Ten University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Film Studies students are summer interns in the largest film market in the country, Los Angeles, thanks to a grant from the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Film students challenged to fund an internship in one of the world's most expensive cities are working with professionals like the Oscar-winning producer of "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men," gaining invaluable experience and networking opportunities in an industry based on maintaining personal connections.

UNC Wilmington received the competitive grant because "there is an inspiring energy about them and a desire to grow as a more noted program to better their students. UNCW is clearly doing good work that can produce excellent filmmakers," noted Sean Guthrie, Academy Foundation's Institutional Grants Program.

Film studies graduate Adam Rucho's internship with a L.A. casting company helped him achieve a position as a production assistant for films including actors like Paul Rudd, Jason Segal and Don Cheadle. He said, "I love what I do and I absolutely would not be here today if it weren't for my L.A. internship."

To meet the needs of the more than 50 students applying for summer internships annually, UNCW film studies places interns at around a dozen Wilmington film-related companies, and plans to continue to expand its national and international internship program.

Interviews are available with Rucho and current summer interns by request.

Media Contacts:

Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu