MPI’s Hollywood Career Launch Program is a talent-development program for college students and recent graduates who share the MPI vision of promoting freedom in film. Interns are placed in paid positions on set of MPI Original Film productions or at one of our partner production companies, such as BRON Studios (Joker, The Way Back), Millennium Entertainment (The Expendables, Olympus Has Fallen, The Hitman’s Bodyguard), and Bold Films (Drive, Vox Lux). 

This past summer, MPI intern Patterson Tompkins was awarded an advanced internship through the program and worked as a production assistant on MPI Originals Melons and Infraction. “I really appreciated MPI’s interest in investing in me as a young professional,” recalled Patterson. “I wasn’t just a cog in a machine but someone they sought to really invest in and give opportunity to.”

While working on set, some of Patterson’s tasks included transporting production equipment, driving talent and crew, supporting crew members on set, going on supply runs, and maintaining craft services. “My most memorable experience was probably driving talent to and from set during the Infraction shoot,” said Patterson. “I enjoyed getting to talk with and listen to the actors discuss their feelings about that day’s shoot. I developed a good rapport with the talent, so we had really great conversations.”

Patterson now works full time as a production coordinator at the immersive media company CityLights, best known for the acclaimed Darren Aronofsky-produced virtual reality film Spheres.

“My experience has influenced my career goals by increasing my exposure to the industry and further polishing me and my résumé to stand out in an incredibly competitive industry.”

When asked what he would say to others considering applying to MPI’s internship program, he replied, “MPI is a remarkable organization and their internship program is stellar. Early in your career, it’s vitally important to surround yourself with people who support you, encourage you, and sharpen you; MPI did that for me.”

Are you a freedom-minded student or recent grad trying to break into the film industry? If so, we encourage you to apply for consideration to MPI’s Hollywood Career Launch Program! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.