Director
Creative or operational relevance to directing
Internship position in the camera department — no fixed crew-list role, typically placed through a film school or grant program. Distinct from a paid trainee position within the department.
There is a difference between a Trainee and an Intern, which crew lists make and colloquial language often blurs. The Trainee is the lowest paid level of the camera department with fixed responsibilities. The Intern is there to learn, often placed through film school or a funding program, and has no position the department relies on.
Why the Distinction Matters
Because it depends on what one can expect. A Trainee is given a task and it is assumed it will be completed. An Intern is taken along, explained to, and allowed to observe — and is not factored in when the shot needs to be perfect. Anyone who confuses the two either puts pressure on someone who is not there for that purpose, or wastes a labor resource.
Practicalities
The rules vary by country — duration, remuneration, and insurance obligations are legally regulated in Germany and should be clarified before shooting begins, not on the first day of shooting.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Importance in production planning and execution
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Kamera-Praktikant"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?