The “Take One” Youth Film Internship Program, powered by The Philadelphia Film Factory (Philm Factory) in partnership with We Embrace Fatherhood, provides local youth, particularly underrepresented youth in Philadelphia, with paid internship opportunities, workforce development, and mentorship in the film and media industry. During Summer 2026, Philm Factory will operate two separate Take One program cohorts: one supported through the City of Philadelphia’s Career Connected Learning (C2L) initiative and ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma), and a second cohort supported through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYE) in partnership with the Urban Affairs Coalition.

The Take One internship program allows young adults to work in a professional film production environment while gaining hands on experience across multiple multifunctional departments, including camera department, talent department, assistant directing, art department, directing, screenwriting, editing, media production, and content creation. Participants are paired with industry professionals and mentors who provide real world guidance, instruction, and exposure throughout the filmmaking process as students collaboratively develop and produce original film projects.

Filmmaking is a dynamic field that blends creativity with essential life and workforce skills, including critical thinking, communication, leadership, budgeting, planning, and teamwork. Participants will also strengthen public speaking skills and develop the ability to think quickly and stay solution focused when challenges arise. Because filmmaking requires collaboration across multiple roles and departments, youth learn how to problem solve in real time while working toward a shared goal: producing a completed film from concept to final product.

With a strong focus on youth violence prevention and mental health awareness, the program equips participants with creative education, career training, and personal development to help them build safer, healthier, and more promising futures. By offering positive alternatives to street violence, the program empowers young people with tangible skills, industry exposure, and professional guidance while supporting both their creative and personal growth.