NFL FILMS Senior Producer, Todd Schmidt
As an intern at Jerseyintern.com, I knew that I would conduct interviews and write articles about local organizations providing internships. However, I had no idea of what was coming my way. Our regular morning meeting started with the usual review and then it hit!"Brian, we set up your interview for next week," said my supervisor, Chanin Coyle. "We will be heading out to NFL Films next week to highlight their internship program."
I sat there in shock. I am going to interview NFL Films, the pinnacle of sport filmmakers. The shock from the initial assignment stuck with me throughout the week of preparation. Finally, we arrived at their Mt .Laurel facility. It was a little overwhelming. The two inter-connected buildings have a majestic feel of sports history.
The NFL Films reception area is stationed between an impressive film lab to the left and an open display case of Emmy awards on the right. Dozens of awards lined the hallway from end-to-end. The entrance displays a wall size picture of the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams during Super Bowl XXXVI. Visitors in the reception area sit watching NFL film reels on flat screen televisions.
After signing in, we briefly waited and then it happened.
"Hey there,"called Todd Schmidt, Senior Producer at NFL Films."Come on up."
The metal staircase winded around to the second floor. We followed Mr. Schmidt down the hallway lined with sports articles, pictures and NFL highlights over the past forty years.
Before our interview, we had an opportunity to meet one of the current NFL Film interns, David Lane. Lane, a Drexel University graduate with a degree in TV and Film, is interning at NFL Films for the Spring 2007 Semester. The intern area is a comfortable space designed to accommodate up to six interns. The single attached desk winds around allowing the students to work on computers, tapes or editing equipment.
"We have a great team of interns," said Schmidt. "We've had a lot of success with our program. We are constantly searching for talented and outgoing individuals."
Schmidt, who is currently celebrating his 10th year at NFL Films, redeveloped the internship program. His strategies and initiatives breathed new life into the program. "We receive over 500 resumes a year from not only the local area, but from around the world," he said. "Its become a very competitive program that requires a lot of dedication. NFL Films prides itself on the diversity of the program. The diversity enables us to have many different points of view which are very important."
Schmidt has three specific goals for the internship program. One, improve and increase the types of jobs and opportunities for the interns. Two, increase the overall pool of applicants as well as increasing the diversity of those applicants. Three, improve the numbers of hiring interns.
During football season, "NFL Films is non-stop," he said. "Every member of the company has tight deadlines that they must meet. Every week we prepare a 30 minute segment on HBO called Inside the NFL. It takes 100 people to do it effectively every week. Every member of the team is important. Interns get to be a part of that team participating in the process."
"What is the biggest misconception that students have about your program?" I asked.
"Students often think that we are a football company when the exact opposite is true. We are a film company first. We have our own film labs, editing and sound studios. We receive a lot of resumes from students who want to work for the Eagles organization or they want to work in sports management. That isn't what we do here. We are a film company."
Schmidt emphasized that a well prepared resume and cover letter are key. "I feel this is where an individual can really invent themselves and show what they have to offer," he said. "The cover letter lets the employer know why the candidate wants to work for the company. It's us know what the student can bring to the table."
Schmidt also emphasized that students should have a clear understanding of their goals and know what they want out of the program. "One of the biggest problems is that students don't know what they want or how they can stand out from the competition."
The following list can strengthen students chances for consideration:
1. Provide a well prepared cover letter and resume
2. Meet application deadlines
3. Know your internship goals and long range goals
4. Demonstrate strong communication skills
5. Positive outgoing personality
6. Show initiative and drive
NFL Films currently offers internship programs throughout the year. There are twelve departments that currently offer internships. Opportunities are available in the spring, summer and fall semesters. The programs are unpaid, and in some cases, do not require college credit.
David Lane, one of the current interns at NFL Films, became involved with the program because of his interest in TV and Film. "I am a huge sports buff. My goals are to work in the industry, so this is a perfect fit," he said. "This program has allowed me to gain that experience. I'm just trying to learn everything that I can."
"The best advice that I can give to students is to find something that they are passionate about, said Schmidt. Work hard, learn as much as you can, and ultimately you can meet your goals."
Steve Sabol is always looking for the next brilliant filmmaker.
Students can find out more about the NFL Film internships at www.Jerseyintern.com.
- Interview conducted by Brian Weber, Rowan University student. Spring 2007 intern at Jerseyintern.com. Written by Brian Weber and Chanin Coyle.
