TV/Film Production Assistant
What is the work like?
As a production assistant, you would give practical support to the director and production team during the making of films and television programmes. Your job would be to handle administrative and organisational tasks, to help the production run smoothly and on time.
You would be involved in a wide range of tasks at all stages before, during and after filming, which would often include:- hiring studio facilities and equipment
- booking hotels and making travel arrangements
- attending production meetings
- copying and distributing scripts
- typing and distributing schedules (‘call sheets’) and daily reports
- getting permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
- dealing with accounts and expenses.
In television, you may also carry out production duties such as:
- timing the show in the studio gallery
- calling camera shots
- cueing pre-recorded material
- keeping records (known as 'logging') of shots taken
- maintaining continuity.
You would work as part of a large production team, including producers, researchers, and technical staff like camera crew and editors.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need good office IT skills and plenty of initiative, enthusiasm and common sense. You should also build as much practical experience as you can. Although in practice many production assistants are graduates, this is not essential as employers are usually more interested in your experience and personal qualities than your formal qualifications.
You could get useful experience and make contacts through being involved in activities such as:
- student or community film/TV projects
- community or student radio
- work experience placements (often unpaid).
Contact Skillset Careers for more advice on finding work experience.
It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production, although you might find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts. Several colleges and universities offer relevant courses, including:
- City & Guilds (7501) Diploma in Media Techniques
- City & Guilds (7502) Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction
- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Media Production
- BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses.
Check with course providers for entry requirements, and see Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses.
Your first paid job would often be as a runner or a junior assistant or secretary in the production office, and you would work your way up the production ladder as you gained experience.
What further training and development can I do?
You will develop your skills on the job by learning from experienced production staff.
At the start of your career you may be able to get some training as part of an apprenticeship-style new entrant scheme, such as the programmes run by Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2). See FT2’s website for details. Broadcasters and regional screen agencies may also offer other new entrant training schemes.
Competition for places on training schemes is very strong, and you will need to show genuine commitment and some previous work experience. Contact Skillset Careers for information on any schemes that may be available.
As an experienced production assistant, you could also take short courses in various business and production skills, which are run by film schools and some specialist colleges and private training companies. Visit Skillset's website to search for courses and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance in the media.
Where can I go for more information?
Focus Point21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
Glasgow
G2 4QE
Tel: 0141 302 1700
Penrallt Isaf
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
LL55 1NS
Tel: 01286 671000
London
SW9 9BT
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance production assistants are usually paid a fee for each contract, and there may be gaps between contracts.
Freelance rates can vary widely, and may be negotiated based on the type of production and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would vary depending on the type of production and the location. You may work long hours, including early mornings, late evenings and shifts.
You would be based in an office with other members of the production team, but during filming you would also spend a lot of your time moving between offices and production areas. During TV transmissions, you could sit in a darkened production gallery surrounded by banks of monitors.
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and stay away from home for long periods.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent communication and 'people' skills
- good organisational skills and attention to detail
- good administrative and computer skills
- the ability to work without supervision and use your own initiative
- creativity when dealing with problems
- stamina, focus and determination
- some mathematical skills, for working with budgets and accounts
- flexibility and adaptability
- the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually work on freelance contracts for television broadcasters and independent production companies. Large broadcasters such as the BBC may offer longer-term renewable contracts. Competition for work is strong, and when starting out you may often have to work for little pay.
Some jobs are advertised in the national press and on industry websites. However, many vacancies are not advertised, so you will need to be proactive to find work by networking and contacting companies yourself.
With experience, you could progress to production co-ordinator and production manager. Alternatively, you could use the job as a stepping stone to becoming a researcher or producer.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and making contacts (links open new window):
Mandy.com
Broadcast Freelancer
BBC Recruitment
ITV Jobs
Grapevine Jobs
Production and Casting Report
The Knowledge (contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (contacts directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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