TV/Film Production Assistant

The Job and What's Involved

TV/film production assistants co-ordinate the administrative tasks involved in making a live or pre-recorded TV programme or film. They may be involved in all kinds of projects from news broadcasts to reality TV shows, music and comedy shows, soap operas, dramas and feature films. Usually production assistants join a production team in the very early stages of a project and work until the final product is delivered. Their role involves supporting other members of the production team by taking on a wide range of tasks that do not require specialist training.

Duties vary according to the type and size of the project, but may involve:

• Attending production meetings.
• Managing budgets and expenses.
• Typing, editing, copying and distributing scripts.
• Booking facilities for studio and location filming.
• Making travel arrangements and booking hotels for cast and crew.
• Organising rehearsal times and shooting schedules.
• Obtaining permission to use music or film clips which are under copyright.
• Sourcing props, such as vintage vehicles, and making sure that they are available for filming on the right day.
• Being responsible for continuity (noting the position of actors and props on set so that shots can be matched up).
• Looking after cast members, perhaps by doing their shopping or driving them from place to place.
• Running errands between departments, such as the camera, sound and costume departments.

Production assistants often work in teams of anything between 2 and 70 people, depending on the size of the production. They work closely with other members of the production team and with other people involved in the production, including the camera, sound and lighting crews and wardrobe, make-up and props departments.

There are no standard hours for production assistants. The actual hours worked depend on the type and size of the production, but are likely to involve early starts and late finishes as well as some weekend work. Most production assistants are freelance and may face periods of unemployment between contracts.

Production assistants are usually based in offices, but spend much of their time moving between production areas. During live transmission, they may sit in a darkened production gallery, surrounded by a large number of monitors.

Travelling to other parts of the UK and overseas is possible, and production assistants may spend short or long periods away from home. Filming on location could involve working in many different climates and parts of the world including deserts, rainforests and arctic conditions.

A driving licence is usually essential.

A trainee production assistant may earn around £15,250 a year. Unsocial hours payments and meal allowances may be paid.

Freelance production assistants earn a negotiated fee per production. Industry minimum rates are around £109 for an eight-hour day. The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) publishes recommended minimum rates on its website.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

Production assistants work for terrestrial, satellite, digital and cable broadcasters as well as independent television and film production companies. Many production assistants are self-employed, working on short-term contracts on a freelance basis. Over half of the UK's TV and film industry is based in London and south-east England, but there are some opportunities in other parts of the UK.

Some vacancies are advertised on broadcasters' websites, in national newspapers, such as The Guardian (on Mondays) or on recruitment websites, such as www.broadcastnow.co.uk. However, many jobs are never advertised by conventional means and people hear about them through word of mouth. This means it is very important to build up a network of industry contacts and to gain as much work experience as possible. Guidelines from the Department of Trade and Industry on work experience in television are available on the Skillset website (the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media.)

Some companies, such as the BBC, offer work experience placements, but competition for places is fierce.

Education and Training

There are no set educational requirements to begin a career as a production assistant, but entry is very competitive so many new entrants have qualifications, such as Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNC's/HND's) and degrees.

There is a range of relevant qualifications available:

• BTEC First Diploma in media.
• City & Guilds qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in media techniques.
• AS/A level in media studies.
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in media production.
• HNC/HND, foundation degrees, first degrees and postgraduate qualifications in film and TV production.

The Diploma in creative and media (available in England) may also be relevant for this area of work.

Skillset's network of Screen Academies and Media Academies are institutions that it has identified as offering the highest quality of film and television skills training. Details are available on its website. There is also a comprehensive course database.

Entry requirements to courses vary according to the qualification and candidates are advised to check with individual institutions. In general, entry to a degree course requires a minimum of five GCSE's (A*-C) and two A levels, or equivalent. For HNC/HND courses normal entry requirements are at least one A level plus three GCSE's (A*-C), a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in a relevant subject, or equivalent.

It is vital to demonstrate commitment to the work and, in most cases, to have had previous relevant experience. Experience of administrative work is also an advantage. Joining a film club or dramatic society and getting involved in productions, or working in hospital radio or community radio or television, can be helpful.

A typical starting point is to enter the industry as a runner and, after gaining experience on the job, apply for production assistant positions.

There are a number of schemes available for new entrants to TV or film. Entry to these schemes is fiercely competitive. They include:

Schemes run by Skillset and the regional screen agencies across the UK. These are aimed at people who are committed to a freelance career in the industry and who already have some experience. Schemes last between 3 and 18 months and combine short course training with industry placements. Trainees receive an allowance and work towards vocational qualifications.

Schemes of varying lengths run by broadcasting companies, including the BBC and Channel 4. Details are available on the websites of the individual broadcasters.

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Production assistants usually train on the job, under the supervision of experienced production assistants and other members of the production team. They may also attend short courses on subjects such as gallery techniques, continuity, location filming or live studio skills.

The Production Guild provides a programme of seminars and events for its members.

Freelancers have to fund their own training, but they may be eligible for support from Skillset to cover part of the fees.