National Geographic Documentary Films Intern, Summer 2026

About the Role & Program

Join us for the opportunity to learn how National Geographic develops, commissions, and distributes documentary films! We are committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, gripping, and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world.

Our team handles all aspects of content management during each film's life cycle from pitch through development, production, distribution, and awards. With 4-5 films per year, each piece of content receives a bespoke strategy that includes some combination of A-list festivals, a limited theatrical release, a robust awards campaign, impact initiatives and streaming.

This internship will grant insight into all aspects of our business and provide the opportunity to attend pitches, internal meetings, and National Geographic events. You will also gain insight into our key strategic initiatives through a combination of the responsibilities below.

This is a full-time internship, and the approximate dates of this internship are June 2026 through August 2026. If selected for the opportunity, you will report directly to the Senior Manager, Documentary Films. A cover letter indicating your interest in the role is required to be considered for the opportunity.

What You Will Do

You will learn about all aspects of National Geographic’s Documentary Film business.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Watching internal cuts and attending internal and external notes meetings.

• Watching buzzworthy documentary films and providing timely and thorough coverage.

• Tracking and evaluating incoming submissions and attending pitch meetings.

• Assisting the film festival submission, coordination and delivery process.

• Attending and taking notes on production, strategy, and distribution meetings.

• Conducting research as needed, including talent, festival and awards tracking.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong analytical and organizational skills. 

• Passion for the entertainment industry with a specific interest in documentary films and the Nat Geo Documentary Films brand. 

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment. 

• Adept at learning new software and systems. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience (academic or internship) in the entertainment industry.

• Proficient with project tracking applications such as Airtable and Smartsheet.

Education

• Junior or Senior year preferred.

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 Required Documents

• A cover letter indicating your interest in the National Geographic Documentary Films Intern, Summer 2026 position is required to be considered for the opportunity.

Additional Information

• Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship.

• The approximate dates of this internship are June 2026 through August 2026.

• Fully available from Monday through Thursday, 9am to 6pm PT for the duration of the internship.

• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Burbank, California area.

• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work.

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.