Production assistant

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 work as part of a large production team, including producers, researchers, and technical staff like camera crew and editors.

Production assistants are involved at all stages before, during and after filming, carrying out a wide range of tasks including: hiring studio facilities and equipment; booking hotels and making travel arrangements; attending production meetings; copying and distributing scripts; and typing and distributing schedules (‘call sheets’) and daily reports.

They are also involved in: getting permission to use copyrighted music or film clips; and dealing with accounts and expenses. In television, they also have production duties like: timing the show in the studio gallery; calling camera shots; cueing pre-recorded material; keeping records (known as 'logging') of shots taken; and maintaining continuity.

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.

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 Diploma in Media Techniques; City & Guilds Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction; BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Media Production; and 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 gain experience.