Warner Bros. and ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Launch Sarah Jones Memorial Internship

Warner Bros. and The Vampire Diaries continue to honor their former crew member Sarah Jones, who suffered a fatal accident on the Georgia set of the Allman Brothers biopic last year.

The fallen crew member’s memory and dedication to her career is not forgotten by any means. Warner Bros. Television Group is now working with the production team from The Vampire Diaries, International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600), Local 479 and SIM Digital to create The Sarah Jones Opportunity, a new annual internship and job training program dedicated to the memory of the late camera assistant Sarah Jones.

The internship program specifically targets aspiring Georgia-based filmmakers, much like Sarah, who have a passion for working in the camera field but would otherwise not have access to the entertainment industry, and provides them with an open door to opportunity. The program’s inaugural participant, Chelsea Craig, has already completed her training and is now a member of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG).

“Sarah was a beloved member of our camera crew,” said The Vampire Diaries executive producer Julie Plec. “Her vivid, delightful personality, extraordinary work ethic, and deep love for the creative and technical aspects of her job made her the kind of artist any production would be lucky to have on the team. Her family at ‘The Vampire Diaries’ is excited to honor her memory by providing opportunities and opening doors for more people like her.”

Sarah’s parents, Richard and Elizabeth Jones, released a statement about the memorial internship saying, “Sarah’s death was a tragic loss, not only to our family but also to the filmmaking community as a whole. Her contagious, effervescent smile and professionalism made their mark across the globe, with Sarah becoming a beloved legend and inspiration for making safety a priority when filming. We are honored that you have chosen to recognize our daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Jones, with this internship opportunity for future students looking to excel in camera work. It is our hope that her spirit will live on through this program, which gives other aspiring filmmakers the chance to pursue their dreams in a field that Sarah loved. Never forget: Never again shall anyone die while making a movie.”

The application process for The Sarah Jones Opportunity for 2015 will begin in the coming months.

Photo Credit: Facebook