A paid internship to honor a camera assistant who had worked for two seasons on “The Vampire Diaries,” filmed in Covington, has been created to give college graduates a chance to learn their craft.

“The Vampire Diaries” production team, Warner Bros Television, the International Cinematographers Guild, Local 479 and the Atlanta-based production house SIM Digital to create the Sarah Jones Opportunity, an annual internship and job training program dedicated to the memory of Sarah Jones.

The 27-year-old, Atlanta based camera assistant was struck and killed last year while working on the set of the Gregg Allman biopic, “Midnight Rider.” Her death sparked an outpouring of concern by people in the entertainment industry, many of whom have advocated for better safety on 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 program gives Georgia-area filmmakers a 20-week paid internship, training in camera work, at SIM Digital, followed by a 30-day paid internship on an Atlanta-based Warner Bros. production. Candidates are then eligible to join the International Cinematographers Guild. 

The application process is being finalized for the next honoree but is expected to start in May; check back later for more details. Candidates are evaluated by a selection committee comprised of “Vampire Diaries” executive producer Plec and representatives from ICG Local 600, SIM Digital, the “Vampire Diaries” camera department and the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment.