what is a production assistant?
As a production assistant, you are an entry-level worker in television, film and commercial businesses. You work on a production stage, supporting a filming or postproduction crew. If you are a budding filmmaker, becoming a production assistant is the best way to gain experience in the film industry since you participate in every step of the process.
A production assistant requires excellent people skills to collaborate with film crews. Flexibility is also vital since you run various errands, from getting coffee to setting up equipment.
what does a production assistant do?
As a production assistant, you work closely with the line producer to ensure that the appropriate resources are available for their specific tasks. Your job is also to ensure that all production issues are resolved to avoid delays in completing a project. You help the crew follow the production schedule and meet all the deadlines. Additionally, you support the director and actors in preparing for the shoot and make sure they have everything they need before they start filming.
Would working as a production assistant suit your passion for filmmaking? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a production assistant role.
view jobsaverage salary of a production assistant
According to ONS, production assistants take home a compensation package of £23,961 per year in the UK. That means they earn an average hourly rate of £12.29. Production assistants at the lower end of the scale earn £21,450 annually, while experienced workers take home over £31,475 annually. The compensation package varies depending on the production company you work for and the films they produce.
how to increase your salary as a production assistant
The compensation package of a production assistant often depends on the complexity of the project and the company employing them. If you work for a small filmmaking company, they may not have the resources to pay a higher salary. Working for large television networks and film production companies improves your salary prospects. Large organisations also handle more complex projects that attract higher compensation packages. Your location also affects your earnings since it determines the opportunities for career growth. When you work in large cities, the salaries are higher to reflect the area's cost of living and the demand.
Your skills and experience also influence your negotiating power. With some qualifications and years of experience, you can ask for a higher salary than entry-level production assistants.
types of production assistants
Some of the types of production assistants include:
- field production assistants: as a field production assistant, you work on set during filming. Some of your tasks include keeping the set clean, helping transport cast and crew and managing rental equipment. You also assist the filming crew with menial tasks like blocking off a street for filming.
- office production assistants: as an office production assistant, you assist with clerical work. That means you spend most of the day handling paperwork and answering the phone. You also organise stacks of scripts.
- postproduction assistants: as a postproduction assistant, you assist the film crew working on the footage after filming. You help editors and producers by organising content and fetching items for them.
working as a production assistant
Working as a production assistant involves working with a film crew and performing most menial tasks. It is a hands-on role that keeps you on your feet. Let's explore the responsibilities and career outlook in the role.
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production assistant job description
Some of the tasks of a production assistant include:
- assisting with administrative duties: you run errands for the production crew and perform clerical duties. For instance, you answer all phone calls and keep the crew informed of their schedules. You also organise and file documents associated with the production. That involves printing and organising scripts to ensure each member of the cast has a copy.
- helping with production-related tasks: you build props and sets, help load and offload filming equipment onto the transport cars and help the filming crew set up the equipment. You also assist the production team with organising costumes and setting up filming locations.
- escorting actors and actresses: you help the film crew keep on schedule by directing and escorting actors to the set and setting them up with the make-up artists. Sometimes, filming sites can be crowded, minimising the production crew's efficiency. As a production assistant, you assist with crowd control.
- organising meetings and interviews with actors and actresses: if the director needs to hire new actors and actresses, you help organise the interviews and auditions. When an actor or actress joins the team, you ensure they sign their contracts and file them appropriately.
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work environment
The work environment for a production assistant varies depending on the project. You may work remotely or from home on a small project and email other employees. On larger projects, you keep in touch with more people using various methods. If you are working on a big production, remember that there will be many locations and tasks, so it is important to take good notes and be well organised. Travelling is also part of the job since you visit various filming locations or attend meetings. The work environment is sometimes hectic, so it's useful to be prepared for the unexpected.
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work schedule
The work environment for a production assistant varies depending on the project. You may work remotely or from home on a small project and email other employees. On larger projects, you keep in touch with more people using various methods. If you are working on a big production, remember that there will be many locations and tasks, so it is important to take good notes and be well organised. Travelling is also part of the job since you visit various filming locations or attend meetings. The work environment is sometimes hectic, so it's useful to be prepared for the unexpected.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in television or film production, your colleagues might include film production runners, broadcast journalists and film production managers. You may also work alongside media researchers and production coordinators, as well as other specialists like directors, actors and camera operators.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a production assistant is necessarily flexible. You often work long hours at a stretch, including nights and weekends, and then have days off. The job is time-consuming, so it is essential to build some flexibility into your schedule. Depending on the project type, you may work 40 hours or more on some weeks and then have a few days off. Working as a production assistant is very labour intensive, and it is vital to anticipate the demands of the position.
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job outlook
The job outlook for a production assistant is very good. The main reason is the growing need for people to help produce and distribute all types of media and postproduction work. The number of production assistants needed in the industry is increasing and is likely to continue. The potential for growth in this field is very high.
As a production assistant, you can advance to a production manager or creative producer role. Some assistants progress towards special effects, foley work or camera operations.
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advantages of finding a production assistant job through randstad
Finding your production assistant job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a production assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Many production assistants are graduates, which is not a prerequisite for landing a role. You can join the industry via specialist courses from private training providers. Some of the qualifications of a production assistant include:
- university degree: consider pursuing an undergraduate degree in creative media production, film and TV studies or film and television production. A course with work placements and practical skills helps you to make industry contacts. If you don't qualify for a degree course, pursue a Level 3 Diploma in media techniques or creative media production.
- work experience: a production assistant needs practical experience in the industry. You can start with volunteering or entry-level jobs like becoming a runner. You should also build your work experience by participating in student or community film or radio projects.
production assistant skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a production assistant include:
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people skills: to succeed as a production assistant, you need exceptional people skills since you interact with various cast and crew members. Active listening skills are also important in the role since you take verbal instructions for your day's work.
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attentiveness to detail: film sets can become crowded, so attentiveness helps you respond to the requests of assistant directors and other crew members and complete tasks on time. You should also monitor the location of every member and equipment to be effective in your role.
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patience: as a production assistant, you should never lose your cool on set. Filming sets are intense, and the tasks are sometimes frustrating. Patience helps you solve any problems that arise calmly.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a production assistant
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what does a production assistant do?
A production assistant or PA is a film crew member whose job is to be everything and do everything for the filmmakers. A PA usually serves as the right-hand person to the set directors. Your duties range from driving set cars to moving equipment and props and performing whatever else needs to be done to keep the shoot running.
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what skills do you need to be a production assistant?
The skills needed to be a production assistant are usually very basic. Aside from being able to complete your assigned tasks, PAs are expected to be friendly, helpful and organised (a trait often lacking on film sets). Strong communication skills and organisational skills are important since you are responsible for keeping track of many things, from scripts to schedules and continuity.
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is being a production assistant a good job?
A job as a production assistant is a great role for anyone starting in the film industry. It's an opportunity for you to work with a crew and learn valuable skills that can lead to a career in the film business. For this reason, you'll want to make a special effort to show your abilities and enthusiasm.
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is it hard to get a production assistant job?
Getting a job as a production assistant is difficult. Since the job is considered an entry-level position, the competition is very high. To stand out as the ideal candidate from all the other applicants, complete an internship or gain relevant experience to show potential employers.
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what do production assistants wear?
A wardrobe for production assistants is a big part of your role within the production. Some of the most common items of clothing worn by production assistants include black trousers, blue or black shirts and black shoes. You may wear other appropriate clothing on high-end fashion shoots.
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how do I apply for a production assistant vacancy?
Applying for a production assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our production assistant job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
