Student From Kirkland Lands Television Academy Internship in Hollywood

Inglemoor High School alumna Riley Hodgson has been selected for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship Program. She is one of just 40 students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2024 Summer Internship Program. The Foundation offers paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies annually to college students nationwide.

Hodgson is a 2024 graduate of California State University, Long Beach who majored in film and electronic arts and minored in environmental science and policy. She is interning this summer in the unscripted television development department at 44 Blue Productions in Burbank, California, through the Foundation’s program.

Hodgson was selected as part of the Foundation’s “Getting Real: Unscripted Internships” program, which provides full-time opportunities in unscripted/reality television to Southern California students committed to promoting the voices and stories of underrepresented communities and increasing diversity and inclusion in the field. The program offers students in-depth exposure to professional television production during an eight-week, paid summer internship in Hollywood.

Hodgson grew up in Kirkland, Washington, and attended Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, WA.

“Being chosen for an internship by Television Academy members, the very individuals who vote on the prestigious Emmy Awards, is an incredible honor,” said Hodgson. “This opportunity not only offers invaluable industry insights but also serves as a significant milestone in my journey toward achieving my career goals in television production."

“I look forward to diving into the dynamic world of unscripted television production and witnessing firsthand the creative development and behind-the-scenes work involved in bringing these shows to life,” said Hodgson. “I can't wait to obtain a deeper understanding of the process and contribute to the exciting journey of creating compelling unscripted content."

“My interest in a career in television sparked from a deep love for visual storytelling, which I pursued in college by majoring in film and specializing in documentary,” continued Hodgson. “I believe that unscripted series offer a unique and authentic perspective into our world, capturing real emotions. This passion for showcasing these unfiltered aspects of life drives my ambition to create impactful television that resonates with and inspires audiences."

“My passion for the environment began during my Girl Scout days and continued into college where I minored in environmental science and policy. I was able to explore the intersection of this field with my major in film by serving as my school's student ambassador for the Green Film School Alliance,” said Hodgson. “I am thrilled to have helped multiple student productions be able to obtain the EMA Green Seal for student filmmaking.”

The Television Academy Foundation shapes the art of creating television by engaging and educating the next generation of television professionals providing essential resources that help them discover their voices, refine their skills and forge rewarding careers in every sector of the television industry. The Internship Program provides over 50 students from across the nation with hands-on work experience, mentorships and opportunities for accelerated career development in more than 30 disciplines annually.