Creative Writing & Original Programming Development Intern
About the Organization:
DancePhreakz is a women-owned, BIPOC-led dance and entertainment company developing original programming, live experiences, and opportunities for movement artists and emerging creatives. Through its entertainment, training, apparel, and studio initiatives, DancePhreakz brings culture-driven ideas to life.
About Phrkz Network
Phrkz Network is DancePhreakz’s media and entertainment division, developing original podcasts, talk shows, digital series, documentaries, and scripted and unscripted entertainment. The Network is expanding its slate of original programming and building the creative materials needed to bring new projects to production.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Creative Writing & Original Programming Development Intern to help develop existing Phrkz Network show ideas and early-stage concepts into clear, compelling written projects. Working with the Founder/Creative Director and production team, the intern will support scripted and unscripted development through research, treatments, outlines, scripts, show bibles, and pitch materials. This is a collaborative writing and development role—not primarily a filming, editing, or general production assistant position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Help develop founder-led scripted concepts into loglines, synopses, treatments, character profiles, story arcs, episode outlines, pilot materials, and series bibles.
- Support unscripted projects—including reality, competition, docuseries, and talk-show formats—with show treatments, format bibles, segments, episode structures, and host/interview materials.
- Participate in brainstorming and development meetings; document concepts and feedback, and turn verbal ideas into organized written drafts.
- Research subject matter, comparable shows, audiences, formats, potential participants, and story opportunities to strengthen existing projects.
- Draft and revise scenes, dialogue, scripts, outlines, episode summaries, pitch copy, and other creative materials under the direction of the project creator.
- Assist with pitch decks, project descriptions, creative briefs, and development packages in collaboration with the Creative Production & Development team.
- Organize development files, version histories, research, writing assignments, and deadlines; support table reads and pre-production writing revisions as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of unreleased concepts and follow company policies regarding project materials and intellectual property.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Interest in television, film, digital media, storytelling, and both scripted and unscripted original programming.
- Strong writing, research, organization, communication, and revision skills; comfortable taking direction and collaborating with a creative team.
- Currently studying or recently studied screenwriting, creative writing, film/television, communications, media, English, or a related discipline preferred.
- Familiarity with story structure, treatments, outlines, scripts, or show formats preferred; classroom and independent projects welcome.
- Comfortable using Google Docs or Microsoft Word; Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, or similar software is a plus.
- Los Angeles County availability for occasional in-person meetings or production-related sessions; professional writing experience not required.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Hands-on experience across original programming development: Concept Intake → Research → Treatment/Outline → Script or Format Bible → Revisions → Pitch Materials → Production Preparation. Work directly with the creative team on real Phrkz Network projects, with feedback and mentorship in entertainment writing and development.
Internship Details
- Flexible part-time schedule, approximately 5–15 hours weekly, subject to applicable workforce-program requirements.
- Hybrid role with occasional in-person collaboration in Los Angeles County.
- Paid internship; academic credit may be available if approved by the institution.
- Potential for future opportunities based on performance, business needs, and available funding; no guaranteed employment.
Other Information:
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt (subject to HR review and final classification).
Equal Opportunity Employer: DancePhreakz provides equal employment opportunity without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.