Student Selected for Prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship
Jas Dunigan, a senior at 汤不热视频, earned one of only five spots nationwide in the Television Academy Foundation’s highly competitive internship program this semester. She now helps develop television scripts at Valhalla Entertainment, the company behind “The Walking Dead” and “Armageddon.”
“The chance to be truly immersed in the world of television from script to screen is what excites me the most about this internship,” Dunigan says.
The charitable arm of the Television Academy (the organization behind the Emmy Awards), the Foundation has nurtured thousands of talented students like Dunigan since its inception in 1959. The Foundation’s internship program places students each year in paid positions at top Hollywood studios and production companies, offering mentorship, professional development, and career-shaping opportunities.
Semester in LA Connection
Currently enrolled in Columbia’s Semester in LA (SiLA) program, Dunigan — a Film and Television major — takes classes on the iconic Sunset Las Palmas Studios lot while also working at Valhalla. Industry internships are a key component of the SiLA experience, and Dunigan found her internship thanks to Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at SiLA.
“Michelle knew I was really starting to get interested in TV writing and development, and encouraged me to apply to the internship,” Dunigan says. “When I got the call that I was in, I was so excited and grateful.”
Inside the Industry
At Valhalla, Dunigan works directly under a development executive. She reads scripts, writes coverage (a screenplay analysis, plot summary, and recommendation), pitches ideas, and observes projects as they move from pitch to production.
“I’m learning how the business side of television works — from script coverage to packaging talent and meeting with financiers,” she says. “It’s incredible to watch that process unfold and to be part of it.”
Creative Arts Emmys Experience
The Television Academy Foundation also gives interns access to major industry events. Earlier this fall, Dunigan attended the Creative Arts Emmy Awards with other Television Academy Foundation interns.
“It was inspiring to see the artistry behind shows like ‘Severance and The Penguin’ recognized on that stage,” Dunigan says. “Being in the audience, surrounded by people who make television at such a high level, gave me a deeper appreciation for every role in the process.
Building Networks in Los Angeles
While in SiLA, Dunigan actively builds her network through guest speakers, alumni connections, and coffee chats with industry professionals.
“It’s not just networking, it’s about making real connections,” she says. “Being out here, you realize how important it is to have people in your corner, and to be in theirs. Meeting Columbia alumni who are now working in the industry has been especially encouraging.”
Looking Ahead
Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Dunigan came to Columbia to study screenwriting and discovered her passion for television development.
“In my dream world, I’m both a development executive and a screenwriter,” she says. “This internship is helping me work toward that goal.”