Aliens in America

Jason writes:

Do you have any idea on how the industry deals with foreigners? Do people from outside the US even have a shot at a PA (or similar) job? For higher positions I’d assume they’ll prefer resume over country of origin, but how about the lower jobs like PA?

I’m from The Netherlands, currently doing a Bachelor of Business Administration (International Business and Management studies more specifically). I’m interested in working in the industry, and am going to study at the New York Film Academy (8-week screenwriting workshop) for 2 months during the summer to see what it’s like. In February 2011, i’ll have to do a 6 month internship to finish my BBA. What do you think the chances are they’ll even hire a foreign intern?

First of all, I assume you know interns don’t get paid.  Production companies certainly aren’t going to put one up in a hotel for a semester.

But if you can afford to fly out here and rent a place, I can’t imagine they wouldn’t hire you just because you’re not American.  Hell, it might even work in your favor.  Most of Hollywood is so liberal, they prefer foreign countries to their own.  (That oughta get the comments section going.)

My only concern would be that you speak clear, fluent English. Judging by your email, that won’t be a problem.  But for other readers considering Jason’s path, bear in mind Brian Grazer isn’t going to want the phone answered by an intern who sounds like Balki Bartokomus: