What An Intern-Shit.

This post is not a mere rant. I'll not be using names because I don't want defamation charges on me, but I feel its really important for people for all those who've interned, are interning, or plan to intern with production houses or any company whatsoever need to keep in mind before working.

My friends and I, as really enthusiastic BMM students wanted to intern with a production house, and after a lot of hard work - we got through. One of the biggest non-fiction shows on one of the biggest GECs, produced by a very well known production house. One day before the auditions in February, I spoke to a friend who was working with them and he said we could intern, and that we had to report the next day for the same. Happy as we were, we didn't know what was coming our way.

We slogged our way through the auditions, working sincerely, learning everything. Oh, did I mention that it was unpaid? But, we were still okay with it. Because 'exposure'. That's how companies exploit interns, I tell you. We were promised that we'd be given certificates of experience within 10 working days. The 'brand name' on our CV was enough to make us happy.

Then starts the real struggle. The struggle of actually getting there certificates in hand. After talking to the people whom we were coordinating with, on sets, we were given the contact number of the executive producer. 'Much executive. Such producer.'

She started giving us vague dates and would never follow up post that. She'd ask us to come to office on a particular date, and on that given date, she'd not pick up her calls. Thankfully or not, I knew a few others from the production house and I thought I'd get assistance from them. And oh, was I wrong? Hell, yes.

Each of them stretched the heights of unprofessional behavior. We waited for 7 months. Yes, 7 whole months for a simple letter of experience. Unjustifiable. Unprofessional. Annoying.

We thought we'd talk to the HR of the production house and guess what he said?
'Volunteers aren't given certificates.'
Volunteers? We were clear interns in the reality team. There were people who could vouch for that. Another girl asked us to wait for 1.5 months more because they were 'tied up with the ongoing show!' Such an amazing way to treat interns, right?

And finally, the EP replied and asked us to come on the 3rd of September to the office. Aaaaand again, no reply post that. And apparently she blocked me on WhatsApp. So much of arrogance, I tell you. But then, we called her from a different number and she picked up. Yay. She asked us to reach office by 4 pm, and we did. Add an hour of waiting post that. And then, she finally came with the certificates, put it on the reception desk, where we were sitting, and walked away. Not even a word of appreciation. Great going, professionalism.

This issue raises a question in my mind, and I'm sure it raises a question in your mind too. What makes these companies behave like this? Playing on the interns' vulnerability and lack of options, are we? Voila!

For people who know me, they know which show, which channel and which production house I'm speaking of. And I felt this was really important to share to make sure no one else suffers like this. Finally, after 7 months of madness - we got our certificates today on the 3rd of September. And I'm so glad I'll not be associated with them anymore. Burn.