National Geographic Documentary Films Intern, Summer 2026

Job ID 10137846 Location Burbank, California, United States Business National Geographic Date posted Jan. 09, 2026

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Job Summary:

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.

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About National Geographic:

National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between Disney and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 131 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.