Keller and Vandruff are among the 50 people selected nationwide for the program and will intern this summer at media and entertainment firms in southern California.
An Elon student and a recent alumnus have both been selected selected for the Television Academy Foundation's 2019 Internship Program.
Joseph Keller, who graduated in May with degrees in cinema and television arts and marketing, and Abbie Vandruff '20, a cinema and televisions arts and strategic communications double major, will participate in internships with high-profile entertainment and media companies this summer through the program.
The Television Academy Foundation's annual internship program provides 50 paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies. The goal is to provide undergraduate and graduate students in-depth and hands-on professional experience in a variety of television careers.
Keller will intern this summer in North Hollywood, California, in the marketing department of Endemol Shine North America, which produces and distributes scripted and unscripted television and digital content. Among the titles from Endemol Shine North America are "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," "Ugly Betty" and "The Tudors."
“I first heard about the program after researching avenues into the entertainment marketing landscape,” said Keller. “The Television Academy Foundation's marketing track was exactly what I was looking for; a blend of real marketing experience with my passion for entertainment. The biggest benefit I see of the program is access to industry professionals. Having conversations and exposure to the individuals leading the entertainment marketing environment is invaluable.”
Keller played a key role in 2019 Commencement, delivering remarks at the diploma ceremony for the Love School of Business and the School of Communications, as he earned degrees from both schools. "I discovered that the common thread between the two schools isn't what we're being taught, but why we're being taught," Keller said during the ceremony. "Whether it's business or comm, our curriculums are designed with one thing in mind, a common denominator — innovation."
Vandruff will be an intern this summer in the unscripted development department at Back Roads Entertainment in Los Angeles.
“Growing up, unscripted television shows were a staple in my household– a fun way for me and my parents to spend time together after school and work,” said Vandruff. “As I got more interested in working in the television industry, I'd watch each episode and imagine myself working behind the camera. So, when I found this program, and the Development: Unscripted category, I knew that I had to apply, because it really was my perfect match.
"I am hoping that my summer with the Television Academy Foundation's Internship Program will expose me to real-world experiences and challenges that will allow me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am so excited to face them head-on," Vandruff said.