It looks like we're getting off the point here. What some have noticed is that the work that was being done was for well funded, high end productions. The TV show Fringe and the movie The Green Lantern are productions that had shots completed by Gnomon Studios. Since these productions had to have paid to have the work done, Gnomon Studios had a labor force that not only did not get paid .. but actually paid Gnomon to complete the work. That is the ultimate form of Double Dipping I've ever encountered in my lifetime.
This is not only egregious and could set a very dangerous precedent, it also happens to be against the law. This is what the Guild has a problem with. So, to really make your point valid, take the $3500.00 and add whatever the Gnomon student [i][b]PAID[/b][/i] to be there in the first place and ask your question again.
While I have to correct you by saying that an internship is actually a job position, essentially your point is correct. There are rules that dictate what an internship is and how and intern should be treated. One of the advantages of internships is the experience in a chosen field given to the person under the internship. One takes a position as an intern in order to get the kind of "hands on" learning that just can't be achieved in a classroom.
Unpaid internships are prevalent and useful to those who want the experience. I’m sure there are countless examples of artists who were discovered through, made essential contacts through and found the golden ticket in their unpaid internship. If you can afford to do it, and if the employer follows the laws regarding internships, they can be extremely helpful.
Take, for example, Plus Minus at Gnomon. While not an internship, it goes to the experience point. Shane Acker, a well respected director and artist, is creating material for Gnomon students to work with. This is material, unfunded by studios, is specifically created for students to get experience with and show as examples of their skill and learning. When someone graduates with work on Plus Minus on their reel and resume, they can walk into any job interview and proudly show off their Gnomon pedigree and talk about what its like working with Shane.
That is what justifies the cost of a Gnomon education. Their accolades speak for how well respected and influential their institution is. Its only when the students are used as a labor force for a studio that is bidding against other studios with their labor forces that they are going to pay to complete the work that the problem arises.
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