Research and Development Intern (Media)
The Research & Development Intern supports the development of new factual, lifestyle, adventure and sports programming by conducting in-depth research, tracking global content trends, and identifying compelling subjects and stories. This role contributes to the early stages of content creation, helping the development team shape fresh, relevant and marketable concepts for broadcasters and digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducts research to support the creation of new programme ideas across genres such as adventure, lifestyle, factual entertainment, sports, and documentary.
- Sources potential contributors, talent, experts, and real-life subjects suitable for proposed series or formats.
- Identifies and compiles footage, images and reference materials to support pitch decks, sizzle reels, mood boards and creative development documents.
- Tracks emerging trends in global content—monitoring audience preferences, platform shifts, new formats, and marketplace demands.
- Reviews competitor programming, platform catalogues and industry reports to help assess the viability and uniqueness of new concepts.
- Assists in building development decks, research briefs and creative documents for internal review and external pitching.
- Maintains organised records of research, contacts, media assets and rights-related information to support efficient development workflows.
- Collaborates with development, production and distribution teams to ensure concepts align with marketplace needs and international sales opportunities.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong research and analytical abilities, with a keen eye for emerging stories, trends and unique subject matter.
- Excellent written communication skills and the ability to synthesise information clearly and creatively.
- Interest in factual, adventure, lifestyle or sports programming and an understanding of contemporary content landscapes.
- Ability to source, evaluate and organise footage, imagery and reference material.
- Creative thinking, curiosity and enthusiasm for idea generation.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.
About the Organization
We are a well-established and innovative boutique distribution and production company based in London. Since we opened for business in 2007 our company and reputation have grown to specialise in two core areas, post production and distribution. We have built our foundation on a love of travel and adventure. We choose to work with producers and brands who create inspiring content and are passionate about educating and engaging audiences. We continue to grow as we evolve into new commercial models in an ever changing media world.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
On-site Supervision and Support
Our internships include 24/7 on-site staff to support students working and living abroad. All students will also report to a supervisor at their internship site. Supervisors provide and oversee daily tasks, introduce the intern to team members, and mentor the intern in organizational agility, skill acquisition, and career readiness. Interns complete a midpoint and final evaluation, and supervisors complete a final evaluation of their interns. All work responsibilities and projects are approved in advance.
Academic Credit
Students on an internship have the opportunity to enroll in their home university for credit, or enroll in a course through API to transfer back to their university for credit. Email support-internships@apiexperience.com for more information and a syllabus.
Housing and Excursions
Housing and excursions are included in your internship and will be selectable during the application process.
Visa Sponsorship
This position does not offer visa sponsorship for non-US citizens
Visa Sponsorship (London, Edinburgh, Sydney only)
Selected candidates will be responsible for obtaining a temporary work visa with support from API, please note that this has an additional expense on the candidate. For more information visit our visa page