Film Production Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the job description of a film production assistant, including the duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

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.

According to Careers in Film, 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.

Job Summary:

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. It shows a list of key tasks, duties, and responsibilities that usually form the day-to-day activities of people holding the position in most firms.

• Hire studio equipment and facilities
• Book hotels and make travel arrangements
• Attend production meetings
• Copy and distribute scripts
• Type and distribute schedules and daily reports
• Deal with expenses and accounts
• Carry out production duties on television, like timing the show in the studio gallery
• Call camera shots
• Cue pre-recorded material in or out
• Keep log of shots taken
• Keep continuity
• Work as part of a production team alongside researchers, producers, camera crew, and editors.

Film Production Assistant Job Description for Resume

In preparing a resume for the film production assistant position, the job description sample shown above can provide valuable information in writing the employment history section of the resume.

This section shows the duties and responsibilities of the position that you have previously carried out, or are currently carrying out.

This tells the employer that you have the needed competence for the job.

Here is: Sample Film Production Assistant Resume, which can be used as a template in making your resume for the position.

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:

• Basic knowledge of the processes involved in film and television production may be advantageous
• Ability to work with various communication devices, including walkie-talkies
• Knowledge of industry-standard software is a plus
• Crisp problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to think on your feet
• Should have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well in a team
• Basic computer skills and ability to work with Microsoft Office packages
• A clean record of driving and a valid driver’s license
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and dealing with sensitive information in a professional manner
• Able to maintain safe procedures on set
• Ability to adapt quickly, willingness to learn new skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and work to meet tight deadlines
• Possess top-notch organizational skills with attention to detail
• Have advanced communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to prioritize tasks and perform multiple functions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Possess physical stamina for long hours often spent on your feet.

Production Assistant Employment

As of 2024, Zippia reports that there were 70,430 production assistants in employment in the United States.

Of these, their distribution came to 53.4% being men and 46.6% being women.

A production assistant’s average age is 38 years old, with a very high percentage being over 40 years at 41%.

Employment by Industries

Private companies, however, represent the largest number of employment opportunities for production assistants at 63% compared to 28% in public companies and 2% in the government.

40% of production assistants work in the media, with other companies that hire large numbers including:

• Fortune 500 companies: 12%
• Retail: 8%
• Manufacturing: 6%
• Professional services: 6%

Company Size

Production assistants work in companies of all sizes.

• < 50 employees: 7%
• 50 – 100 employees: 15%
• 100 – 500 employees: 22%
• 500 – 1,000 employees: 6%
• 1,000 – 10,000 employees: 26%
• > 10,000 employees: 24%

This information thus indicates that production assistants are found in work settings that range from very small companies to big corporations.

Employment by States

Also, according to Zippia, the top states employing the most production assistants in the U.S. include California and Texas, with 2,356 and 1,318 employments respectively.

These figures indicate the concentration of production assistant roles primarily in states with significant media and entertainment industries, particularly California, which is known for their robust film and television production sector.

Film Production Assistant Salary

According to Salary.com, as of June 27, 2024, the average production assistant salary in the United States is $46,116, but the range typically falls between $40,891 and $52,497.

Zippia also reports the average salary for production assistants as $33,405.

Salary by State

According to Zippia, the top 5 paying states for production assistants are:

• Hawaii, $50,412
• Connecticut, $43,573
• New York, $42,649
• Alaska, $40,482
• North Dakota, $38,480.

Salary by Company

As far as average salaries go, some of the best opportunities for a production assistant are in the media and entertainment industry, represented by companies like ESPN, NBCUniversal, ViacomCBS, Fox News, CNN, Sony Pictures, and Live Nation Entertainment.

Other high-paying companies that a production assistant can work for include professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League; consulting firms like Deloitte; and consumer goods firms like Mars.

The best-paying companies for production assistants in the U.S. according to Zippia include: National Football League and Deloitte, with average annual salary of $47,168 and $42,372.

Production Assistant Job Satisfaction

General Satisfaction Ratings: In a PayScale survey, production assistants rated their job satisfaction 3.7 out of 5 based on responses from 61 individuals working in the United States.

Factors: These ratings of job satisfaction often reflect several aspects of the job itself, from pay and working conditions to the relations with fellow workers.

For instance, it has been reported that PAs often report difficult working conditions, long hours, and low pay.

This no doubt reflects in the overall job satisfaction. Nature of the tasks also forms a major determinant of how PAs view their jobs as varied as menial to critical tasks.

Conclusion

This is an extensive guide on the film production assistant job description, including what they do; skills required for the role, expected salary, and employment stats.

Whether looking to be a production assistant or just wanting to create an accurate job description for the role, this page provides valuable information you can use.

Keep in mind that although challenging, the production assistant role is only a stepping stone into a rewarding career.