Does the I-visa allow me to work for an American company?

The I-visa does not permit engaging in employment for a US media company. It can only be used for trips to the US on behalf of an employer based outside the US.

Journalists who are working on commercial film productions of the US entertainment media or a foreign company, will have to apply for the O, P, or H-Visa.

Please note that, other than the I-visa, the issuing of the O, P or H-Visa can take several weeks or even months. Make sure to apply in good time. Using visa-free travel to enter the US and later applying for a status change is not a possibility. Neither is applying for the B-visa, which is usually issued significantly faster.