance: April – June 2019
What I did: Took pictures at various Raindance events, posted to social media, reviewed festival submissions, wrote for the blog, danced at the Independent Filmmakers’ Ball, networked my way through Boozin’ & Schmoozin’ and constantly asked Harvey difficult life questions (and sometimes he knew the answer!).
Worst moment: Staying indoors when it was sunny outside and missing on that sunshine! 🙁
Best moment: Crying. Because one documentary submission was that good.
Name: Ivan Akojo Romario Phillips
Home town: North London
University: Nottingham Trent University
Studying: Philosophy and TV/Film
Ambition when I graduate: Work in the camera department in Film/TV!
When I was at Raindance: April – June 2019
What I did: A bit of everything! I’ve written articles, helped set up classes, organised guest lists, guided strangers on the phone, reviewed cinema books, made notes on potential films for the festival, cleaned rooms, made strange photoshop creations, ordered pizza, made videos, made friends, written hundreds of tweets, and lastly (but kinda most importantly??) learned how to saw wood! The trick is to not try too hard to cut the wood- just get into the rhythm!
Worst moment: Ordering 20 cardboard tubes, hunting them down when they didn’t arrive, only for them to be half the width of what we actually needed! At least they make for a decent foot stool…
Best moment: Well it might be helping set-up The Independent Filmmakers’ Ball! It was very taxing helping organise things but very rewarding seeing it in full swing! Or I could mention the brilliant networking opportunities which I have taken advantage of. Or maybe that it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop professional and interpersonal skills!
Name: Evan Kielmeyer
Home Town: Smithtown, NY
University: Boston College
Studied: Communication and History
Aspire To: Produce Films and TV
When was I at Raindance: February – April 2019
What I did: Posted to social media, built the Filmmaker’s Ball guest list, reviewed festival submissions, wrote for the blog, uploaded screenplays to the website, started office banter, made some friends, and had an all round great time!
Worst moment: The ever-present fear that I’m making tea the wrong way and everybody knows but me.
Best moment: Watching Elliot give a 45-Minute Film School and getting to live tweet the whole thing.
Name: Erin Sastre
Home town: Chicago, Illinois
University: University of Missouri
Studying: Journalism with a Spanish Minor
Ambition when I graduate: The end goal would be to write my own screenplay, but before I get too ahead of myself, I’d like to find a paying job involving film, writing or marketing to make up for all of the money I’ve spent on coffee and theatre tickets while in London.
When I was at Raindance: January-April 2019
What I did: I wrote several articles for the blog, handled daily social media posts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest), helped out with the Raindance app, answered the phones, and made a couple of fun Buzzfeed quizzes.
Worst moment: The first time I ever had to go to the post office and somehow ended up paying for 12 extra stamps with no idea how it happened.
Best moment: Becoming a member of the Raindance team and being able to chat about anything and everything. The office is such a great place to hear different perspectives about film and life in general, so I’m grateful for the experience. Attending some amazing courses is a close second.
Name: Sylvie Dumont
Home Town: Rome, Italy
University: King’s College London
Studying: BA in Comparative Literature
Aspire To: Write about everything ever, including and especially film.
When was I at Raindance: September – December 2018
What I did: Lots of tweeting, book reviews, articles for the blog, phone-answering, events hosting, Youtube tutorials and general office morale :)))
Worst moment: Asking to host a Q&A for a film about Peter Sellers’ death – and proceeding to ask if Peter Sellers would be attending.
Best moment: Hosting Q&As for screenings and sitting in an equipment box so Elliot could tweet about it.
Name: Caroline Hamilton
Home Town: Holmfirth, UK
University: University of Liverpool
Studied: Business Studies and Film Studies
Aspire To: Work in film and TV marketing
When was I at Raindance: September – December 2018
What I did: Social media (Twitter and Instagram), designed newsletters, wrote a couple blog posts, helped out on the Raindance app, attended Raindance courses, made some videos for the Raindance Youtube page.
Worst moment: The day after the BIFA awards, feeling a bit worse for wear…
Best moment: BIFA awards – greeting guests and the after party!
Name: Ellen Almanza
Home City: Lawrence, Kansas
Home School: University of Kansas
Studying: Communications with a Business Minor
Ambition when I graduate: To find a job that does not feel like work, and to eventually start a family.
When was I at Raindance: May-July 2018
What I did: Daily Tweets for the London and Toronto Twitter accounts, wrote a few articles, typed subtitles for videos, starred in a Youtube video, and answered the phone.
Worst moment: Being close to a Paul bakery where I got lemon tarts almost every day I worked.
Best moment: Meeting Tony Kaye, director of American History X.
Name: Li-Wei Chu
Home City: Diamond Bar, California
Home School: University of California, Davis
Studying: Cinema & Digital Media
Ambition when I graduate: To make money to support my crippling vinyl addiction
When was I at Raindance: April – June 2018
What I did: Tweet my ass off every day, move pianos, pick up Prosecco, answer the phone, and attend various Raindance events
Worst moment: My first Raindance phone call: Picking up the phone only to be greeted by the thickest Irish/Scottish accent I’ve ever heard mixed in with just a little bit of static. A lot of quizzical ‘hello????’s and ‘can you repeat that please’es were exchanged.
Best moment: Playing with the smoke machine, closely followed by chatting to people in the office. Y’all are lovely.
Name: Kathryn Butt
Home City: Somerset
University: Bristol University
Studied: Film & Television MA
Post-Graduate Experience: I got the internship after moving to London for 3 months & I was looking for more experience. It’s been great as I’ve learnt a lot and tried to make the most of all the classes/events we’ve run whilst I’ve been here.
When was I at Raindance: January – March 2018
What I did: Digital marketing, assisting with running courses, writing blog posts, and making (incredibly successful/informative/viral) YouTube videos.
Worst moment: Whenever we ran out of milk for tea…
Name: Christina Craig
Name: Frank Muñoz
Home City: Hong Kong/ Monterrey, México
Home School: Boston University
Studying: Film and Television
Ambition when I graduate: Find a paying job in the filmmaking world (wishful thinking)
When was I at Raindance: October – December 2017
What I did: Worked on Social Media, wrote a few blog posts, assisted with Raindance courses
Worst moment: Every time the wifi would cut out
Best Moment: Getting to attend the Russian Film Week premiere night
Name: McKinleigh Lair
Home City: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Home School: Ithaca College
Studying: Documentary Filmmaking
Ambition when I graduate: I think I’ll go to law school and work in media/entertainment law for a few years to fund my future filmmaking endeavors. But the end goal is to produce and edit indie docs.
When was I at Raindance: August – December 2017
What I did: Festival planning and management, video editing, filmmaker hospitality, film student communication, wrote a blog post or two.
Worst moment: Broken-toilet days
Best Moment: Spending time with creative people from all over the world
My social media: Follow me on Instagram!
Name: Kosmo W. Crocco
Home city: Boltiere, Italy
School/University/College: IED, Milano, Italy
Studying: Film and Visual Arts
What I’ll do when I graduate: Write and Direct films.
When I was at Raindance: April 2016 – June 2016
What I did: I answered the phone, helped with events like the ball (the baaaaaallll!!!), Live Ammunition and Boozin’ N’ Schmoozin’ and wrote articles too.
Worst moment: Saying bye on my last day.
Best moment: The Live Ammunition!
What I learned: I improved my communication skills, learned how a film needs attention and every step matters as the next and the previous, I learned how massive the effort to manage a great festival like Raindance is. This experience has also consolidated definitely my decision to become a filmmaker.
What I’m doing now: I am working on two scripts for features films I want to direct, sending my latest short film to festivals, developing other two plots and trying to finally step into the film industry.
Name: Kelly Chery
Home city: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
School/University/College: Ithaca College
Studying: Film, Photography, and Visual Arts
What I’ll do when I graduate: Write a film, direct the film, and maybe act in the film.
When I was at Raindance: January 2016– April 2016
What I did: I mostly worked on blog posts. I also contacted perspective clients and students to promote what Raindance has to offer such as room bookings and the MA program. And of course, I did what most interns do and answer telephones and run errands.
Worst moment: Talking to Michael Jackson.
Best moment: Talking to Michael Jackson.
What I learned: Most of the blogs I wrote were reccomendations for films. Having to reccomend films in a way enhanced everything I have learned when analyzing a film. I had to switch back and forth from the mind of a filmmaker to the mind of a spectater, something that comes more naturally since working here. My communication skills also grew because I had to speak with people on the phone and relay messages to my co-workers. Working here at Raindance also reinforced what I already knew and that is I want to be a filmmaker.
What I’m doing now: I am working on a script for a feature film I hope to direct in the nearer future. I am also working on finishing my kast few semesters at College.
Name: Dilek Osman
Home city: London/Essex
School/University/College: Birmingham City University
What I’ll do when I graduate: I’m hoping to get more experience in the film industry and work my way up.
When I was at Raindance: July – October 2015
What I did: Anything anyone wanted me to do really, there was always something! A lot of the time I was taking phone calls, working on social media and organizing spreadsheets. Being an intern during the festival period meant it was very busy which was great.
Worst moment: Wouldn’t say there was a terrible moment, but having to crop film stills for the Vue website and saving them on a very slow shared drive was pretty bad, thanks Harvey!
Best moment: It’s pretty hard to choose because the whole experience was great. I finished on the day of the Closing Gala so it was really nice for my final weeks to be spent at the festival. I really enjoyed working with such great people in the office.
What I learned: The whole experience was a definite eye-opener to how film festivals run and how much there is to get done behind the scenes. I’m now a lot more confident when speaking to industry professionals, and with my writing, I was terrified to post my first article on the website.
What I’m doing now: I’m in my final year of University, working on a couple of personal projects and my dissertation.
Name: Charlotte Raymen
Home city: Cambridge (Royston, actually but no one knows where that is)
School/University/College: The University of West London
Studying: Film Production
Post-Graduate Experience: I got the internship right out of graduating from Uni. I have enjoyed so far collaborating with the team as well as sharing the experience with my plus ones.
When I was at Raindance: July-October 2015
What I did: I filmed and edited the weekly update web series videos, along with other announcements including Dailymotion Web Fest Nominations and Course trailers. I edited trailers for “Showing Tomorrow…” Preludes that were shown during the festival and Raindance Awards nomination videos that were shown at the ceremony of the Festival. I was asked to edited footage taken behind the scenes from “Deadly Virtues” and make “The Ties That Bind : A Look Behind the Scenes,” which features on the DVD extras for which I was credited as Editor and Music. I also subtitled a couple of trailers that came without subtitles and learned how to make neon signs on photoshop. I learned a lot and hopefully contributed just as much.
Worst moment: The printer during the festival conked out and we had to print and cut out name badges by hand! It was the biggest disaster I have ever experienced in an office in central London.
Best moment: It was great to see my edits on the big screen. On the Friday of the Awards ceremony I had another job in Milton Keynes but I made it back for the last 6 minutes of the show and I saw my “Best International Features” nomination clip in a cinema full of people.
What I learned: I didn’t know anything about DCP’s before joining and I saw behind the scenes in lots of aspects of running a festival.
What I’m doing now: I am working on a few of my own projects, comedy scripts and various freelancing jobs. This may or may not include abusing my photoshop abilities.
Name: Dora Ash Sakula
Home city: London
School/University/College: University of Exeter
Studying: History
Post-Graduate Experience: Escaped from the post-graduation pressure by running off to Mexico. Came back, made a doc with a colleague about a group of artists in Cambodia [https://vimeo.com/124645519], had a few internships, which brings me to the incredible time at Raindance.
When I was at Raindance: July-October 2015
What I did: I most updated social media especially Twitter and Facebook (I left the instagraming to Baptiste), answering the phones, dealing with room bookings. I loved writing articles for the blog, usually about whatever interested me at the time. Writing reviews for the festival catalogue was a great job, what could be better than watching films and writing about them. I was very lucky to be there during the festival, a chaotic but exhilarating time. I got to help out and attend all the events, see any films that weren’t booked up and attend the the various panels and talks going on.
Worst Moment: When the card machine for the festival passes broke and we had to print them and cut them all out by hand. Cutting straight is much harder than it looks…
Best Moment: Before the festival started I would say posting a letter to Martin Freeman was my most exciting moment. But after seeing him the flesh that took a backseat. Getting to attend the masterclass with one of the best screenwriters of our time, Guillermo Arriaga, was probably the high point.
What I learned: The internship gave me a great insight into the inner working of a film festival. I never quite realised how much work was put into such events. It was a great experience working with the Raindance team. Talking to indie filmmakers at the festival has inspired me and I have learnt that if you have a vision go for it.
What I’m doing now: Working on a few of my own projects and looking for a researcher/runner job in a production company. I will definitely be making full use of the experience and connections I gained at Raindance.
Name:Lucille Mcllenan
Home City: Brighton, UK
School/University/College: Open University
Studying: Psychology
Ambition when I graduate: I’d like to work in the film industry but not sure exactly how yet! I would also love to be involved in festival programming or film reviewing, probably because I am a judgmental person who loves to criticise stuff, especially films. Ultimately I would like to be in a position where I can make my own documentaries, specifically really funny character documentaries like The King of Kong.
When I was at Raindance: April—July 2015
What I did: I primarily helped with the British Independent Film Awards, which involved a lot of researching of British films. Also lots of social media, answering phone calls, logging film submissions and generally doing whatever what was asked of me. That didn’t include making any type of hot beverage – this intern stereotype thankfully does not apply to the Raindance experience.
Worst moment: When I was given the task of stuffing about 200 envelopes and was informed around 150 envelopes in that they were self-adhesive and therefore, I did not need to lick them. I felt both silly and quite nauseous.
Best Moment: It’s hard to pick one, it really has been such a great experience! I really enjoyed the hours of conversation that with my fellow interns (and Harvey), we covered practically every single topic known to man, sometimes twice. While working of course, we’re just really great at multitasking. I also really enjoyed answering the phone and helping people, trust me its not as scary as it seems. Oh, and we got free donuts once.
What I learned: I learned that I definitely still love everything about film, that people working in this industry are really nice (at Raindance, at least) and I am leaving feeling even more inspired to pursue this line of career than ever before. I also finally learned how to use twitter, sort of. Ok I still don’t really understand it.
What I’m doing now: I finish my degree in October so I’ll figure it out then, that’s like 4 months away which is practically forever! I’m considering gaining a bit of filming experience to try and get onto a Filmmaking Masters program. Then I can become the next Alex Gibney or Werner Herzog, minus the cool voice.
Name: Matt Howsam
Home City: Medway Towns, Kent.
School/University/College: Royal Holloway, University of London.
Studying: Media Arts.
Ambition when I graduate: The ultimate goal is to direct a distinctive short/ feature for festival circulation and if I can collaborate with my film mates and make this happen every year then I will be very content. I would love to work on set in several capacities or write about cinema. It’s a tricky industry to crack as, we all know, it requires a combination of skill, contacts and luck. I’m confident that I have a grounding in two out of three of these, just need some luck!
When I was at Raindance: May – July 2014
What I did: Everything and anything you can get your hands on. The placement at Raindance was so rewarding because I could constantly alter what jobs I was doing and there was no shortage of work to get stuck into! We get involved with the organisational side of the company such as booking people onto courses and answering customer queries. Yet, you can write web articles on practically anything that interests you in the world of film. It was fantastic to have this creative freedom and to shift from organisational work to creative thinking. Another great part to the internship was working as an assistant on the Raindance courses – I learnt so much from Patrick Tucker’s ‘Hands on Directing’ class. I also got to watch some amazing short films that were entered into the festival and give my own feedback on them which was a great opportunity.
Worst Moment: Not being able to understand a customer on the phone or being unable to provide them with the information they require is the biggest low you will feel in the office. It gets stressful on the first day but do not be too hard on yourself, like everything, it gets easier as you become a connoisseur of all things Raindance.
Best Moment: Definitely the people that you meet; the Raindance office is full of lovely, keen film enthusiasts so it is great to get into big creative discussions. It was a privilege to be part of the Independent Film movement.
What I learned: If you do not know something, ask. If you do not have anything to do, take the initiative to ask for something rather than just sit back. Learn as much about the company as you can before and during your placement. Apologise if you make a mistake. Always smile. Get stuck in. Oh and bake a leaving cake and you will be loved forever.
What I’m doing now: I have recently been asked to be 1st A.D on a short film being made this summer by an award-winning director that I am very excited about! Similarly, I am developing my own short to direct this summer. Also, I will be writing my university dissertation on Wim Wender’s ‘Paris Texas’. So thankfully I have a very busy summer ahead and then it’s back to university for my third and final year.
Name: Hayley Twyman
Home City: Tallahassee, Florida
School/University/College: Florida State University
Studying: English Literature
Ambition when I graduate: This very question strikes fear deep into my soul. So thanks for that. To put it in cinematic terms, I’m going through a The Graduate- like crisis. Well, minus the ambivalence and scandal. While I am unsure of what the future holds, I know that I love film, music, art, and literature. If I could find my way into any one of those fields, I would be thrilled. I’ll probably make an appearance at graduate school, too. There is, however, one thing I do know, and that is I will not be going into plastics.
When I was at Raindance: January – April 2014
What I did: I can corroborate my fellow interns’ story on this one: we do a bit of everything. I answered phones, replied to emails, booked people on to courses, watched films, greeted visitors, wrestled with spreadsheets, researched contacts, and did the occasional stapling. I was also fortunate enough to write articles for the Raindance website, which was great fun and put my English training to practical use. So don’t be fooled, it only seems like Raindance goes into winter hibernation after their busy autumn calendar. No, the good people of Raindance are still quietly working away beneath the feet of millions of tourists on their way to Trafalgar Square, and I can guarantee they’re working on something pretty special for you, the makers and patrons of independent film.
Worst Moment: Again, I’m going to have to jump on the bandwagon here: the (apparently) universally dreaded phone. But don’t worry, it gets better. Yes, answering the phones can be intimidating and stressful, but that lovely, grateful person you are bound to speak to will seriously brighten your day.
Best Moment: I really do apologize for my lack of originality, but the other interns have this answer spot on as well. My best moment is less of a moment and more of a schmaltzy feeling, but I have to say becoming a part of the Raindance team. It was a privilege to work with so many talented and creative people. And then there were my fellow interns—they were the best. It’s as simple as that.
What I learned: I don’t quite know where to begin, and if I get started I probably won’t know where to stop. In the interest of brevity, I’ll just say that I learned how to be a better human, professionally and personally. How’s that for an incomprehensibly vague answer? But it’s true.
What I’m doing now: Goodness gracious, you people with the terrifying questions. I’m headed back home to the red clay hills of Tallahassee to participate in Florida State’s graduation ceremony. And then I am going to breathe. Breathe very deeply, and take on the world, I suppose.
