Stefano's Story: Production Internship in New York

Meet Stefano!

Stefano studied at the National Film Academy of Bologna (Accademia Nazionale del Cinema di Bologna), Italy and joined the ArtBound Initiative program to gain hands-on industry experience. He went on to complete a production internship at Public Record in New York, a creative production company recognized for its work across documentary, branded content, and cultural storytelling.

Read more about Stefano's experience below.

How would you describe your day-to-day at Public Record?

Working in a production company means that my daily routine often depended on the projects that were in progress at any given time. The first thing I would do when I arrived at the office was check in with my supervisor to understand the priorities for the day and what tasks they needed me to focus on.

Most of my responsibilities were related to post-production, which involved editing on the computer and assisting with different aspects of the workflow for various film projects. Depending on the needs of the day, this could include organizing footage, syncing audio, creating rough cuts, or preparing files for review.

When there were fewer daily tasks to complete, I was often assigned scripts to work on. In those cases, I would prepare detailed script coverage, providing a full analysis that included a summary, comments on structure, character development, and potential for production. This not only helped me sharpen my analytical skills but also gave me a deeper understanding of how different projects are evaluated and developed within the industry.

Image from Public Record

What aspect of your internship was the most enjoyable, rewarding, and useful?

What I enjoyed the most about working at Public Record, and about the entertainment industry in general, is the constant variety and stimulation. Every day brought something new to learn or a different challenge to tackle. Even during slower periods, there was always value in staying engaged and observing the workflow. What made it even better was being trusted with tasks that had a real, tangible impact on the projects. Collaborating closely with the team made the experience dynamic and motivating.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was knowing that the projects I contributed to could eventually reach major platforms such as Netflix, Apple, or HBO. The idea that my work, even in a supporting role, could be part of something that would reach a wide audience was incredibly exciting and motivating. It gave me a sense of pride and purpose in every task I completed.

In just four months, I gained what felt like an intensive crash course in post-production, teamwork, and handling high-value responsibilities. These are skills that simply cannot be fully developed in an academic setting, especially not in such a short amount of time. This hands-on experience taught me lessons that will be invaluable as I continue building my career in the industry.

In what way did ArtBound Initiative help you the most?

The level of care that ArtBound Initiative provides to each intern is not only exceptional but truly a privilege. As I approach the end of my internship, I can confidently say that they have supported me every step of the way, staying present and available throughout my entire journey.

What stood out the most was how they handled all the bureaucratic aspects of the visa process, which can often be complicated and stressful. Having that managed by professionals allowed me to focus on preparing for the internship itself.

In addition, the industry sessions with various experts in the field were incredibly valuable, offering insights and practical advice that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Their guidance in refining my resume and portfolio was also extremely helpful, ensuring that my application materials were professional and tailored to industry standards.

Everything about the support I received was on point and reflected the level of professionalism I had expected from ArtBound Initiative.

Stefano

Production Internship | Public Record

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Interested in the program but don't know where to start? Check your eligibility here!

ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.

Read more about ArtBound Initiative New York Internships here.

Questions? Contact us at info@artboundinitiative.com