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How to become a Production Assistant

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Production Assistant jobs

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Production Assistant courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Production Assistant

Production assistant

| Up to £20,000

Production coordinator

| Up to £25,000

Producer

| Up to £34,000

The role of a Production Assistant

What does a Production Assistant do?

Want to see stories come alive on screen? You should be a production assistant.

A production assistant supports a producer in making theatre shows, TV programmes or films. Production assistants can be located or at an office, film or TV studio. At times, they may also have to travel to help with location shots. The specific duties a production assistant performs will depend on the type of production they’re working on, but may include:

Attending production meetings
Sourcing and hiring studio facilities and equipment
Arranging travel and accommodation for staff and actors
Distributing scripts to the relevant people
Working with the camera crew to ensure they get the shot they need
Obtaining permission to use copyrighted TV/film clips or music
Managing the production budget
Keeping records of shots filmed

Is a career as a Production Assistant right for me?

To work as a production assistant, you’ll need a genuine interest in either theatre, TV or film. So for boxset lovers or film-buffs, this could be the job for you. A degree isn’t necessary to work as a production assistant, and employers value people who have gained experience and skills in this sector, either from a hobby (e.g., amateur dramatics) volunteering, an internship or experience in a similar role. However, a degree in theatre, film, media or communications can give you the edge over other candidates if you want to progress to become a researcher or producer. To become a production assistant, you’ll need to be:

Able to think on your feet
Proficient using a computer and other digital equipment
Adaptable
Confident communicating with a range of different people
Deadline focused
Thorough and have excellent attention to detail
Patient
Able to work well under pressure

What's it like to be a Production Assistant?

"My job as a production assistant carries a lot of responsibility. Effectively, I’m there to keep the show or programme running without a hitch. Each day is different. I could be showing actors around the set, getting refreshments and snacks for the cast and crew, making sure all the paperwork relating to the production is in order, clearing the set, and just about anything that the production team needs doing. A can-do attitude is so important if you want to make it in the industry. Being noticed by producers or directors for your ability to get things done is a sure way to get hired to work on other shows or programmes."

Get qualified as a Production Assistant

A degree isn’t necessary to become a production assistant, but some employers may prefer this. It’s possible to get a job as a production assistant with a qualification in media from college, through an apprenticeship or by working your way up in the industry.

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