Production Assistant (Film/Television/Video)

Tasks & duties

Production assistants may do some or all of the following:

• administrative, publicity and research work
• time rehearsals and scenes
• time music for soundtracks
• work out shooting schedules
• arrange production meetings
• co-ordinate and book the production crew
• hire and/or book vehicles, accommodation, equipment and flights
• ensure shoot locations are allowed to be used
• photocopy and file scripts
• ensure everyone is in the right place with the latest script
• arrange voice-overs (recorded speech)
• organise contracts for the cast and crew
• deal with production enquiries from the public
• ensure permission has been granted by everyone appearing in a programme
• label and categorise tapes and deliver them to the director
• ensure titles and credits are right
• clear copyright on music used
• do any paperwork associated with a production such as documenting where everything is stored

Specialisations

Production runner is an entry-level position that involves carrying out basic production assistant tasks. Production runners may do some or all of the following:

Skills & knowledge

Production assistants need to have:

• knowledge of each department in their production company
• knowledge of film and television production schedules
• knowledge of how a studio operates and who to contact to fix problems
• problem-solving skills
• research skills
• good organisational skills and time management skills
• good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to deal with the public
• administrative skills such as filing and word-processing skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a production assistant. However, some employers prefer you to have a tertiary qualification in media production, broadcasting, or film and television. 

Secondary education

A broad range of subjects at school is useful, including English and any subjects that involve creativity.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job.

Useful experience

Useful experience for production assistants includes:

• work as a production runner or production secretary
• work as a secretary or administrative assistant in a high-pressure field
• experience organising and dealing with the public – in the hospitality industry for example

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Drama and Theatre Studies
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.