TV or film production assistant
Take care of many of the practical tasks behind great films and TV programmes.
Also known as: assistant production coordinator
About the job
What it's like
You would take care of many of the practical tasks behind great films and TV programmes.
Typically, you would:
Hire studio facilities and equipment
Book hotels and make travel arrangements for cast and crew
Go to production meetings
Copy and distribute scripts
Type and circulate production schedules and daily reports
Get permission to use copyrighted music or film clips
Deal with accounts and expenses
In television, you might also:
Time the show in the studio gallery
Call camera shots
Cue pre-recorded material
Keep records of shots taken
Make sure the shots look the same after breaks in filming
You would work as part of a team of producers, researchers, and technical staff like camera crew and editors.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- developing a plan
- problem solving
- resourceful
- verbal communication
- cooperating
- resilience
- positive attitude
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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English
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Media
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Music Technology
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
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Drama
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set entry routes into this role, however many production assistants are graduates.
It's not essential to have studied film or media production before looking for work, though it may be helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.
There are NC/NQ, HNC/D and degree courses available in media, film, television, production or broadcasting or business related qualifications.
A media, film, television, production or broadcasting National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF levels 2-6) may require no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work-placements.
There may also be the option of undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in this area.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, creative, management and business skills such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 4) or a relevant college or university qualification such as a Higher National Diploma in Television Production (SCFQ level 8)
There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the British Film Institute.
It is helpful to have in-depth understanding of the production process, and a good network of contacts in the industry.
Build up as much practical industry experience as you can through activities like student film and TV, work experience placements, or hospital or community radio.
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