cover image
The Walt Disney Company

Searchlight Pictures Development Intern, Summer 2026

On site

Burbank, United states

Fresher

Internship

11-02-2026

Share this job:

Skills

Communication Creativity Research Video Production Attention to detail

Job Specifications

About The Role & Program

Imagine working side-by-side with industry leaders in your field of study and building upon the skills you’ve learned in the classroom through real-world hands-on work experience. Now envision yourself in an internship with Searchlight. With your extraordinary talents, our renowned legacy and the promise of an even brighter future unite, just imagine the stories you could be part of!

Searchlight Pictures strives for a culture of innovation, collaboration and creativity. We set the standard, then step over it, blazing trails through the production and distribution of world class films around the globe. If you want to help, tell compelling, enduring stories then we want to hear from you.

The development intern is an integral part of the Searchlight team in evaluating incoming submissions and developing our current slate. We are a small team, so the intern will be especially helpful in handling special projects and administrative duties. The hands-on role will offer exposure to the film & TV industry and the development process at one of the leading studios.

This internship is a full-time commitment in the Burbank, CA area from May/June 2026- August/September 2026.

What You Will Do

Collect and distribute a daily newsletter (relevant news and daily trends)
Read incoming project submissions and providing feedback
Read project drafts and providing feedback
Contribute to the brainstorming of lists of writers, directors and cast for various projects and checking their availabilities with agencies
Participate in industry or project related research projects

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Experience working in collaborative environments and managing multiple projects
High attention to detail and experience multitasking in a fast-paced environment
Previous experience working in the entertainment industry
Strong written and verbal communications skills

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Knowledge and interest in Searchlight Pictures
Prior internship experience in post-production field
Experience with a non-linear editing platform (Avid/Final Cut/Adobe Premier)

Education

Junior or Senior year preferred
Major or previous coursework and or background in Film/ Video Production, Television, Communication, and/or Visual Effects.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
Current Disney Interns, College, International, or Culinary Program Participants: You may only work for ONE consecutive year (12 months) in any combination of an internship and/or program.
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization

Additional Information

Must provide full work availability from June through August 2026.
Must provide own housing and transportation, position is located in Burbank, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $22.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About the Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. Our mission is to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make us the world's premier entertainment company. Know more