Film Production Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

By | September 3, 2023
Film Production Assistant job description, duties, tasks, responsibilities
Film Production Assistants perform various functions as part of a film production team. Image source: Igoroamandreport.wordpress.com

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.

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.

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

Shown below is a list of important attributes usually required by hiring managers and employers from applicants vying for the post of production assistants in the film industry for them to be considered for employment.

  • Must possess ‘People’ skills, also known as excellent communication skill
  • Must be able to give excellent attention to simple and complex detail
  • Must possess strong ability to use own initiative
  • Must possess excellent creativity in dealing with problems
  • Must be possess high focus, stamina, and determination
  • Must be flexible and be able to adapt to emergency situations.