Deerfield High School Alum Selected for Television Academy Foundation Internship in Hollywood

Deerfield High School alumnus Simon Blaustein has been selected for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship program. He is one of 40 students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2025 Summer Internship program. The Foundation offers paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies annually to college students nationwide.

Blaustein is a 2025 graduate of Loyola Marymount University who majored in film and television production and minored in business administration. He will be a cinematography intern this summer on the CBS/Paramount+ series Matlock working with director of photography James Bagdonas in Los Angeles, through the Foundation’s program.

“My last year at LMU truly felt like the ultimate culmination of the passion I have felt for cinematography since I was a kid,” said Blaustein. “I was fortunate to be in the perfect place at the perfect time to learn from the right people who inspire me to keep getting better as a creative. Getting selected is an extreme honor and validates that my hard work has helped me grow in the right direction.

“I am most excited to be surrounded by the types of professionals that I hope to be around for the rest of my career,” said Blaustein. “This [internship] will give me the opportunity to learn the skills and discipline firsthand and also to grow a valuable relationship with Jim Bagdonas, ASC. I am inspired by the feeling I get when I am on set with a camera and the confidence I feel whenever I get the opportunity to collaborate and find a new perspective.

“I have to give credit to my high school teacher, Mr. Brett Schwartz, who really tapped into my skills and grew our film and TV program with me and my peers who wanted to achieve more,” said Blaustein.

“I used to be a water polo player, which I think has helped with the strength and endurance aspect of being an on-set crew member,” said Blaustein. “ I love the water which has led me to get my PADI diving certification while working as a crew member on Survivor.”

Originally from Deerfield, Illinois, Blaustein attended Deerfield High School.

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. For more information visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation