This post provides detailed information on the video production assistant job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the video production assistant role by most employers.
What Does a Video Production Assistant Do?
A video production assistant helps create high-quality video content, manage shoots, put equipment in order, and help in editing video projects.
The video production assistant job description entails providing support in all areas of video production, such as running errands, sharing scripts, and answering phone calls.
It also involves performing a combination of technical and administrative tasks.
Video production assistants can organize shoots, get equipment ready, and help in editing videos.
Their duties may also include operating camera, creating graphics and animations, and assisting in editing footage with software, as well as carrying out basic troubleshooting to solve technical problems.
Maintaining databases and managing solicitation and delivery process of video shoots are also some of the tasks a video production assistant may perform.
The video production assistant can work with costume designers in preparing costumes for the production or with camera operators, editors, and other crew members to ensure a smooth production process.
A video production assistant’s responsibilities can be as simple as setting up equipment, distributing paperwork, and running errands.
It can also be as complex as maintaining production supplies, assisting with different kinds of filming and post production work, and managing crowds.
Video production assistants are also expected to maintain organized records and documentation associated with production activities.
They may likely carry out research and collect information to help in the development and implementation of projects, and contribute to the post-production process by assisting with editing tasks and compiling opinions.
Video production assistants employ certain tools and technologies in carrying out their duties, including recording software, preproduction software, editing software, sound design software, distribution software, and animation software.
They may also be required to record sound, operate light and camera, manage multiple projects and deliver them within a short period.
Video production assistants are also expected to work in a fast-paced business environment, shoot videos both inside the studio and in an outside location, and maintain a high-quality standard.
The exact reporting structure for video production assistants can vary depending on the system and volume of the production team.
Most video production assistants report to an assistant director, production manager, or production coordinator.
Where Video Production Assistants Work
Video production assistants will work typically in studios, in general business settings, with independent production organizations, in backstage theater environments, or on television and film sets.
They are in high demand in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, European countries, Asian countries, or India where there are very large film and television industries.
Video Production Assistant Training
Many employers prefer those who have completed specialized training in video production assisting.
Most training programs and courses can enhance skills and provide credentials as their focus lies on practical skills and industry knowledge.
These programs are also invaluable for securing entry-level positions and building a career in the video production industry.
Technical schools or colleges can offer this training and it can even extend to certification programs.
For example, the American Film Institute (AFI) can be of unique benefit to job candidates being highly recognized within the industry.
On-the-job training is also quite common; here, a video production assistant will be able to learn from their fellow professionals.
Video Production Assistant Job Description Example/Sample/Template
The video production assistant job description may consist of the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities, depending on the organization where they work:
- Arrange and examine equipment for audio and video production work, such as cameras, microphones, and mixers
- Create and distribute production schedule, call sheets, and briefing note documents
- Edit video content for different formats, such as internal projects, social media, promotional materials, and advertisements
- Ensure best performances and equipment functionality during events and excellent troubleshooting abilities where necessary
- Stay up to date on the newest audio-visual technologies and best practices in video production, and arrange for studios, production equipment, production staff, and performance crew
- Organize meetings with team leaders and colleagues and hold interviews for new employees who are applying for a video production assistant position
- Work together with the media producer to bring modern ideas to life, ensuring reliability of brand across all audio and video contents
- Ensure a professional workflow through maintenance of audio and video qualities and meeting of project deadlines
- Help the production team with a range of duties, including arranging settings and managing equipment
- Render assistance in ensuring proper functioning of recording devices and video cameras in making high-quality videos
- Set up and dismantle all audio and video equipment before and after event respectively, and properly store them in their appropriate positions, and manage inventory
- Utilize post-production practices, such as sound mixing and color correction
- Team up with other crew members to ensure efficient execution of events and adherence to production plans
- Ensure last video exports meet the technical requirements for different platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Network and negotiate with suppliers and successfully handle budgets and expenses.
Video Production Assistant Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
The video production assistant requires certain skills, industry knowledge, and a number of personal attributes to be successful on the job and career, and to qualify for hiring by most employers. These include:
- Communication Skills: If the communication of a video production assistant is clear, direct, friendly, and effective, it will save them time and reduce misconceptions when interacting with producers, directors, production team members, and other professionals. They will know how to communicate well in a respectful manner and pass information across to other members of the team.
- Teamwork: Video production assistants should contribute to the progress of the team by collaborating effectively with others. This involves contributing to a shared vision, maintaining positive relationships within the team, and working with people from different settings to help the production move smoothly within a specific timeframe.
- Problem-solving Skills: Video production assistants are expected to identify possible challenges that may erupt during production and provide immediate solutions. They need to assess the situation, consider all possible choices, and make appropriate decisions. Producers expect the assistant to predict potential problems and make necessary arrangements for alternative means of resolving the issues, to achieve a perfect and error-free production. In order to have a smooth production, video production assistants should be able to devise quick and effective solutions to issues.
- Time Management Skills: The ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines effectively is necessary in the video production assisting profession. Because the production assistant may be occupied with a number of tasks that need to be executed before the end of the production, the skills to manage their time efficiently and prioritize activities effectively will be mostly required.
- Attention to Detail: Since all aspects of production require accuracy and consistency, video production assistants should have an eye for detail so that the project will have a positive outcome. They need to be very careful in their actions and observe things thoroughly to ensure accuracy and quality in their work and avoid unnecessary mistakes during production.
- Organizational Skills: With good organizational skills, video production assistants can ensure that filming and rehearsals work according to the program. They also ensure the timely delivery of crew members and schedules for cast. Sometimes, they handle accommodation issues, flight arrangements, and inventory of the production crew. It is the production assistant’s duty to organize and schedule tasks and manage audience activities during theater performances.
- Technical Skills: Video production assistants need to be comfortable with various tools and equipment used on the production set. They need to become familiar with some software tools, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro. They also need the knowledge of sound equipment, camera operation, recording equipment, and stage lighting tools. With technical skills, video production assistants can use special effects, computers, and other technological devices to perform necessary tasks.
- Leadership Skills: Although video production assistants usually work under a producer or director, they still have cast and crew members to manage and lead. Therefore, they need the ability to give direction and delegate tasks where necessary. Often, producers or directors rely on production assistants to perform duties while they’re completing other tasks, so it’s essential to know how to control a great team.
- Punctuality: Things need to run efficiently on set as film production is time-sensitive with a lot of actors and crew members receiving payment by the hour. When video production assistants are punctual they are managing their time and the time of others as well. Remember in your role as a video production assistant that you will plan schedules and organize props, equipment, and other valuable resources and ensure they are available when needed. Producers always rely on their assistants to manage the time spent filming to ensure the entire schedule is completed by the end of the day.
- Administrative Skills: This has to do with the ability to arrange files, prepare call sheets, answer phone calls, handle paperwork, and respond to emails. Video production assistants are also expected to perform other clerical tasks on the set. These administrative duties are required to aid the filming process as it gives time to the directors and producers to take care of more serious issues on set.
- Ability to Work under Pressure: It’s important for video production assistants to develop the ability to work well under pressure and encourage others to put all efforts and help the production move well as required. In order to utilize this skill well and achieve its aim, stress and time should be managed properly.
- Production Knowledge: It is very important that video production assistants understand production process and workflow. They should be able to understand the diverse stages of video production from preproduction to postproduction.
Download video production assistant job description template (pdf).
Video Production Assistant Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before as a video production assistant or are presently working in that role and are making a resume or CV for a new job, then you can create a compelling Professional Experience for your resume by applying the sample video production assistant job description provided above.
You can express the duties and responsibilities you have carried out as a video production assistant in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones provided in the above video production assistant job description example.
This will show to the recruiter/employer that you have been successful working as a video production assistant, which can boost your chances of getting the new job, especially if it requires someone with some video production assisting work experience.
Conclusion
This post has provided detailed coverage of the video production assistant job description, highlighting the major responsibilities, tasks, and duties that they typically perform.
It also provided information on the required skills and training needed to be effective on the job and career and to be hired by employers.
To any enthusiast of video production who is interested in the video production assisting career, they can learn all about the duties and responsibilities of the role from this post to decide if they want to be a video production assistant.
Employers looking to hire competent video production assistants will also find this post helpful in making detailed job description for the position for their organizations.
They can actually apply the video production assistant job description template provided on this page in making one for their organizations.
