This post provides detailed information on the job description of a film production assistant, including the duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the film production assistant role by most employers.
What Does a Film Production Assistant Do?
Film production assistants, also known as production runners, are the foot soldiers of a film production team.
The film production assistant job description usually entails performing small, but imperative tasks around the set, on location, and in the office.
Their functions may include anything from office administration to crowd control; as well as public relations.
It also includes cleaning up locations.
The production assistant job is an entry-level position in the film industry, which gives the individual the opportunity to learn about the various departments in a film set.
Film production assistants are usually employed on a part time or freelance basis but their hours are long and irregular.
Nevertheless, the work is extremely varied and it provides a good opportunity of entry-level role into the film industry.
They are deployed by the production staff such as the production coordinator, and especially by the producer to assist wherever they are needed during productions.
Their responsibilities vary depending on where they are assigned.
During production, their duties typically include: filing paperwork, arranging lunches and dinners, assisting with answering telephones, transportation reservations, and distributing production paperwork.
On-set tasks of a film production assistant typically include: helping to keep the set clean and tidy, acting as a courier, providing health and safety notices, distributing call sheets and other paperwork.
While shooting on locations, their role may also include helping to coordinate the extras and to control the crowd, except where it is dangerous or when that function is taken over by security men or other official personnel.
The production assistant position is an entry-level job that can lead to having valuable contacts and experience for many other future roles.
To progress, you might need to work in trainee position in another department, or work under a more senior role in the production office.
On the regulatory end, entertainment in the United States is generally governed by agencies such as the Directors Guild of America and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
As a production assistant, you would have to give practical support to the director and the production team whilst making films and television programs.
It would be your job to handle organizational and administrative tasks so that the production would run smoothly and on time.
Bear in mind that this is a kind of job where your experience and personal qualities could be more valuable than your qualifications.
Employers in this line of work usually look for candidates with deep enthusiasm, high common sense, and a good track record.
Film Production Assistant Job Description Example/Sample/Template
Here is an example of a film production assistant job description, showing a list of key tasks, duties, and responsibilities that usually form the day-to-day activities of people holding the position in most firms:
- Assist the director, producers, actors, and crew with various on-set tasks
- Set up and break down equipment, props, chairs, signs, and production areas
- Manage crowd control and keep unauthorized individuals away from the set
- Relay messages between departments to maintain smooth communication
- Help coordinate cast and crew movements to the right locations
- Handle distribution of call sheets, schedules, and paperwork
- Maintain and keep production areas clean, safe, and organized
- Escort actors or crew to and from set as needed
- Answer phones, organize files, and assist with office paperwork
- Support the production office with printing, copying, and document distribution
- Run errands, such as picking up supplies, food, or equipment
- Help the camera, lighting, sound, and grip departments with basic tasks
- Monitor equipment placement and ensure items are returned to the correct departments
- Set up props and verify continuity in scenes when required
- Ensure cast and crew adhere to the production schedule
- Update production staff on upcoming shots and call times
- Assist in managing background actors and keep them ready for scenes
- Follow on-set safety protocols and help maintain a hazard-free environment
- Report any unsafe conditions to the appropriate department head
- Guide cast and crew through safe movement around cables, equipment, and active shots
- Assist in preparing filming locations before shooting begins (cleaning, organizing, arranging gear)
- Help with strike/wrap after shooting – packing equipment, removing trash, and restoring the location
- Deliver scripts, hard drives, documents, or gear between set and production office
- Transport crew, actors, or materials when needed (if approved and licensed)
- Pick up and deliver meals, beverages, and craft supplies for the team
- Restock snacks, beverages, and supplies at the craft table
- Ensure the area stays clean, sanitary, and accessible
- Assist the script supervisor by keeping track of some details between shots (only when assigned)
- Help place props, set pieces, or markers for actors
- Provide support to actors by guiding them to makeup, wardrobe, or holding areas
- Help maintain quiet on set during takes and ensure talent is ready when called
- Sign in and organize extras, ensure they’re in proper wardrobe and ready for scenes
- Guide background actors to their positions during shooting
- Put up directional signs around shooting locations such as “SET,” “RESTROOM,” “BASE CAMP”
- Assist with locking down areas to avoid interruptions during filming
- Keep pathways clear and ensure cables, stands, and props don’t become hazards
- Help set up tents, heaters, fans, umbrellas, or shade structures depending on weather
- Assist with rain gear or coverings to protect equipment
- Use walkie-talkies effectively to relay messages among departments
- Notify departments when shots, rehearsals, or breaks are happening.
Film Production Assistant Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success
To be successful working as a film production assistant and to enhance your chances of being hired for the role, here are important skills, knowledge, and abilities to have:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Valid Driver’s License (often required) for transporting equipment, picking up supplies, or driving crew to locations
- Strong communication skills to communicate quickly and clearly with directors, crew members, and departments, often through walkie-talkies or in-person instructions
- Strong ability to accurately follow directions from assistant directors, producers, or department heads
- Good organizational skills to help with schedules, paperwork, set preparation, and equipment movement
- Physical stamina and fitness: Strong ability to stand for long hours, lift equipment of 30–50 lbs., move props, and work in varying weather conditions
- Time management skills: Ability to keep the production on schedule, organize tasks, and ensure cast/crew are in the right places at the right time
- Work flexibility: Ability to work long and irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and long shifts, and to work indoors and outdoors
- Multitasking: Strong ability to juggle multiple tasks at once, such as set support, office tasks, running errands, and assisting crew
- Basic technical knowledge of film equipment, including cameras, lighting, cables, and grips
- Problem-solving skills: Ability to remain calm and help find quick solutions to unexpected issues that may arise during filming
- Professionalism and reliability: Ability to demonstrate punctuality, respect, and dependability
- Strong ability to work under pressure and stay composed to maintain workflow
- Teamwork and collaboration: Ability to work closely with various departments, including camera, costume, makeup, locations, and production office
- Strong familiarity with set etiquette, including quiet zones, hierarchy, walkie etiquette (“copy,” “stand by”), and safety rules
- Basic computer skills to documents, print schedules, organize files, and handle emails
- Willingness to run errands, handle pickups, deliveries, and miscellaneous tasks
- Positive attitude and work ethic, including being eager, respectful, and helpful
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure exposure to scripts, scenes, or celebrity talent details is not made public
- Knowledge of basic safety protocols to safely move equipment, handle cables, and operate around lighting or electrical gear
- Customer-service mindset to interact with cast, extras, producers, and visitors politely and being helpful
- Basic administrative skills to file, print call sheets, answer phones, log paperwork, and manage communication
- Willingness to take initiative, e.g. setting up chairs and clearing pathways before being asked to do so
- Listening skills to ensure tasks are done correctly the first time
- Respect for the chain of command: Knowledge of who to report to, usually the AD team, and follow the proper communication hierarchy
- Strong ability to stay calm in stressful situations to avoid mistakes and to support the team
- Basic knowledge of production terminology, including words like “martini shot,” “blocking,” “grip,” “call time,” and “wrap”
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and complete tasks independently
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in small tasks like continuity checks, prop placement, or paperwork
- Strong ability to adapt to changing plans, including script changes, weather shifts, and equipment failure.
Film Production Assistant Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before in the role of a film production assistant or are presently holding that position and making a new resume or CV, then you can apply the sample film production assistant job description provided above in making the Professional Experience section of the resume.
You can highlight the duties and responsibilities you have performed or are currently carrying out as a film production assistant in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the sample film production assistant job description above.
This will show to employers/recruiters that you have been successful performing the duties of a film production assistant, which can greatly enhance your chances of being hired for the new job that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some film production assistant work experience.
Conclusion
This post has provided exhaustive information on the film production assistant job description, including the important duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It has also presented the major requirements that candidates seeking the film production assistant role may be expected to meet to be hired.
Individuals interested in the film production assistant career will find this article helpful in learning what the role entails to decide if that is what they want to do.
Employers who are looking to make a detailed job description for the position will also find this post useful.
They can apply the film production assistant job description example provided on this page in making one for their companies.
