Eight students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been selected to participate in an inaugural production internship program for a BET collegiate drama series.
The Quad Internship Program, created by the show’s executive producers Felicia D. Henderson and Rob Hardy, will provide the students with a paid opportunity to train in multiple departments during production of the series’ second season.
Henderson, who is also an assistant professor in the Radio-Television-Film Department at the University of Texas at Austin, and Hardy created The Quad Internship Program with the intent of giving back to the community that the show’s audience represents – HBCU students, specifically those interested in entertainment and production careers.
“We consider it an honor to help prepare the next generation of content creators by providing them with a window into the production process,” said Henderson. “We’re giving students with a passion for television production a chance to train with seasoned professionals.”
Henderson wants the interns to take away two key things by the end of the season’s production cycle: how many career opportunities there are for them behind the camera, and a responsibility that “one day, when they’re all successful, they give back to the next generation of content creators,” she said.
“I felt we had a responsibility to give these kids opportunities they wouldn’t have if we weren’t there,” Henderson said. “When I met them, I knew we’d done a special thing.”
Training for the interns will begin on The Quad’s stages and locations around Atlanta later this month. Two internship cycles will each provide experience in writing, producing, cinematography, production design, location management, costume design, hair and make-up applications and the grip and electric departments.
