“The Vampire Diaries” production team, Warner Bros Television, the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 479 and the Atlanta-based production house SIM Digital have created the Sarah Jones Opportunity, an annual internship and job training program dedicated to the memory of Sarah Jones.
The paid internship is in honor of the camera assistant who had worked for two seasons on “The Vampire Diaries,” filmed in Covington, and is designed to give college graduates a chance to learn their craft.
In 2014 the 27-year-old, Atlanta based camera assistant was struck and killed while working on the set of the Gregg Allman biopic, “Midnight Rider.” Her death received wide exposure and created significant concern by many people in the entertainment industry, who have been advocating for better safety on filming sets in the wake of the accident.
“Sarah was a beloved member of our camera crew,” said Vampire Diaries producer Julie Plec in a statement announcing the scholarship. “Her family at The Vampire Diaries is excited to honor her memory by providing opportunities and opening doors for more people like her.”
The 20-week paid internship for Georgia-area filmmakers will provide training in camera work at SIM Digital, followed by a 30-day paid internship on an Atlanta-based Warner Bros. production. After the internship candidates are then eligible to join the International Cinematographers Guild. Candidates will be evaluated by a selection committee which includes “Vampire Diaries” executive producer Plec, representatives from ICG Local 600, SIM Digital, the “Vampire Diaries” camera department and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment.
The application process expected to start in May, please check back later for more details.